Summer drinking is less about power and prestige and more about refreshment. As temperatures rise, wines with bright acidity, lower alcohol and an easy-going character come into their own. Summer wines should feel effortless: bottles that can move seamlessly from a lazy lunch to an evening barbecue, pairing with seafood, salads and grilled dishes while offering something genuinely thirst-quenching.

Crisp whites are the obvious seasonal favourites. Aromatic styles with citrus and stone-fruit notes bring immediate appeal, while mineral-driven wines deliver a cooling freshness perfectly suited to warmer weather. Think Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc or a cheeky white Rioja to name but a few. 

Rosé has also become a summer staple, from pale, delicate examples to fruitier and more expressive styles. Chilled reds are increasingly popular too, especially lighter-bodied wines with soft tannins that benefit from a brief spell in the fridge before serving.

One of the bottles in my own summer line-up this year is a Vinho Verde from Portugal. Often mistaken for a grape variety rather than a style and region, Vinho Verde literally means “green wine”, referring to its youthful character rather than colour. My bottle has a slight spritz, a gentle sparkle that many Vinho Verdes naturally possess. That subtle fizz lifts the citrus and orchard fruit flavours and gives the wine extra energy and brightness. On a hot summer day it feels wonderfully refreshing and pairs beautifully with grilled prawns, fresh salads or simply a bowl of salted almonds enjoyed outdoors.