Long, sultry days are ideal for exploring bright, refreshing new wines. Our guide, Alexa Ferra of the lauded wine guide Alexa’s Wine Diary, has an outstanding ability to create content that’s both engaging and educational for everyone from novice drinkers to wine cognoscenti. We sat down with the Miami-based wine blogger, content creator, podcaster and writer to chat about the best summer wines to pop open this season.
Sparkling
Franciacorta Brut Majolini 2018
This highly overlooked and underrated sparkling wine is fresh, bubbly, and easy to sip on with notes of yellow apple, lemon, white stone fruit, Rainier cherries, and baked bread.
PAIR WITH: Sushi and sashimi
Cattier Brut Premier Cru
This brand reemerged in the United States and has been worth the wait! This wine is made from a pinot-heavy blend with more than four years of aging in the cellar, making it elegant and complex.
PAIR WITH: Oysters and stone crabs
Whites
Trimbach Riesling 2020
There is a common misconception that Riesling is sweet, so I like to prove people wrong with Trimbach. This classic Alsatian producer creates a deliciously dry wine packed with citrus, pear, and peach notes.
PAIR WITH: Shrimp cocktail or crabcakes
Jose Pariente Verdejo Rueda
This is an excellent alternative for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers.
PAIR WITH: Fried artichoke hearts dipped in aioli or a buttered-up tuna melt
Lustau Fino Jarana Sherry
This dry Sherry from Jerez will transport you directly to Spain. It’s fresh with notes of baked apple, almonds, and salty pretzel.
PAIR WITH: Croquettes or a steaming pot of mussels
Rosés
Piera 1899 Clâr De Lune
Sometimes I like my rosés (rosato in Italy) to have an edge, and I get that with this one. It has more of a backbone but is still crisp and flavorful with notes of red berries, grapefruit, spice, and minerality.
PAIR WITH: Caesar chicken salad or fresh cheese
McKahn Family Cellars Rosé of Grenache 2021
This rosé screams, “Drink me near a body of water in a bikini!” It’s from California but is made in the Provençal style. It jumps out of the glass with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and peaches.
PAIR WITH: Lobster roll overlooking the water
Reds
Firriato La Sabbie Dell’Etna Rosso 2019
Made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, this wine is an excellent alternative for those who love sipping on Pinot Noir. This Sicilian wine makes you want to sit back and pretend you’re at the White Lotus Sicily.
PAIR WITH: Antipasti
Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages
Grown just east of central France, this red wine is the perfect addition to any boat or beach day. Just chill it and enjoy the light and fruity flavors.
PAIR WITH: Salmon
