Summertime is finally here, which means it's time to break out the fine wines! There's nothing quite like enjoying a delicious glass of wine on a hot day, and we've got the perfect selection for you.
Our top 5 picks for summertime are all en primeur fine wines, and each one offers something special. From crisp whites to rich reds, there’s something for everyone in this list.
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie (13%)
When it comes to lists of the best wines for summer drinking, a good Beaujolais is always a solid choice. And our top pick in this category is the Clos de la Roilette Fleurie from Marcel Lapierre.
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We’ve chosen Clos de la Roilette Fleurie because it’s the perfect balance of fruit and acidity, making it a refreshing wine that’s still complex enough to enjoy.
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Thanks to its refreshing acidity and floral aromatics, this light-bodied red wine is perfect for warm weather.
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Tasting Notes
The nose is full of floral aromas, with a hint of spice. And on the palate, you’ll find ripe red fruits like cherries and strawberries, along with a touch of white pepper. The taste experience is one of ripe cherries and raspberries, with a hint of spice on the finish.
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Producer Info
Clos de la Roilette is a family-owned estate located in the Fleurie region of Beaujolais, France. The Lapierre family has been making wine here since 1920, and they now farm 12 hectares of vines using organic and biodynamic methods.
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Good food pairings
This wine would pair well with grilled chicken or pork and lighter fare like salads and veggie dishes.
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape(13%)
The next bottle on our list is the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This is a classic wine from the Southern Rhône Valley of France. The region is known for its intense sun and heat, which ripen the grapes to perfection, and its connection to the sun of the Rhône Valley makes it an excellent addition to this list.
Tasting Notes
The Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape has aromas of dark fruits and spices, with a full body and firm tannins. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate are accompanied by a touch of pepper.
Producer Info
The Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Southern Rhône Valley of France. The estate has been passed down through the Brunier family for seven generations.
Good food pairings
This wine would pair well with grilled meats or hearty pasta dishes.
Château Léoville-las Cases (14.0%)
The next wine on our list is the Château Léoville-las Cases. This is a red wine, but don’t let that scare you off – it’s perfect for summertime sipping. The deep ruby color and full-bodied taste are perfect for a warm summer evening. This wine is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Tasting Notes
The wine has a deep ruby color with aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. The taste is full-bodied with firm tannins, and a touch of pepper accompanies flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate.
Producer Info
Château Léoville-las Cases is located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate dates back to the 18th century and is one of the oldest properties in the region.
Good food pairings
This wine would pair well with grilled meats or rich pasta dishes.
Clos du Temple Organic Rosé (13%)
What is summer without rosé and picnics? This year, ditch the Provence rosé in favor of a delicious organic bottle from the Languedoc region. This is the perfect wine to enjoy on a hot summer day. It is light, refreshing, and has just the right amount of fruit flavor.
The Clos du Temple is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre grapes.
Tasting Notes
This wine has a beautiful pale pink color with aromas of strawberries and raspberries. It is light and refreshing on the palate with flavors of citrus fruits and a hint of minerality.
Producer Info
The Clos du Temple is produced by Domaine de la Grange des Pères, a biodynamic estate in the Languedoc region of France.
Good food pairings
This wine is perfect for summertime BBQs and picnics. It pairs well with grilled meats, salads, and seafood dishes.
Château Haut-Brion Blanc (13%)
This is a stunning white wine from Bordeaux that is perfect for summertime sipping. The 2017 vintage is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, and it has beautiful aromas of citrus fruits, honeysuckle, and white flowers. Perfect for summertime parties and gatherings, this wine is sure to please.
Tasting Notes
Crisp and refreshing, with flavors of lemon, grapefruit, and green apple, this wine has a beautiful mineral finish.Â
Producer Info
Château Haut-Brion is one of the most prestigious wines in the world, and it is produced by a family that has been making wine for over 400 years. The estate is located in Pessac-Léognan, a subregion of Bordeaux, and the wines are made with a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes.
Good food pairings
This wine is best enjoyed chilled and pairs well with seafood, grilled meats, and salads.
Excellent wines for an amazing summer
So there you have it, our top five recommendations for fine wines to enjoy this summertime. Whether you’re looking for a wine to pair with food or one to sip on its own, I hope this article has helped you out. Cheers!
