Best wines to try this summer

Serene summer experiences deserve to be paired with a delicious glass of wine. Here are our favourite McGuigan wines for you to enjoy in the warmer months.

18 Jan 2023

Summer is here. The smell of suntan lotion and sizzling barbecues, the sound of crashing waves at the beach and cheering on New Year’s Eve, and the feeling of warm sunshine and relaxation.

And nothing pairs better with these serene summer experiences than a delicious glass of wine.

But what to pick? There are no hard and fast rules for summertime wine time; however, some varietals lend themselves better to the season.

With this in mind, we’ve prepared a list of our favourite McGuigan wines for you to enjoy these holidays.

Top tips for picking the right wines this summer

Pick a wine that complements the occasion, setting and food. Brunch on Christmas morning or midnight madness on New Year’s Eve calls for a celebratory bottle of sparkling wine. Lunchtime feasting on a platter of fresh prawns and oysters pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of crisp and minerally white wine. Rosé is fantastic for any outdoor summer gathering, while a glass of red wine is delicious with a juicy steak right off the barbecue.
While some love the big and bold flavours of wine that has been aged in oak, most people tend to go for un-oaked wines in the warmer months as they tend to be less tannic, lighter in flavour and body and have crisp acidity - excellent for pairing with the fresh flavours of summer cuisine.
Summer days can encourage extended periods of socialising and sipping, so try and select wines with lower alcohol content (below 12% ABV). And remember to keep hydrated with water!

Best White Wines For Summer

There’s nothing like a crisp glass of white wine on a sunny afternoon. It’s a classic pairing for fresh seafood, sushi, salads, barbecue chicken, light pasta dishes, and herby and fragrant Asian cuisine.

McGuigan has a wonderful range of white wines that are perfect for summer. Here are some of our favourites.

2020 McGuigan Cellar Select Chenin Blanc: A beautifully balanced wine with refreshing acidity. Delicate aromas and flavours of pear, apple, quince and lemon zest. Drink it with a salad or light pasta, or sip it poolside all day long.
2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Clare Valley Riesling: Lifted floral aromas with hints of tea rose and orange blossom, vibrant citrus characters and a long, persistent finish. Pair it with herby and tangy Asian salads, a pot of steamed mussels, or enjoy it with the sweet and fruity delicate flavours of Pavlova.
2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Vermentino : Harvested from a premium vineyard in Southern NSW, this lively wine is bursting with green apple, fresh citrus and almond flavours. It has light tannins and a textural finish. Fantastic with grilled fish.
2018 McGuigan Cellar Select Tumbarumba Chardonnay: If you are after a white wine that is bolder in flavour, this distinctively cool climate Chardonnay has aromas of nettle and gooseberry combined with a palate featuring white melon, grapefruit and cashew nuts. It has a racy acidity that has a clean and refreshing finish. Enjoy with fresh prawns and creamy mayo or lobster mornay.

Best Sparkling Wines For Summer

Sparkling wine is the hero of any special occasion. The distinctive sound of a popping cork instantly sparks an air of celebration. It’s a good idea to have a few bottles of sparkling wine on hand this summer as it also pairs well with everything from fresh seafood, cheese and charcuterie appetisers, summer fruit, and light desserts.

McGuigan’s lively sparkling wines have been made to mark big milestones or everyday moments.

Check out our top picks below:

2021 McGuigan The Shortlist Premium Cuvée Sparkling: Premium Chardonnay with brilliant clarity, fine beads and balanced acidity, and displaying flavours of peach and lemon and nougat. An elegant and sophisticated sparkling wine perfect for celebrating.
2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Moscato: This refreshing Rosé style Moscato delivers juicy flavours of lychee and orange blossom, with a hint of spritz. Fantastic with brunch, as an aperitif, or with dessert.

Best Rosé Wines for Summer

A delicious glass of ice-cold pale pink Rosé demands to be enjoyed in the sunshine. Rosé is also incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with practically any summer dish, including seafood, salads, grilled vegetables, chicken, steak, antipasto, pizza and pasta.

Our award-winning McGuigan Rosé is one wine you’ll want on high rotation this summer.

2022 McGuigan Mastercraft Rosé: Shiraz and Tempranillo grapes were carefully selected to deliver this versatile wine with soft salmon hues, attractive floral notes, ripe raspberry freshness and a balanced dry finish. 2021 Winestate Magazine - 97 Points

Best Red Wines for Summer

Whether you are serving a traditional lamb or beef roast at Christmas or loading up the barbie with steak, sausages and chops, there is plenty of opportunity to open a delicious bottle of red this summer.

We suggest going for light-bodied, easy-drinking reds that are well-suited to serve slightly chilled at between 16-18 degrees.

Why not try out these fantastic McGuigan red wine options this summer?

2021 McGuigan Cellar Select Pinot Noir: Ripe red berry flavours, spicy French oak characters, firm tannins and considerable length. Pairs well with Christmas ham or turkey or grilled chicken.
2021 McGuigan Mastercraft Noon Harvest Merlot: A light and vibrant wine with flavours of cherry, candied raspberries and chocolate. Enjoy it with a juicy steak straight off the grill.
2021 McGuigan Mastercraft Tempranillo: Red berry aromas with subtle savoury notes complement the upfront juicy red fruits with vanilla bean and velvety tannins and a lingering finish. Perfect with pizza, pasta or antipasto. 2021 Winestate Magazine - 96 points.

Best non-alcoholic wines for Summer

With more people moderating their alcohol intake, whether it’s for lifestyle or health reasons, having an inclusive selection of non-alcoholic wine while entertaining this summer is a considerate touch.

Free from alcohol, but full in flavour, McGuigan Zero is our contemporary alcohol-free range that allows you to enjoy wine without the alcohol. Our wines are all grape-derived, with no artificial sweeteners or additives.

Give these varietals a go this summer.

McGuigan Zero Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc: Generous aromas of gooseberry and citrus fruits with a subtle grassy tone. This refreshing, full-flavoured Sauvignon Blanc delivers flavours of passionfruit and lime whilst finishing clean and crisp.
McGuigan Zero Alcohol Rosé: Aromatic and vibrant, the scent of garden flowers combine with fresh strawberries and citrus fruits. The palate is generous, with flavours of strawberries and pink grapefruit, leading to a crisp and refreshing finish.
McGuigan Zero Sparkling Rosé: Light red grape and strawberry fruit aromas with a hint of rose petal on the nose. Flavours of strawberries and pink grapefruit and a crisp, refreshing finish.

We can’t wait to host summer with you! Shop McGuigan’s range of summer wines today.