Refreshing Summer Ready Wines for 2017

Six Summer Wines

As the long summer days kick in, nothing is more enjoyable than a refreshing and crisp glass of wine in the sun with food, friends and family. Whilst all types of wine can be consumed throughout all seasons, there are some key styles and flavours that work best for the hotter months. Just as summer menus get lighter so too should our wine choice; white wines with little or no oak have often been the go to but Andrew Caillard, Australia's premier Master of wine suggests trying lighter fruit driven styles through the summer period. Here are 6 that will see you through the summer period.

Cat Amongst the Pigeons' Pinot Grigio
For those who wish to stay close to traditional summer tipples, Cat Amongst the Pigeons' Pinot Grigio is a multi-award-winning wine that combines aromas of pear and stone fruits with touches of white peach from Barossa yielded grapes. A beautifully balanced wine, this Pinot Grigio is perfectly served chilled with light fish dishes ideal for the heat.
RRP $20.00 available at BWS

Craftsman's Style Series Zesty and Crisp Riesling
If you're interested in sticking with a white but are looking for something slightly sweeter, Craftsman's Style Series Zesty and Crisp Riesling will be a real crowd pleaser. As the name suggests, this wine is a full of fruity flavours such as freshly cut granny smith apples on the nose with a hint of citrus on the palate. Sourced from Clare Valley in South Australia, this wine is suitable for drinking immediately or even with a little ageing.
RRP $15.00 available at BWS.

Gerard Bertrand Cote Des Roses Rosé Rosés
A wine style that makes for perfect summer drinking, the Gerard Bertrand Cote Des Roses Rosé is certainly a showstopper. Not only is the bottom of the bottle shaped as a rose with a crystal cork, the taste lives up to expectations with its floral rose notes and hints of grapefruit. It even gained the accolade for Best Rose in the world in 2015, proving the perfect pick for summer sipping.
RRP $26.00 available at Dan Murphy's and BWS

La Marca Prosecco
Prosecco is top of the pops when it comes to a lighter sparkling option during the summer months. The higher acidity levels make it an approachable and versatile choice. La Marca's Prosecco from Treviso, Italy, is steeped in the history of the Glera grape providing this wine with a lean and refreshing palate, full of elegant bubbles. The bright citrus flavour combined with the gentle effervescence, makes this prosecco the perfect pairing to mild cheeses, seafood, spicy fare and fruit-filled desserts.
RRP $25.00 available at Dan Murphy's and BWS.

South Island's Pinot Noir
Just because it's summer, doesn't mean that reds are out of the question to quench your thirst in the sunshine. Pinot wine is renowned for its lighter characteristics, therefore a popular option for a summer red. South Island's Pinot Noir makes an excellent choice with its delicious and vibrant cherry red fruits, slight tannins and clean, medium body. Make sure not to serve too warm, or fear the loss of the delightful summer fruits and subtle oak.
RRP $16.00 available at Dan Murphy's and BWS.

Hogs in the Wood Tempranillo
A delicious red with hints of spices and herbs which create a crunchy, light but still flavoursome wine, Hogs in the Wood Tempranillo is an impeccable choice to serve with red meats and its savoury palate with aromas of fresh red berry fruits give it liveliness and summer drinkability. This Tempranillo is from South Australia's stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, the home of exceptional, world class wines.