Looking for some wines to keep you refreshed and your party going this summer?  On warm days we want juicy mouthwatering wines with the crisp, fruity, floral flavors of summer. Here are three styles perfect for summer wines.

Because we live in Oregon we stuck with cool wines that are abundantly available here.  You can find these specific wines and these general grapes and styles anywhere.

We think a hallmark of a good summer wine is it can be enjoyed with or without food.  A porch swing, outdoor concert, or picnic summer wine should be as good paired with just a glass and friends as with a meal.

 

Check out our segment on KGW’s Portland Today and then keep reading for more details on these perfect for summer wines.  Y’all will have to forgive the fact that I am feverish in this video and have lost my voice – darn awful summer cold.

Summer Wines – Rose

 

While we think rose can be a year round wine, it comes into its own as a summer wine.  Just the array of colors reminds of summer gardens in full bloom.  We selected:

2017 Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars Rose of Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $20

Ballerina pink with light floral and and strawberry notes. Crisp, refreshing, citrusy and light.

See Rose Roundup for some other rose recommendations.

Summer Wines – Pinot Gris

We love pinot gris for summer wines because it is fruity and rich but still has refreshing acid.  While most made in Oregon fit this description, this grape can also be tart and citrusy.

Buyer’s Tip: If you want stone fruit and richness ask your wine steward for an Alsatian style Pinot Gris.  If you want tart and citrusy ask for an Italian style Pinot Gris aka Pinot Grigio. 

We selected:

2017 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris Willamette Valley $19

Rich with stone fruit and melon.

Summer Wines – Pinot Noir

Red wine lovers, don’t despair!  You can have your summer wine and your red wine too!  Pinot Noir typically has less drying tannin than bigger reds like Cabernet Sauvignon.  This makes it much more sippable for summer.  If you find one that says “Whole Cluster” this will be lighter with fresher fruits and less tannin. It can even be served slightly chilled!

Buyer’s Tip: Pinot Noir is a good choice for a red summer wine. Even better, look for one that says “Whole Cluster” on the label.

We selected:

2017 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $24

Raspberry, cherry, vanilla, and juiciness.

What are some of your favorite summer wines?