One of the main reasons why wine has been such a popular drink for so much of human history is its versatility. There’s a wine for every occasion, whether that be with a luxurious meal, a light lunch, or simply relaxing with your favorite book, you can choose from crisp whites or decadent reds like a Saint-Emilion (discover it here).

The summer is a time of late nights spent outside enjoying the warm air and sunbathing during the day to soak in the heat. What kind of wine is best for the summer weather? Let’s find out.

Red Wines for Summer

We often think of red wines as heavy and quite full on, not exactly what you’re looking for in a refreshing summertime drink. While some reds certainly fall into this category, there’s a whole world of red wine out there and many are perfect for sipping in the summer.

The key is to look for red wines that are low in tannins. Tannins are chemical compounds found in red wine that give it that distinct dryness, and they can dehydrate us when we ingest them. While tannin-heavy reds are perfect for some situations, they won’t be what you’re looking for in a refreshing drink during the heat of a summer’s day. Acidity is important too. High-acidity reds will be more refreshing and more suitable for summer drinking.

A general rule of thumb is that red wine shouldn’t be chilled, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, chilled red wine can be a fantastic choice during the summer.

White Wines for Summer

When we want a refreshing wine, we’ll often reach for a white. They’re light and crisp, making them perfect for summer drinking. When choosing a summer white, look for wines that have a light to medium body, as heavy whites can be a bit too much in the heat.

As with reds, high acidity is ideal in a summer white. Look for wines that have citrus notes or even floral notes. While dry reds should be avoided in the summer, dry whites are perfectly fine, as the driest white will be nowhere near as dry as the driest red.

Rose Wines for Summer

Rose wine is often forgotten about due to how popular reds and whites are, but these wines can offer the best of both worlds. Roses are versatile and can be drunk in a number of different situations, whether that be sunbathing on the beach or watching the stars on a summer night.

Unlike reds and some whites, rose wines don’t age well. In fact, age can often degrade the quality of a rose wine, dulling the complex flavors and tones. When selecting a summer rose, pay attention to the age of the bottle and ensure you are drinking wine within at most two years of production.

Sparkling rose can be an excellent option, perfect for a summer celebration out in the garden with friends and family.

Conclusion

Now that summer is finally here, knowing what kind of wine is best for warmer months is important and it will allow you to enjoy your summer in style.