Here’s to your summer
Wines that are cool and crisp, have zip to spare, and are relatively light in alcohol make meals sing this time of year. Whites are a natural, but try sipping something pink, too, and even a red – one that’s more delicious after 30 minutes in the fridge.
Domaine Augis Valencay 2008 This refreshingly understated sauvignon blanc has ripe peach-grapefruit flavors and just enough finely tuned acidity.
To drink with: Tomato sandwich, oysters, Greek salad
$13.99 at Lower Falls Wine, 2366 Washington Street, Newton, 617-332-3000, http://lowerfallswine.com; $11.99 at The Wine and Cheese Cask, 407 Washington Street, Somerville, 617-623-8656, http://thewineandcheesecask.com; $12.95 at South End Formaggio, 268 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, 617-350-6996, http://southendformaggio.com
Domaine Servin “Premiere Cuvee Les Pargues” Chablis 2008 Plenty of authentic Chablis character here, with appealing notes of stone and lemon drop; bracingly crisp. Open a half-hour in advance to get the full effect.
To drink with: Oysters, veggie chili, Greek salad
$24.99 at Medfield Wine Shoppe, 258 Main Street, Medfield, 508-359-4097, http://medfieldwineshoppe.com; $27.99 at Lower Falls Wine; $24.99 at The Wine and Cheese Cask
Chateau de Lascaux Coteaux du Languedoc Rose 2009 It’s a shade on the light side, but this coolly sophisticated pink has all the dried herb and underbrush character that only Provence delivers.
To drink with: Greek salad, veggie chili, pulled pork and spicy slaw
$15.99 at Martignetti Liquors, 1650 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, 617-782-3700; $15.99 at Cambridge Wine & Spirits, 202 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, 617-864-7171, http://mallliquors.com; $16.99 at Golden Goose Market, 179 Commercial Street, North End, 617-367-3198, http://goldengoosemarket.com
Bodegas Biurko Gorri “Arbanta” Rioja 2008 Attractive cafe au lait aromas give way to cherry-like fruit flavors generously tinged with loamy earth. A superb summer-weight sip. Chill this red.
To drink with: Veggie chili, pulled pork and spicy slaw
$14.99 at Vintages, 32 Leonard Street, Belmont, 617-484-4560, http://vintages-online.com; $15 at Central Bottle Wine + Provisions, 196 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 617-225-0040, http://centralbottle.com; $13.95 at South End Formaggio
Vajra Moscato d’Asti 2008 Lightly frothy and subtly sweet, this is a particularly lively arrangement of Moscato d’Asti’s classic sugar cookie and honey-citrus flavors. Lovely bright acidity, too. Serve well chilled.
To drink with: Strawberry compote, Dutch apple torte
$19.99 at Curtis Liquors, 486 Columbian Street, South Weymouth, 781-331-2345, http://curtisliquors.com; $20 at The Wine Bottega, 341 Hanover Street, North End, 617-227-6607, http://thewinebottega.com; $18.95 at Formaggio Kitchen, 244 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, 617-354-4750, http://formaggiokitchen.com
