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About Aromatic and Summer White Wines

“Aromatic Whites” and “Summer Whites” refers New World produced, aromatic, lighter-styled white varietals like riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot gris/grigio, sauvignon blanc, Muscat, chenin blanc, to name a few, where the level of alcohol is usually well under the 14% mark. They range from dry to off-dry in sweetness and tend to be a great compliment to carefree warmer weather sipping and spicier, Latin and Asian cuisines.

Top Picks for Aromatic and Summer White Wines

Crowded House 2023  Sauvignon Blanc
95 points
$13
Best Buy
A spot-on example of a vibrant savory NZ Sauvignon Blanc with ample fruit, acidity, and versatility that refreshes the palate and begs for another sip, and another...
95 points $13 Best Buy
Wölffer Estate Vineyard 2022 Antonov Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$32
Orchard fruits, melon, and a bit of tropical fruit balanced with a hit of the classic green herbs note, this is exactly what you want from cooler climate Sauvignon Blanc.
Awards: 2024 New York Wine Classic - Best Sauvignon Blanc
Domaine Pascal Gibault 2023  Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$15
Best Buy
A lighter intensity of Sauvignon Blanc that still brings the range of fruits from orchard to tropical dashed with food friendly acidity and minerality; complex, pleasing, and an excellent example of the category.
94 points $15 Best Buy
Kirkland Signature 2022  Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$7
Best Buy
A+ for typicity; unmistakably Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
94 points $7 Best Buy
Taylors 2022 Promised Land Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$13
Best Buy
A genially herbal and fruit forward expression of Sauvignon Blanc; pair with pesto, salads, and light fish dishes.
94 points $13 Best Buy
Weis Vineyards 2021 Winzer Select A Riesling
94 points
$26
A rich, honeyed, unctuous Riesling with toothsome late harvest fruit flavors and bright acidity; this will be great with everything from cocktail hour to appetizers to desserts.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Riesling (Sweet)
Whitehaven 2023  Sauvignon Blanc
93 points
$20
Best Buy
Bursting with juicy grapefruit and creek stone, a refreshing, mouthwatering white with all things fish, fresh herbs and seafood.
93 points $20 Best Buy
Wakefield 2023 Jaraman Sauvignon Blanc
93 points
$22
A refreshing and bright Sauvignon Blanc that has a smooth finish; great for lunch or brunch.
King Estate 2023  Sauvignon Blanc
93 points
$20
Best Buy
Fresh fruit and light floral notes lead the way for this lovely, well-balanced Sauv Blanc from Oregon.
93 points $20 Best Buy
Weis Vineyards 2022 Dry Riesling
93 points
$20
Best Buy
Very linear and focused with good mineral backbone and tart fruit with a touch of honeysuckle roundness; drinks very Austrian in style.
93 points $20 Best Buy