What are summer wines? ☀️🍷

Dear wine lovers,

Summer is just around the corner and with it the perfect opportunities to enjoy refreshing wines.

What are summer wines?

Summer wines are wines that are particularly well-suited to warm temperatures and summer activities. They are typically characterized by certain qualities that make them a refreshing choice for hot days. Typical characteristics of summer wines include:

1. Light and fresh aromas : Summer wines often have fruity, floral or citrus aromas that are pleasant and not too heavy.

2. Low alcohol content : They often have a lower alcohol content, which makes them lighter and more pleasant to drink without being too heavy in hot weather.

3. High acidity : The wines often have a pronounced acidity, which gives them a crisp and refreshing quality.

4. Served chilled : Summer wines are usually served well chilled, which enhances their refreshing qualities.

Typical summer wines are:

• White wines : Light, fresh white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio or Verdejo.
• Rosé wines : These wines are very popular in summer due to their light fruitiness and refreshing nature.
• Light red wines : Some light red wines such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can also be drunk well chilled and are therefore suitable as summer wines.
• Sparkling wines : Prosecco, Cava or other sparkling wines are also refreshing options for summer.
• Vinho Verde : A variant that is grown specifically in Portugal.
  Green wine, literally translated, is made from grapes that are not fully ripe.
  Vinho Verde is the name given to a Portuguese wine that is harvested young and is therefore not very sweet, has little alcohol content and is naturally carbonated.

Choosing the right summer wine

Choosing the right summer wine depends on several factors, including personal preference, the meal you're planning, and the occasion. Here are some tips to help you choose the ideal summer wine:

1. Preferred type of wine :

   • White wines : Light, fruity and sparkling white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio or Albariño are ideal for summer.
   • Rosé wines : Fresh, fruity rosé wines are perfect for warm days and go well with a variety of dishes.
   • Light red wines : If you prefer red wine, choose lighter varieties such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, which can be served slightly chilled.
   • Sparkling wines : Prosecco, Cava or other sparkling wines offer a refreshing option and are great for special occasions.

2. Taste preferences :

   • Fruity : If you like fruity wines, look for wines with aromas of citrus, berries or stone fruit.
   • Dry or sweet : Decide whether you prefer a dry, medium-dry, or sweeter wine. Dry wines are often more refreshing, while sweeter wines can pair well with desserts.
   • Acidity : Wines with higher acidity are often more refreshing and go well with summer dishes.

3. Suitable dishes :

   • Seafood and fish : A light white wine or rosé goes well with grilled fish and seafood.
   • Grilled dishes : A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a stronger rosé can go well with grilled meat and vegetables.
   • Salads and light dishes : A fresh white wine or a dry rosé is ideal for salads and light summer dishes.

4. Opportunity :

   • Picnic : A sparkling white wine or rosé in a practical screw cap is ideal for a picnic in the park.
   • Barbecue party : Choose versatile wines that go well with a variety of barbecue dishes, such as a fruity rosé or a light red wine.
   • Relaxing on the terrace : A chilled sparkling wine or a fresh white wine is perfect for relaxing on a warm summer evening.

5. Temperature :

   • Be sure to chill the wine thoroughly before serving. White and rosé wines should be served at around 8-12°C, while lighter red wines can be enjoyed slightly chilled at around 12-16°C.
     
     
     
     

What do DAO and DOC mean?

"DAO" and "DOC" are designations that refer to specific regions of origin and quality categories of wines.

1. DAO (Dao) :

   • Origin : Dão is a wine region in Portugal, located in the north-central part of the country. The region is known for its high-quality red and white wines.
   • Characteristics : Wines from the Dão region are often full-bodied and complex, with good structure and ageing potential. Red wines are primarily made from native grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Alfrocheiro, and Jaen (Mencia). White wines are often based on the Encruzado, Bical, and Malvasia Fina varieties.
   • Quality : Dão wines have a good reputation for their quality and are often more elegant and less powerful than some other Portuguese wines.

2. DOC (Denominação de Origine Controlada / Denominazione di Origine Controllata) :

   • Meaning : DOC is a quality designation used in both Portugal (Denominação de Origem Controlada) and Italy (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). It corresponds to the French AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée).
   • Purpose : This designation guarantees that the wine comes from a specific geographical area and has been produced according to strict production regulations. These regulations include the grape varieties used, the cultivation method, the yield per hectare, and the winemaking methods.
   • Quality : Wines with the DOC designation must meet certain quality standards and are often considered to be of higher quality.

In summary, "Dão" refers to a specific wine region in Portugal, while "DOC" is a general designation of quality and origin used in both Portugal and Italy to identify high-quality wines from defined geographical areas.