Summer is here and the question is: what are the best wines to combat the heat? The truth is that any type of alcohol -and wine is no exception- is not the best solution to combat the heat, but there are many wines that can achieve a refreshing effect. Acidity and low alcohol content -under 12.5 degrees- are the secret to obtain a cooling sensation.
Sparkling and white wines tend to reign supreme in summer. Champagne, English and Italian sparkling wines and, of course, cavas and corpinats are unrivalled, as they are always a guarantee of freshness and synonymous with the happiness that holidays bring.
Central European white wines and Atlantic wines from the Iberian peninsula are also perfect for the occasion. Riesling and Grüner Veltliner are ideal, of course the chardonnay and aligoté from Burgundy, and also chenin blanc and sauvignon blanc from the Loire. And if we focus on Spain, Galician whites are a safe bet. The freshness of the albariños and the citric touch of the godello are unrivalled, especially when accompanied by the region’s own seafood gastronomy.
A priori, sparkling wines and white wines are the ones that can offer us this sensation, but there are also a good number of red wines that, due to their acidity, are perfect to enjoy in summer. This is where Galician wines come into play once again. They are fresh, light, low in alcohol and, on top of that, they are delicious. The caíños, espadeiros, brancellaos, sousón and mencías are perfect for summer, which is perfect for barbecues, pizzas and informal meals. Garnachas from Gredos and also Mallorcan and Valencian wines of little extraction are also a good alternative. Across the border, gamay and pinot noir, in France, or nebbiolo in Italy, are other great options to enjoy.
In the next posts I will name some of the sparkling wines, whites and reds that I think are excellent options to enjoy during the summer. In any case, I will not deny that any wine, even another drink, goes well with holidays.