A bottle of red? A bottle of white? Although selecting a great bottle of wine ultimately comes down to a matter of personal drinking preference, some varietals may be better suited to specific seasons than others. In the heat of the summer, for instance, tastes tend to run more toward refreshing choices like crisp, dry whites and fruity low-tannin reds with balanced acidity. “Certainly whites, rosé and sparkling wines are popular in the warmer months, but we also sell a lot of red wine all year long,” said Jon Notarius, manager at Buffalo-based Premier Wine & Spirits.
“Depending on the event, there’s even a place for heavy wines like cabernet sauvignon in the summer. But ideally, lighter styles of red like pinot noir are more appropriate to drink if it’s really warm out.” To complement the traditional summer flavors of smoky barbecue, wood-oven-fired pizzas and garden-fresh produce, Notarius said wine lovers would be well-advised to explore the pairing possibilities of riesling, sauvignon blanc, Beaujolais and red zinfandel.
“Rosé is great with light appetizers, grilled chicken or salmon dishes,” he said. “Pinot grigio pairs well with salads or grilled vegetables, and I really like prosecco with sushi or seafood.” Wines from prolific production regions rooted in warm-climate Mediterranean countries like Portugal, Spain and Italy are also usually safe bets to sample in the summer.
“In those countries, especially along the coastal areas, the cuisines t.