The sun is shining and we’ve got summer on our mind here at Virgin Wines HQ. So, we thought we’d count down 10 of our best and most refreshing white wines for summer for you to enjoy as the weather warms up!
8th July 2023 | Top Drops | 2 minute read
Our Best White Wines For Summer
By Lorna Povey
Top White Wines For Summer
Kraft des Landes Grüner Veltliner
If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll enjoy Grüner Veltliner. This Austrian white is crisp, dry and refreshing with flavours of lemon, lime and ripe stone fruit, rounded off with a hint of spice. It’s a great one for summer drinking and works nicely as an aperitif at alfresco get togethers.
Kahaka Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
There’s nothing quite like a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon on a hot day, and this one will not disappoint. From the Marlborough region, this Savvy B has aromas of lime and freshly cut grass, with a hint of tropical fruits. On the palate, you’re hit by a racy acidity which makes this wine an ideal match for creamy dishes like baked goats cheese. It’s a succulent wine with a fresh yet subtle mineral texture.
Charles Smith Eve Chardonnay
A cheese and bread-fuelled picnic calls for some summer Chardonnay, in our book, and this tempting American treat does the job nicely. Hailing from the ridiculously cool Washington State region, this one’s fresh and fruity with a bright, crisp mouthfeel that’s reminiscent of the state’s crunchy apples. Mmm!
Curious Parallel Feteasca Regala
You may not have thought to try wine from Romania before, but that’s about to change. Made from native Romanian grapes, this white is extremely elegant and delightfully drinkable, with an alluring array of floral aromas and stone fruit flavours. Refreshing and delicious with Asian food, there’s so much to love about this undiscovered beauty.
Tuffers' Tipple Bacchus
Unbeknown to many, England has some incredible wines being produced on its own doorstep – and this is one of them! Part of the Tuffers’ Tipple range, developed by cricketing legend Phil Tufnell, this Bacchus is easy-drinking and highlights just how fabulous English wine can be. Expect notes of lemon, elderflower and grapefruit, accompanied by floral notes of jasmine and chamomile. Pair with fish and chips or a Friday night curry and you’ll be on to a winner!
Three Gables Winemaker's Reserve Chenin Blanc
This Chenin Blanc from the Coastal Region of South Africa is powerful and zesty, full of fleshy stone fruit flavours with a mineral core. Produced by rising star Nadia Engelbrecht, this Chenin Blanc is a superb example of just what this Coastal Region has to offer, and is sure to be a big hit with white wine lovers on a hot day.
Hiestand Asia de Cuba Riesling
This modern expression of dry German Riesling has heaps of style both inside and outside of the bottle. A slight sweetness draws you in followed by zesty lime fruit flavours on the palate. This cracking vino is the ultimate match for spicy Asian food that needs taming, and also works very well as an aperitif when chilled right down. Trust us, this modern German masterpiece is perfect for the warm summer days ahead.
Pouilly Fume Les Loges Pierre Marchand
A complex beast of a Sauvignon Blanc, from a family-run estate in Pouilly, this white wine has all the hallmarks of a great Sancerre, but with more minerally. Expect a symphony of gooseberry and citrus, along with a crisp acidity and fresh mouthfeel. Delicious with a light salad or grilled seafood, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaulignot
This Chablis isn’t just any old Chablis, it’s a top Premier Cru Chablis. It’s a delightful vino that possesses all the intensity and ‘wow’ factor you’d expect of a Grand Cru, but without the hefty price tag. Well balanced and fresh, with hints of mint and pineapple on the nose, we’d recommend enjoying a bottle of this with shellfish for an extra special treat.
Legado del Fraile Albariño
If you are in need of a Spanish white this summer then this vibrant Albariño from northwest Spain is just the ticket. The vineyard’s proximity to the coast means this vino has taken on the salty sea air, giving the wine a beautiful freshness. You can expect to find lively lemon and grapefruit aromas with this one, making it a wonderful match with seafood and light summer salads.