Summer, with its sun-drenched days and, balmy nights, is the perfect season to indulge in some of the finest wines that Argentina has to offer. As temperatures rise, so does the desire for lighter, more refreshing beverages that can enhance your summer experiences, whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a beachside picnic, or dining al fresco. In this comprehensive guide,
Thursday Food explores the best wines to drink during the summer, offering recommendations that are sure to delight your palate and elevate your summer gatherings.

When selecting wines for the summer, it is always best to look for those that are light, crisp, and refreshing, characteristics that help counterbalance the heat while providing a cooling effect. Summer wines are often white, rosé, naranjos or sparkling varieties, although certain light-bodied reds can also be perfect for warm weather with key attributes to consider including their acidity, sweetness, alcohol content, and flavour profiles. White wines offer a refreshing yet elegant flair to any summer festivity so, whether it be a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Riesling, any of the three is sure to please.

Sauvignon Blanc, featured in last week’s
Thursday Food, is the quintessential summer wine, favoured for its high acidity and vibrant flavours. It offers a refreshing respite from the heat and typically features notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruits, often with a hint of grassiness or minerality. Pair Sauvignon Blanc with fresh salads, goat cheese, seafood, and light pasta dishes as its acidity cuts through the richness of these foods, making it a versatile and delightful choice for summer meals.

Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is another excellent choice for summer as it is generally lighter in body and offers delicate flavours of pear, apple, and melon, with a crisp, clean finish. This wine pairs well with light seafood dishes, chicken, and vegetable-based dishes as its subtle flavours and crisp acidity make it a great match for Mediterranean cuisine.

Riesling, another excellent summer choice, is a dessert wine that offers rich, honeyed flavours balanced by bright acidity. These wines can range from off-dry to sweet, making them a versatile option for dessert, and can be paired with fruit tarts, creamy desserts, or even strong cheeses. The wine’s acidity and sweetness create a harmonious balance with these foods.

Rosés, typically pale pink dry wines, are an excellent option for any summer celebration. They exhibit flavours of red berries, citrus, and a hint of minerality whilst also being light and refreshing, ideal for hot summer days. Enjoy your rosé with charcuterie, light salads, grilled vegetables, and seafood as its versatility makes it a staple at summer picnics and barbecues.

Argentine Naranjos (orange wines) are increasingly turning the heads of vinophiles everywhere as a go-to summer wine for a unique and refreshing experience. They are made from white grape varieties with extended skin contact, offering a fascinating blend of flavours like dried apricot, orange zest, honey, which make them an excellent choice for warm-weather sipping. Ideally paired with spicy Asian or Indian cuisine, the sourness in orange wine matches well against fermented flavours and unlike red or white wines, orange wines hold up to both beef or fish.

Today, Thursday Food offers a few suggestions for summer’s must-have Argentine labels:

Arte de Argento Pinot Grigio, a 100 per cent varietal made by Bodega Argento, is a greenish-yellow colour with subtle golden reflections. This elegant Pinot Grigio offers delicate floral and tropical fruit aromas with soft chamomile nuances that complement its aromatic profile. In the mouth, it is light and delicate, with fruity notes and ripe flavours, where apricots and peaches stand out, resulting in good persistence and a great freshness.

Rutini Riesling, made from 100 per cent Riesling grapes by Bodega Rutini wines, is a bright yellow colour with subtle greenish tones. On the nose, citrus and green apple aromas are appreciated, while notes of honey and orange blossoms appear at the end. On the palate, it has a dry, fresh and aromatic entry exhibiting flavours in line with the perceived aromas, adding a fine note of linden. It ends in a long and persistent finish that is also simultaneously quite refreshing.

Pulenta Estate Rosé SIl Vous Plait is made from 100 per cent Merlot from Pulenta Estate’s Finca La Zulema, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. It has an attractive petal pink colour that is very elegant with bright reflections. It has a great aromatic expression that evokes blackberries and wild cherries. Charming freshness is expressed in the mouth combined with a suggestive balance of acidity along with a floral and fruity flavour that ends in an attractive finish.

Viognier Naranjo Arroyo Grande is a 100 per cent Viognier produced in the Los Chacayes area of Mendoza’s Uco Valley by Bodega Piedra Negra. This orange wine is a deep yellow colour expressing complex aromas on the nose of fruits mixed with white flowers, a touch of orange peel and almonds. In the mouth it is a fresh wine with a silky tannic texture that gives it volume and a long finish.

Pulenta Estate Naranjo Orange Wine is made by Pulenta Estate from grapes harvested at their vineyards in Mendoza. This is a soft and very approachable orange wine with refreshing acidity that comprises a blend of 50 per cent Chardonnay, 38 per cent Viognier and 12 per cent Torrontés. On the palate there is a subtle stone fruit character with floral aromas.

Choosing the right wine for summer is all about finding refreshing, light, and vibrant options that complement the season’s activities and cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of crisp whites, aromatic rosés, or refreshing naranjos, there’s a summer wine out there that’s perfect for you. Next week in Part 2 we will feature light reds and sparkling options for your summer festivities. Salud!