Tired of White Claw? The Most Refreshing Wines You Can Buy for Less Than $20
Hard seltzer is so last summer. This year, we’re turning to crisp, refreshing wines to beat the heat instead. We asked Sam Doyle, buyer and sommelier for Wine Library, for his favorite styles to sip on when the weather’s hot. That way, we can all stock up without having to do *too* much work. You’re welcome.
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Now, onto the wine!
1. 2018 Hermann Wiemer Riesling
“One of my favorite crisp summer wines is dry Riesling,” says Doyle. This one hails from the Finger Lakes and boasts fruity notes of apple, peach, pear and honey.
2. 2018 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc
Get in, we’re going to Napa Valley. This bright and acidic number will hit the spot at any barbecue or picnic. Take a nice, long whiff before you sip so you don’t miss out on the scent of white peach and grapefruit.
3. Bisol Jeio Prosecco
Bring on the bubbles. The most sweltering of days are no match for this effervescent pick with herbaceous aromatics and notes of crisp green apple and ripe pear.
4. 2018 Metal Bender Sauvignon Blanc
Fruity on the nose, grassy and acidic on the tongue. Its minerality will help take you from ugh to aah, no matter how long you’ve been manning the grill.
5. 2018 Donnhoff Estate Riesling Nahe
“Riesling acidity is naturally high, which is why your mouth waters while drinking it,” says Doyle. “Perfect with a good chill during a hot summer day.”
6. 2018 Erath Rose
Ripe with dry, juicy bursts of plum, raspberry and papaya, this beauty is easy to fall for. You’ll blush the same shade of dusky pink at first sip.
7. Mercat Cava Brut Nature
If you’re loyal to prosecco but ready to try something new, you’re bound to fall in love with its Spanish equivalent. It’s just the match for your famous grilled salmon.
8. 2019 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Affordable enough to sip on a weeknight, elegant enough to share at your next alfresco dinner party. Brace yourself for intense notes of tropical fruit and a fresh, zesty finish.
9. 2018 Jim Barry Dry Riesling The Lodge Hill
An Australian gem with big acidity and apple-inspired crispness. Stock up so you can let a few age for the next year or two—hello, complexity.
10. Juve Y Camps Brut Rose
Like cava and rosé had a fruity, floral baby. Come for balanced acidity and freshness, stay for notes of strawberry jam and ripe cherries. Cheese plate, anyone?
11. 2016 A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir
Acidic, juicy and versatile. Keep an eye on the Wine Library site for deals on everyday reds like this that are light enough to sip on a hot day. Doyle says you can also search for “fuller wines to go with summertime food, especially anything on the grill.”
12. Underwood Sparkling Bubbles
Sommelier Dini “Vino” Rao shared her love of this winery’s canned rosé with us. Their chardonnay variety is equally refreshing and bubbly, but with notes of citrus and tropical fruit.
13. 2019 Chateau Montaud Rose Côtes de Provence
This blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grapes makes for a crisp, earthy wine oozing with the essences of black currant, strawberry, leather and vanilla.
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