We can all agree that summer evenings would not be summer evenings if they did not feature a glass of fine wine. Should the wine in question be white, fresh and with a color reminding us of the sun, then even better. In this article, we are going to go through the Italian peninsula to discover 5 Italian white wines to drink in summer, during our dinners.
Hot summer evenings have always been the setting of our best memories. But there is one thing that cannot miss from said best memories: a nice glass of wine. Since ancient times, wine has always been considered as something so delicious, that had to be shared with other people thus ending up being associated to moments of conviviality. Already the ancient Romans associated it to parties and celebrations.
So, imagine a nice summer evening, a terrace and a few friends. A starry sky, high temperatures, chat, good food and fine wine, of course white, to accompany the evening to spread some cheer. White wine because, thanks to its features and its lightness, it lends itself to summer evenings. That is why we have put together a list of 5 Italian white wines to drink in summer.
In Sardinia with Vermentino
Typical of the Sardinia area of Gallura, this grape is one of the existing main varieties of white wine. With fruity hints, Vermentino has a striking structure, thanks to dry and hot climate in which it grows. It is a fresh and young wine perfect to couple with seafood or less elaborate meals: fish soup, shellfish, and even first courses.
Ribolla Gialla for cocktails in Friuli
From Sardinia let’s fly to Friuli for a white wine whose happy place is the appetizer. A grape, that of Ribolla Gialla, which produces wines that can be very different one from the other. A young Ribolla Gialla, in fact, should be coupled with seafood entrees, oysters and sea truffles, but also with some nice fried seafood to taste at sunset. An older version, on the other hand, is to be combined with more complex foods such as fish soups, but also white meats such as rabbit, chicken or guinea fowl.
Gewürztraminer: one of Alto Adige’s excellences
Among our choice of Italian white wines to drink in summer, the Gewürztraminer or Traminer aromatico is certainly a great classic. From Alto Adige, this wine stands out for being both soft and with substance at the same time. Given its light but firm hints, this wine is perfect for spicy white meat: try it with local delicacies and you will be amazed! But if spices are not your things, then smoked salmon and cheese it is.
A blast from the past with Vernaccia
Vernaccia is an historical grape from Tuscany which will take you back in time. The wine that results from it, in fact, is celebrated by none other than Dante Alighieri. A wine of great caliber and extremely versatile with food, it is also known as Vernaccia of San Gimignano DOCG. It’s a firm and dry wine with good length, but more full bodied than previous wines. Because of this, it is advised to open it at least a half an hour before consumption, to better enjoy all its hints. It is a great ally of aperitifs, shellfish entrees, but also Tuscany’s typical food such as ribollita, white meats and dry cheese.
Dulcis in fundo…Moscato
Last but not least is the wine of this aromatic grape which is famous all over Italy and that is the perfect ending for any meal in company. Given its natural sweetness, the Moscato is perfect for desserts. However, this grape is much more versatile and its production features three major categories of wine: dry and aromatic wines, sweet sparkling wines (such as spumante d’Asti DOCG) and sweet straw wines.
Now that you know which are the best Italian white wines to drink in summer, you just need to choose the one you like the most!