The Summer 2024 Wine Guide

It’s well known summer is the official season for rosé, and each year I attempt to create an official rosé guide. This year I thought I’d change things up by just making a general wine guide. No better time than when summer is almost over to share some of the best options, right? Well, since it truly is winding down, we might as well uncork some of the wines that capture the true spirit of summer.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a chic garden party, or enjoying a sunset picnic, this curated list offers something for everyone’s palate. From crisp whites and rosés to sparkling sips and even a red or two, all of these selections are just waiting to elevate your summer experiences. As temperatures rise, the types of wine we crave changes. We start to desire refreshing, light, and versatile wines that complement the vibes and the season’s best foods.

What Makes a Good Summer Wine?

  • Crisp Acidity - Nothing makes a wine more refreshing than a bright, crisp acidity. It helps cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of summer foods from light salads to grilled seafood.

  • Lower Alcohol Content - Summer wines are often lower in alcohol content making them easier to sip on warm days. Wines typically in the 11-13% ABV range are lighter on the palate, more refreshing, and let you enjoy a glass (or two) without feeling weighed down.

  • Light to Medium Body - Heavier wines can feel overwhelming in the heat, lighter wines are easier to drink and pair well with the lighter meals we eat during summer months.

  • Fruit-Forward Flavors - Citrus, berries, stone fruits, and tropical fruits evoke the flavors of the season and add a vibrante, juicy quality to the wine, and are exactly why rosés are popular options.

  • Chillability - Not every wine benefits from chilling, many - including rosé, whites, and light reds, are the best when they are served cold. It’s a welcome escape from the heat, offering a cool, refreshing sip perfect for summer.

In essence, a good summer wine is refreshing and enhances the season. The key is finding a wine that captures the season - light, bright, and effortlessly enjoyable. Cheers to enjoying what is left of the season with a glass of wine.

2023 Le Paradou Accent & Nuances Cinsault Mediterranée Rosé

Region: France

Pairings: Grilled vegetables or light seafood

Tasting Notes: A delicate and aromatic rosé with notes of wild strawberries, cherries, and a subtle herbal quality. It is light-bodied with a crisp finish making it a delightful summer sipper.

2023 Esprit de Gassier Côtes de Provence

Region: Provence, France

Pairings: Grilled seafood, salads, or light appetizers

Tasting Notes: The epitome of Provence rosé has a pale pink color and delicate aromas of white peach, citrus, and floral notes. A fresh palate with a balanced acidity that is a go-to for any summer occasion.

Château d’Estoublon Roséblood Rosé 2023

Region: Provence, France

Pairings: Charcuterie or light pasta

Tasting Notes: Pale pink with a burst of red berries, citrus, and a hint of minerals. This rosé offers a balanced, refreshing experience with a long, satisfying finish.

2023 Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix en Provence

Region: Provence, France

Pairings: Niçoise salad or grilled shrimp

Tasting Notes: A classic Provençal rosé with a bright, pale color with notes of strawberry, citrus, and a hint of herbs. A light, refreshing option perfectly suited for hot summer days.

2022 Domaine de l’Île Porquerolles Côtes de Provence

Region: Provence, France

Pairings: Grilled fish, summer vegetables, or simple pasta dishes

Tasting Notes: A rosé that transports you to the Mediterranean with delicate notes of wild strawberries, citrus, and a hint of sea breeze. It is light and refreshing with a crisp acidity.

2022 Meyer Näkel Rosé

Region: Germany

Pairings: Light meats, grilled vegetables, or a summer salad

Tasting Notes: A rosé that offers a unique blend of flavors with notes of raspberry, cherry, and a hint of spice. It’s well-balanced with a refreshing acidity and a smooth finish.

Langlois Château Crémant De Loire Brut Rosé

Region: Loire Valley, France

Pairing: Oysters, sushi, or a summer fruit tart

Tasting Notes: Sparkling rosé with lively bubbles and notes of raspberry, red currant, and a touch of brioche. Refreshing and complex, this Brut style keeps it dry, and an excellent choice for toasting summer occasions.

NV Poggio Costa Prosecco Brut

Region: Veneto, Italy

Pairings: Antipasti or light seafood

Tasting Notes: A lively prosecco with notes of green apple, pear, and a hint of citrus. The bubbles are fine and persistent making it a festive choice for summer celebrations.

Las Jaras Wildarc Cans Bundle

Region: California, USA

Pairings: Sandwiches, salads, or light snacks

Tasting Notes: A fun and convenient option for the summer, this wine bundle offers a varitey of flavors from bright to fruity and crisp and refreshing. Canned wine is perfect for picnics, beach days, or any outdoor adventure.

2021 Estézargues Côtes du Rhône Rouge

Region: Rhône Valley, France

Pairings: Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a rich stew

Tasting Notes: A classic Côtes du Rhône that is full-bodied with a smooth, velvety finish and notes of blackberry, plum, and a touch of pepper. It pairs beautifully with a variety of summer dishes.

Bieler Père et Fils Sabine Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé

Region: Provence, France

Pairings: Grilled chicken and Mediterranean dishes

Tasting Notes: A classic expression of Provence with a harmonious blend of strawberry, peach, and rose petals. A dry finish with vibrant acidity make it a versatile wine that pairs with a wide range of summer dishes.

2023 Domaine de La Noblaie Goutte de Rosé Chinon

Region: Loire Valley, France

Pairings: Goat cheese, salads, or chicken

Tasting Notes: Elegant and refined with delicate flavors of red fruits, rose petals, and a touch of minerality. This 2023 offers a crisp acidity that keeps the wine lively and refreshing.

Vinca Minor Moonland Apple Pear Grape

Region: California, USA

Pairings: Fresh salads, light seafood, or as a refreshing sipper

Tasting Notes: A unique blend of apple, pear, and grape for a refreshing and slightly tart wine. It is crisp, light, and perfect for those looking for something different this summer.

2022 Peyrassol Les Commandeurs

Region: Provence, France

Pairings: Grilled chicken, seafood, or a fresh salad

Tasting Notes: A balance of fruit and acidity with notes of raspberry, peach, and a touch of minerality this wine is fresh, vibrant, and has a long satisfying finish making it a favorite for summer gatherings.

2023 Raen The Monarch Challenge Rosé

Region: California, USA

Pairings: Summer salads, grilled salmon or a cheese platter

Tasting Notes: A rosé with a vibrant personality featuring layers of ripe peach, melon, and a hint of spice. It is well-balanced with refreshing acidity and a smooth finish perfect for warm evenings.

2021 Masseria Li Veli Orion Primitivo Salento

Region: Puglia, Italy

Pairings: Grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes, or aged cheeses

Tasting Notes: A rich and robust red with flavors of dark cherry, plum, and a hint of spice. It offers a smooth texture with a long, satisfying finish.

2023 Château La Gordonne Chapelle Gordonne Côtes de Provence

Region: Provence, France

Pairings: Seafood pasta, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes

Tasting Notes: A rosé that captures the essence of summer with its lively notes of red berries, citrus, and subtle hint of spice. It is particularly elegant with a smooth texture and crisp finish.

2023 Marine Layer Sonoma Coast Carina Rosé

Region: California, USA

Pairings: Grilled chicken, seafood, or a fresh fruit salad

Tasting Notes: A rosé full of life with bright notes of watermelon, red berries, and a touch of citrus. It is refreshing with a crisp, clean finish perfect for summer sipping.

Jean Marcel l’Artisan le Blanc Fizzy

Region: France

Pairing: Fresh seafood or light salads

Tasting Notes: A lightly sparkling white that exudes summer in every sip. Fresh notes of green apple, lemon zest, and a hint of white flowers create a crisp, refreshing profile. Perfect for a warm afternoon, it is light on the palate and has a delicate effervescence.

Three Brothers Wineries Cosmic Rosé

Region: New York, USA

Pairings: Cheese platter, fresh fruit, or light appetizers

Tasting Notes: A playful and vibrant rosé with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of citrus. It is light and refreshing with a crisp finish perfect for summer picnics.

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