101 guide to drinking wine in the summer

Not only do our different types of wines have multiple facets, but depending on the grape variety and the method of wine-making, red, white, and surprisingly even rosé wines can vary greatly from each other. In summer, in the intense heat, a red wine that has been aged for several years in a barrel might not be as appealing, just as we would seek fresher, lighter white wines. At Borindex, we've compiled what's worth drinking in the heat if you want the experience of wine tasting without particularly worrying about unpleasant side effects.

Absolute Joker for Summer: Rosé

Not so long ago, rosé spritzer became the dominant drink of summer parties and backyard barbecues. Rosé is conquering all of Europe, and it's not so surprising, as we get a tasty and aromatic yet light alcoholic drink when we mix the rosé at hand with soda. Rosé can be of various kinds, from the more popular bright-colored strawberry-raspberry style to the more subdued onion-skin colored and less explosively aromatic ones. The choice is up to individual taste. There are quite promising experiments with barrel-aged rosés, but for now, it's safe to say that rosé will always be one of our more easily consumable wines, whether in summer or any other season.

If we want to drink it as a spritzer, it's worth choosing a rosé where the tutti-frutti taste effect is less dominant, avoiding sweeter wines for a more enjoyable experience with soda.

White wines from tanks are preferable in summer

With white wines, the situation is not so clear-cut. Depending on the grape variety and production method, the wine in our glass may either be enjoyable in summer or more challenging to appreciate. In Hungary, traditionally, we prefer Italian Rieslings in summer with a stronger acid backbone, as these wines are more refreshing in the heat. They also harmonize better with the unique, slightly sour taste of soda, and generally, wines with higher acidity are more enjoyable in the heat than more aromatic ones. However, we know there are wine drinkers who won't be swayed from their favorites and will seek out the more aromatic, sweeter white varieties regardless.

There's nothing wrong with that, but generally, it's better to seek out tank-fermented, reductive wines in the summer heat. These are fresher, fruitier, less filling, and less likely to cause a headache. Fresher whites generally have lower alcohol content than their aged counterparts, which is also a decisive factor when choosing wine for a summer barbecue.

Thin reds can also be an option

Red wine can also be enjoyed in summer; it's not written anywhere that red wine is only good for autumn and winter, or only when the summer temperature drops. However, it's wise to look for thinner reds in the summer. This means avoiding heavy, barrel-aged reds with high tannins during 30+ °C temperatures. No matter how much you want it, it won't be pleasant, but you won't want it if you've already drunk heavy reds, that's for sure.

If you know what a truly fresh, fruity, low-alcohol red wine is like, tasting as if you've bitten into red berries, then your mouth is already watering. It's still enjoyable in summer, although it's not bad to drink it chilled like white wine, and it harmonizes wonderfully with light summer dishes. Plus, it's also good as a spritzer, because we think a "red spritzer" is not bad at all, providing an excellent experience and refreshment when made from the right wine.

Looking for beautiful wines for your garden party? Come, take a look around Borindex's marketplace and choose to your liking!