Summer is in full force for most of us in the northern hemisphere. I love summer since I like “living” outdoors. For me, summer means flip-flops, shorts, exercising outside ( fresh air instead of a gym), LOTS of tennis, camping/hiking, BBQ’s and grilling outside, and drinking a nice glass of wine on my patio with family and friends.

As I was drinking a glass of wine the other day, I was wondering if there are any particular wines that are better to drink in the heat of the summer instead of my year round go-to’s. So I asked the wine expert, Terri Burney, who is a Sommelier and Owner of Winetastics wine bar in Dallas, Texas (who happens to be my sister!).  Terri has led tours to wineries in California, Oregon, Italy, France, Germany for the past 15 years. Her expertise also landed her a judge in national and international wine competitions.

Here are Terri’s top 4 summer wines, prices and the food paring to go with them. Leave me a comment below and let me know which is your favorite. Cheers!

Top Four Summer Wines

Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay (Ceramic Bottle) 2013 – $22

Flaxen in color and fresh from start to finish, the 2013 vintage opens up with aromas of fruit blossoms and Meyer lemon. Bright citrus shines through on the palate, with a crisp acidity and depth that belies the wine’s unoaked character. On the finish: a lingering freshness that creates a perfect complement to salads, grilled seafood, tomato-based dishes and fresh oysters.

Miraval Rose – Provence, France – 2014 – $28

While some people will buy this wine simply because it comes from the estate that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie own in Correns, just north of Brignoles in Provence, we recommended it because it’s graceful and firm, a rose with conviction. The fruit feels light and delicate, allowing a clear view to the chalky minerality that runs through the wine; the acidity feels vibrant, extending the flavors and whetting the palate for another sip.  Rosé goes with just about anything . . .Patio sipper – Seafood/Fish,   French Food, Appetizers – Charcuterie, the branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, is another great dance partner.

Hullabaloo Zinfandel – Lodi, CA – $19                           

The 2012 Hullabaloo Old Vines Zinfandel displays aromas of fresh raspeberry, blackberry, cracked pepper and cedar. Showing exceptional balance on the palate, there are rich flavors of chocolate covered cherries, blackberry, anise and pepper. This wine will continue to age gracefully for the next 5 – 7 years.  Pair with just about any barbecue – Chicken, Hot dogs, Hamburgers and Ribs.  Or cheeses like Parmesan, Aged Cheddar, Aged Gouda, Asiago, Dry  Jack.

JCB N°69 Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne Sparking wine – France – $20

Number 69 is a seductively light and refreshing rosé. Vibrant aromas of raspberry and red currant evolve into aromatic jammy notes. This wine is tender in the mouth with crisp flavors. Pair with French Quiches and Italian Frittatas, Grilled Shrimp with Aioli or Romesco Wild Salmon Every Which Way or with a Chocolate dessert! (wine & chocolate! Yum, my favorite.)