Summer Wine Alternatives

5 Delicious Varietals to Quench Your Thirst

Hot weather, outdoors activity and extended evening hours often contribute to an increased social agenda for many of us during the summer months. With sociality comes the opportunity to share some laughs over a few glasses of wine. Standard grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir often dominate patio menus and liquor store shelves.

Though commonly delightful, an increase in temperature should not equate to a decrease in adventurousness. What better time of year to try something novel? These five wine options will keep your palate delighted and the conversation flowing.

Albariño

Also known as Alvarinho, this Spanish white wine is characterized by high acidity and low alcohol content. With citrus fruit and slight spice on the nose, the flavours on the palette often expand to reveal a complex array of peach, apple and ripe lemon.

Albariño makes for an enjoyable aperitif or commendable pairing with fruit-based vinaigrette, lightly seasoned game pate or freshwater fish such as salmon or trout. Though the most famous and best value Albariño is imported from Spain, recent vintages from California are attempting to expand this grape's international profile.

Ehrenfelser

Given the popularity of Riesling, a grape of the same lineage, it is somewhat surprising that Ehrenfelser is not as easily on the lips of wine connoisseurs. Low acidity in this white makes recent vintages perfect companions for seafood, green salads and fresh herbs. Gentle floral tones and summer-fruit flavours also allow this wine to be an enjoyable treat on its own. Germany, Washington State and the Okanagan Valley all produce high quality and readily available Ehrenfelser.

Grüner Veltliner

Austria's superstar grape has an inclusive combination of traits that make it a formidable companion for hard-to-pair foods. Dry and peppery with vegetable-like qualities on the tongue, Grüner Veltliner is the rare white wine able to enhance even asparagus, the archenemy of sommeliers everywhere.

The full-bodied nature of the wine and typically high alcohol content also allow Grüner Veltliner the luxury of pairing against spicy Asian cuisine or complex dishes from the Middle East or North Africa.

Grenache

White wine need not be the only focus on warm summer evenings. Barbecues often dictate red for various occasions. Grenache, a highly produced grape in Southern France and Spain, is a refreshing substitute for those bored with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Primarily a blending wine, Grenache's sweet, jammy flavours and rich body enhance Syrah and Cinsault from France's Rhone region and combine with Tempernillo to become Spain's inimitable Rioja. A wine to be paired with smoked duck, barbecued beef, or grilled vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini. While Grenache is popular in old-world blends, some fascinating new-world examples of the wine are being released from California's Central Coast and Southern Australia.

Petite Sirah

Not to be confused with France's Syrah or new-world Shiraz, Petite Sirah is less fruit-forward than the other varietals similar in name. Also known as Durif, Petite Sirah is typically quite tannic and generates spicy and peppery flavours along the tongue. The bold flavours are complimentary to red meat with gamey undertones, such as lamb, bison or deer. Primarily found from all over California, tasty examples of the wine are also emerging from Israel, Argentina and Chile.