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Whether it’s something to pop open when you get home from work, or an incentive to sit outside for a few minutes, every wine drinker should have a few options on hand for easy-drinking, summer sippers. Low-alcohol wines are crowd pleasers year-round, of course, but there’s something about hot summer days that make them especially appealing. Plus, these are the sorts of bottles that you don’t need to debate opening. You can simply uncork (or twist off) and enjoy.
Here, 10 of our favorite, easy-drinking summer wines.
Allan Hancock 2020 Albariño (Santa Barbara County); $14. Find at Wine-Searcher. These college students are cranking out extremely competitive wines, including this crisp take… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Hahn 2020 Pinot Gris (California); $15. Buy at Vivino. Refreshing and slightly crisp, this appealing and tangy wine shows citrus and green-apple flavors… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Iris Vineyards 2020 Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley); $16. Buy at Vivino. The aromas bring notes of flower and pink grapefruit. The flavors are broad with pleasing acidity… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Jean-Luc Colombo 2021 Cape Bleue Rosé (Mediterranée); $15. Buy at Vivino. A blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre sourced from vineyards outside of Marseille, this is a svelte… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Kendall-Jackson 2020 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay (California); $17. Buy at Wine.com. This medium bodied, barrel-fermented wine offers light, toasted oak aromas, attractive… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Nautilus 2021 Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough); $17. Buy at Vivino. The entry-level Sauvignon of this well-respected estate, it’s a creamy, fruity little number with boisterous peach… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Rack & Riddle NV Brut Sparkling (California); $13. Buy at Wine.com. An attractive, toasty aroma and a good sense of maturity give extra flavor emphasis to this… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Rodney Strong 2020 Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County); $17. Buy at Vivino. This wine has a fleshy roundness to it, balanced by moderate acidity. Melon, pineapple, pear… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Santa Carolina 2019 Carolina Reserva Carmenère (Cachapoal Valley); $10. Find at Wine-Searcher. This Carmenère is aromatic yet delicate. Plum, blackberry and tobacco are part of the bouquet… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Sunny with a Chance of Flowers 2020 Pinot Noir (Monterey); $17. Buy at Vivino. For being a wine that’s had its alcohol reduced, this Pinot Noir can grapple with “regular” wines… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
