6 summer whites for sipping al fresco

Sunshine, blue skies and summer vibes… there’s always a sense of excitement when you step outdoors with a glass in one hand, plate in the other, and you’re faced with a delicious summer spread.

Whether it’s bowls of colourful salads, platter of crudités and dips, taste of the sea, cold pasta dishes or goat’s cheese tart – chances are you’ll think to yourself, there’s a wine for that!

And when it comes to culinary moments, the right refreshing white will take a perfectly prepped home-made dish to the next level… especially if it’s beautifully chilled and you can feel the warmth of the sun.

Here’s what’s bringing smiles all round…

South African chenin blanc is always a great go-to for crisp, dry whites with bright acidity and food-friendly style, making it a great all-rounder. This keenly priced one delivers lively tropical flavours with hints of pear and pineapple, fine line of citrusy acidity and fresh, tangy, sun-kissed finish. Think vibrant green salads, shellfish, grilled chicken and anything with a satay sauce.

A showstopping bottle always goes down a storm, especially if it’s in a piercing blue that conjures up thoughts of a beachfront holiday home and seafood menu. Step in this zesty alvariñho in a wonderfully crisp and refreshing style with floral aromas; flavours of honeydew, melon and nectarine, pleasant zip of acidity and mouthwatering finish. A winner with fish tacos, ceviche and calamari.

Another fun, fair weather wine, vinho verde comes into its own when the heat is on… and this one’s nicely aromatic and fruity with citrusy aromas and hint of blossom. On the palate, tropical fruits mingle with crisp green apple and zesty lemon and lime, finishing long and fresh. Think chicken piri piri or baked cod with potatoes, olives and herbs. Delicious.

The south of France gifts us in many ways, and viognier vies for our attention with its enticing scents of apricots and delectable stone fruit flavours and seductive, honeyed notes; and with this wine, you really get a sense of summer freshness but with a concentrated palate with hints of honeysuckle, peach and citrus, with balanced acidity. One to complement the creamy texture of a cheesy tart, Mediterranean veggie quiche or spicy Asian nibbles.

A chardonnay lover’s wine in a modern style, lightly oaked with a fresh structure, it’s appealing from word go. On the nose, tropical fruits, juicy pear and hints of vanilla draw you in; with a core of plump, ripe, juicy fruit, a delicately creamy character, and citrusy snap to keep it refreshing and attractive. And the joy of a good chard is that it can handle practically anything you plate up!

One of the most showy savvy blancs on the shelves, it’s safe to say Cloudy Bay is in a league of its own when it comes to grassy, herbaceous aromatics, vibrant lemony edged flavours of passionfruit, peach and nectarine which leap from the glass; limey acidity and fresh, graceful finish. Mouthwatering and utterly delicious, ideal as an aperitif, it’s a natural with shellfish, goat’s cheese salad or calamari with a lemon butter sauce. Cheers to wining and dining in the open air!

Prices correct at time of going to press.