Selection of whites for your summer dinners

A good glass of white wine has always been the ideal ally for the success of summer dinners, thanks to the pleasant convivial atmosphere that sipping this precious drink brings. However, very often, even for enthusiasts, finding the right pairing between white wine and food turns out to be a real challenge: overwhelmed by hundreds of labels to navigate, an obscure terminology to interpret, and uncertain about how to enhance the various dishes prepared, even the most daring give up, opting for an impulsive purchase of the first renowned bottle that comes their way, thus negating any effort made to make the organized evening unforgettable. But one should not lose heart!

There are, in fact, some simple rules to follow to identify the most suitable wine for every occasion and to appear like true sommeliers: in the brief guide provided below, some of these useful tips.

The main characteristics of white wines and the various myths to debunk.

White wine differs from red wine mainly due to the absence of tannins, which are natural chemical compounds that generally give the beverage a lighter structure but make its flavor fresher. Before delving into the fascinating world of wine, it is important to start with some key considerations, debunking some myths that have always surrounded its origin and production.

The number one myth is the one that claims that white wine is produced only from white grapes. Contrary to what many believe, in fact, white wines are obtained not only from the alcoholic fermentation of white grape must, but also, in some cases, from that of red or black grapes, which have colorless flesh, and when processed in particular ways, maintain the typical clear yellow color of white wine.

Myth number two: white wines all taste the same. Wrong. White wines are a complex beverage just like red wines, and they differ from one another in taste, structure, and aromatic notes. Their specific uniqueness is also determined by three main factors: the variety of grapevines, the winemaking techniques used, and the percentage of sugars contained in the grapes.
The lighter white wines, which are not very concentrated and characterized by a good acidity and floral aromas, are fresh, balanced, and soft on the palate. The structured white wines, which are more acidic, have a round and sophisticated taste, due to the longer aging periods. Finally, the white wines made from very aromatic grapes have a very authentic and persistent flavor.

Myth number three: wine was given by the god Bacchus to men. Incorrect. Given the lack of concrete evidence regarding this theory, it is better to rely on archaeological findings: the vine is indeed an indigenous plant of the Mediterranean basin, valued since prehistoric times. The earliest traces related to its cultivation were found in Mesopotamia and date back to 7,000. a.C.

What makes a white wine suitable for summer?

The reason that makes white wine more suitable for consumption in summer comes from a specific characteristic: acidity. White wines, in fact, are characterized by a generally more pronounced acidity compared to that of red wines and by fruity notes that are enhanced especially when served at low temperatures.

The types of white wines ideal for summer

After this brief discussion on the characteristics of white wine, to become a skilled sommelier it is necessary to know which are the best white wines to enjoy in summer:

The Chardonnay, A grape variety cultivated all over the world, it has a flavor of white-fleshed fruit, such as apple and pear, enriched by notes of butter and vanilla. Originating from France, it is characterized by a straw-yellow or golden color, a complex floral aroma, and a soft, balanced taste.

The Vermentino, a fruity wine that is very elegant, full-bodied, and citrusy.

The Falanghina, Originally from Campania, a wine with a straw yellow color, a delicate aroma with spicy notes of vanilla and cinnamon, and a fresh and harmonious flavor.

The Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by good acidity and a flavor reminiscent of green apple, lime, kiwi, and cut grass. Originating from France, it has a green-yellow color, an intense aroma, and a fresh, dry, and persistent taste.

The Riesling, a grape variety that produces grapes with high acidity and contains aromas of green apple, peach, and honey.

The Pinot Grigio, A wine with distinctive flavors of pear, apple, flowers, and spices. Originating from Burgundy, it has a characteristic straw-yellow color.

The Verdicchio is a white wine grape variety native to the Marche region of Italy. It is known for producing crisp, refreshing wines with good acidity and floral and citrus notes., quite acidic and characterized by notes of green apple, pear, and almond.

The Trebbiano, The white grape variety most cultivated in Italy is characterized by high acidity and a typical fresh flavor of fruit and flowers.

The Moscato, Finally, decidedly sweet, characterized by unmistakable aromas of peach, apricot, and orange blossoms, and, due to its flavor and effervescence, traditionally associated with the dessert course.

How to pair different white wines with summer dishes.

Pairing the right wine with summer dishes can really make a difference and determine the complete success of the evening or, on the contrary, its total failure.
Given the wide variety of summer white wine labels, it is not easy to identify the right pairings to suggest to guests. In general, in fact:

Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay have less sugar compared to sweet or semi-sweet wines: this characteristic makes them very versatile and therefore perfect to pair with various dishes, such as those based on fish and seafood, but also with soups, broths, and green vegetable salads.

Trebbiano, very light, is suitable to accompany salads, chicken, fish, and shellfish.

Verdicchio pairs well with fish and seafood, risottos, and vegetable-based dishes.

Vermentino is a fruity, citrusy wine, excellent when paired with pasta, seafood dishes, and vegetarian dishes.

Pinot Grigio is perfect for making cocktails or pairing with seafood dishes, risottos, pasta, eggs, and white meats.

Falanghina pairs well with fish dishes, shellfish, mollusks, vegetables, and fresh cheeses.

Riesling pairs perfectly with Asian cuisine, salmon, or dishes based on shellfish, crustaceans, and goat cheese.

Moscato, finally, is by definition the sparkling wine that accompanies the richest desserts or fruit-based sweets. However, it can also be paired with blue cheeses or spicy dishes.

How to choose the perfect white wine for a summer dinner

The choice of the perfect white wine for summer does not depend, as one might imagine, solely on personal taste, but also on a whole series of other important factors.

First of all, it is important to evaluate the type of dinner that the bottle of white wine will accompany: during a romantic dinner, if you want to create a more relaxed atmosphere, a light wine like Sauvignon Blanc could be the right choice.

At friendly dinners with friends or at outdoor birthday parties, it's best to opt for a sparkling white wine like Moscato, which, served chilled, is perfect for making the evening enjoyable.

During an aperitif in the garden, by the pool, or at the beach, serving a Pinot Grigio is the best way to create a warm and carefree atmosphere.
Finally, during informal work dinners, where one does not want to give up on taste and freshness, it's better to sip on light and easy-to-drink wines like Vermentino.

How to serve and store wine during the summer.

Storing and serving wine with the proper precautions is, ultimately, the last important lesson that this brief guide aims to convey. Even the most sought-after bottle of wine, in fact, if brought to the table at the wrong temperature or after being poorly stored, will turn out to be very disappointing in taste.

White wines, in fact, should always be stored horizontally, in a place well protected from light and characterized by a constant temperature between 10° and 12°C and a humidity level of about 70 - 80%. Therefore, the most suitable place in the house to store wine bottles is the cellar, or alternatively, a wine refrigerator, capable of protecting the precious nectar from temperature fluctuations, light, and vibrations.

However, if you don't have a cellar or even a wine fridge, not all is lost! After purchasing the white wine to serve to your guests, you should place the bottle inside the kitchen refrigerator at least two hours before serving it, then transfer it to the ice bucket.

White wine should always be served at a temperature between 8° and 12°C, which is the ideal range to preserve its flavor.

Conclusion

The world of white wines, very complex and varied, should only be approached after learning some fundamental concepts. Choosing the right wine to serve at summer dinners will not only impress your friends but will also enhance your cooking.

On the site Vino45, The selection of white wines suitable for summer dinners is vast.
The numerous proposals available, in fact, the result of careful selection by industry experts, make this online wine shop one of the most well-stocked and appreciated by consumers, not only for the selection of quality products but also for the valuable suggestions provided to customers at every stage of the purchase.

With the help of Vino45, There are no more excuses for not becoming a skilled sommelier!