Selecting a Summer Wine

With such a short season it seems as though everyone tries to make the most of their time during the summer. Leisure time to some means sports, for others it is family and to others still it may involve some solitude under the sun with something cool and refreshing.

A summer wine is simple. Save the full-bodied whites and reds for other times of the year. A mild, or at most medium body is as heavy as you need. For every wine there is a season and summer is for light, crisp whites. There are those who prefer dry wines, and if it’s what you want then it is what you should get, but this time of year for myself calls for a sweeter wine, something that is not to be taken too seriously. Relaxing in the summer means good friends, great food and exceptional wine.

When selecting a wine where it is grown and the type of grape can vary the flavour immensely. When it comes to white wine, the cooler the better, and that goes for growing location as well. Canadian wineries from all over Ontario all produce some excellent white wines. If you do prefer to look to the international market Germany, South Africa and France all produce some great, uncomplicated whites. Each varietal, or type of grape, offers a different profile as well. Summer varietals to keep an eye for include moscatto and pinot grigio, as these are typically two of the most approachable varietals. If you prefer, a riesling offers a crisp minerality whereas if grass and straw notes sound more appealing look to a sauvignon blanc. The choice of wine is yours to make, as is any foods to go with it.

Where wine is involved, food is often to follow. Food pairing is all about complimentary and contrasting flavours. A sweet wine can appear even sweeter if paired with the right foods, and the same wine can come across down right bitter if not. For an easy white wine, keep it simple. A mild cheese such as brie or camembert can fit, even going as far a s a mild gouda can be achieved successfully, but avoid any smoked varieties. A garden salad with a spicy Italian dressing can show off a wines’ sweetness, or if bread is your thing some focaccia topped with a medley of onions and tomatoes works quite well.

This time of year calls for a fun wine, nothing with an endless list of nuances is needed now. Think of the event you are putting on and do your best to match a wine to the mood. Generally for a summer wine it should be easy going down and meant to be slowly enjoyed over the course of an afternoon or evening.