Think about enjoying wines that taste best when chilled. For example, a crisp Albariño is best served on the cooler side, and Beaujolais can be served at cellar temperature. Rosés also taste great chilled and can be paired with foods ranging from fruits to salads to white-fleshed meats and fish. In addition, most of these wines have higher levels of acid, which allow your palate to remain fresh despite the heat.
Grilling may be the sine qua non of summer cuisine. Eating outside and preparing food full of bold flavors straight from a grill are hallmarks of the season. In pairing wine with grilled food I consider two major points. First is the "weight" of the food. Is the food lighter, such as vegetables or chicken breast; or, is it heavier, such as a rack of ribs or steak? The second factor is the dominant flavor of the dish. Grilling typically focuses on the intrinsic flavor of the protein being used and this can help guide wine pairings; however, be mindful of rubs and seasonings that impart additional flavors to grilled dishes, which should be factored into wine pairings.
Now, with all this being said, here are a few of my favorite summer wines. I am only touching on a few, so this is by no means an exhaustive list, simply a starting point. Sparkling wines are a sure thing, especially for outdoor parties and as aperitifs. Prosecco is a great addition to any event – check out Nino Franco’s Prosecco Rustico NV as an economical way to kick things off. Dry, high-acid white wines are also in my enological wheelhouse. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grüner Veltliner all come to mind. I also love Albariño, which pairs fantastically well with shellfish and white-fleshed fish. The vast majority comes from Galicia (northwest Spain) and Portugal, and a good bottling is Lagar de Costa’s Rias Baixas Albariño 2011. Another personal favorite is Abrente Albariño from Napa Valley, and is definitely worth a try.
Of course, the best wine is one that you enjoy drinking, so pull a few corks and enjoy the rest of the summer sunshine with good wine and friends!