There’s something different about drinking wine in summer. It’s not just that the temperatures are soaring or that people tend to eat a lighter menu based on fresh fish and salads. Rather, it’s the whole summer vibe. Within a context of carefree days by the pool, barbecues with friends, linen clothes and sandals, we want wines that are the equivalent of summer music: catchy and uncomplicated.

Let’s start with whites. The elements to look out for are crisp acidity, low alcohol content and light fruit flavours. Ease of drinking is key. There are some old favourites here. An old world Chardonnay is usually a bit heavy for summer – go for lighter, unoaked versions from Australia and California. Sauvignon Blanc is another summer staple – naturally acidic and with citrus fruit flavours, it’s perfect for a hot day. Sauvignon Blanc varieties from New Zealand tend to be dry while those from California are riper and go very well with a fish course.

Riesling is a versatile grape that can go from dry to sweet. German Rieslings tend to have notes of peach and are packed with flavour. Austrian Rieslings are a bit more on the dry side, especially those from cooler regions such as Clare valley. Another dry white from Austria is the Gruner-Veltliner, which thanks to its crisp layers of pepper and grapefruit can be perfectly paired with a fish menu.

Neighbouring Italy also has some great whites for summer, including Pinot Grigio, the honey and almond flavoured Fiano di Avellino, or the light, sparkly and fruity Moscato d’Asti. Spain’s wine list also features excellent summer whites, especially those made from the native Verdejo grape and the Albarino varietal.

Spain’s wine list also features excellent summer whites, especially those made from the native Verdejo grape and the Albarino varietal

Summer would not be the same without sparklers. Bubbly, refreshing and ideal for celebrations – the premise here is that in summer, every day is a celebration – sparkling wines work well with any type of seafood and nibbles. Stock up on champagne from France, prosecco from Spain and Italy, such as Franciacorta, a high-quality sparkling wine from the province of Brescia.

At the other end of the spectrum are the summer reds. Now reds are mostly associated with long winters and a cosy night at home in front of a crackling fire. Of course, overly oaked reds are too heavy for summer. However, reds such as Zinfandels and spicy Carmeneres should be on the menu if you’re planning a barbecue: the round, herbaceous and slightly oaky taste of these varieties matches the flavour of grilled meats and zingy marinades.

If you cannot decide between white and red, go for the in between: rosé. Refreshing and food friendly, rosés complete the summer line-up. France, Spain and Italy produce excellent dry rosés. Fuller bodied rosés, especially from the New World, pack various flavours, including vibrant strawberry and raspberry as well as hints of peach and citrus. The focus with rosés is a floral and fruity flavour and a refreshing finish.