Summer Wines: Drinking Wine in the Summer

Summer is the ideal time to enjoy light, refreshing wines. Here you'll learn which wines pair especially well with warm weather and what qualities they should have to be the perfect summer companion.

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Which Wines Should You Drink in Summer?

A good summer wine should have certain qualities, including:

• Low alcohol content (up to a max of 13%) to keep it light and refreshing
• Crisp acidity that livens up the palate
• Plenty of fruit character to intensify the flavor
• Aging in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine's freshness
• The right grape variety and origin to achieve the desired flavor profile
• The correct serving temperature to enjoy the wine at its best

White wine and rosé are typically the preferred summer wines, since they meet these criteria.

Can You Drink Red Wine in Summer?

Even though white wine and rosé are the classic summer wines, a red wine with the right characteristics shouldn't be overlooked. What matters is that the red wine wasn't aged in oak barrels, so it retains its delicate lightness. This way, even a red wine can be a pleasant companion for summer evenings.

What About Sparkling Wine?

Sparkling wines like sekt are also popular in summer and are often enjoyed as an aperitif in Germany. They also pair well with salads and hearty or spicy dishes. That said, you should be careful with very spicy food, since the carbon dioxide in sparkling wine can intensify the heat.

Photo: © Time2Taste

Find the Right Wine: Which Wine Suits Which Season?

Choosing the right wine depends not only on its flavor profile, but also on the season in which you're enjoying it. During the warm summer months, a refreshing white wine is a great choice, while a warming red wine really shines during the cooler seasons.

Are Sweet Dessert Wines Right for Summer?

Sweet dessert wines like Beerenauslese or Trockenbeerenauslese from Germany, or Moscato from Italy, can be a wonderful pairing with cheese to end an enjoyable meal, served at a temperature of 46–50°F.

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Which Wine Pairs with Which Food?

In Germany, unlike our neighbors to the south, it's common to drink wine on its own, often called a "patio wine." But wine really comes into its own when paired with food, revealing more intense flavor notes.

The right wine choice can create a wonderfully varied flavor combination. Generally, red wine pairs well with heartier meats like beef or lamb, while white wine highlights the delicate flavors of poultry and fish. But creative pairings work too: a fruity rosé pairs perfectly with summer salads or light dishes.

Here are a few examples of which wine pairs with which food:

Note: Our tasting in Karlsruhe offers a truly special experience. Look forward to seven carefully curated tastings selected just for you. Each sample lets you discover the diversity of the drinks and explore their unique flavor notes. But that's not all! To round out your tasting experience, we serve small themed bites like antipasti, tapas, or finger food. Enjoy the chance to indulge your senses with delicious summer wines and spend an unforgettable evening in a cozy atmosphere.

Is Pinot Grigio the Same as Pinot Gris?

A common question is whether Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape. In Germany, the grape variety is called Grauburgunder or Ruländer, in Italy it's called Pinot Grigio. In France, it goes by Pinot Gris. Although they all share the same original DNA, quality can vary widely.

The way wine is made shapes your sensory experience in countless ways and defines what people call good wine. Factors like the wine's origin, the soil the vines grow in, and the climate conditions all play an important role. On top of that, there's the winemaker's craft, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Regional traditions, the winemaker's experience, and their individual approach are all crucial factors. Together, all of this is often referred to as "terroir," a term that captures this unique combination of elements.

Origin:

You can easily test for yourself how differently a wine can taste depending on its origin: pick the same grape variety, ideally at a comparable quality level, for example, Grauburgunder from Germany, Pinot Grigio from Italy, and Pinot Gris from France. Or choose three different Grauburgunders from Germany. Taste the wines at the same serving temperature and with the same aeration time. Often, the first glance into the glass already reveals the differences, while your nose and palate will notice the difference in aroma and flavor.

Another important factor is serving temperature and aeration of the wine. White and rosé wines are often served too cold, and red wines too warm. Follow the recommendations of a wine expert you trust.

Serving Temperature:

You can easily test why serving temperature is so important for wine. Open a bottle of white wine, pour one glass at 50–54°F and another at 64–68°F. You'll never forget the difference, guaranteed!

Aeration:

A young wine needs oxygen to fully develop its aromas. To test this, open a bottle of red wine and drink one glass on the first day, another on the second day, and continue until the bottle is finished. Your palate will show you exactly how the wine changes over time.

How Do I Find My Summer Wine?

There are several ways to find your perfect summer wine:

• Find a wine expert you trust. You'll usually find them at a specialty wine shop, or sometimes at a well-stocked supermarket.
• Go on a winery tour to discover the variety of wines, try different varieties, and get advice from experts on-site.
• Book a wine tasting with friends or colleagues to try different wines and share your impressions.