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About Aromatic and Summer White Wines

“Aromatic Whites” and “Summer Whites” refers New World produced, aromatic, lighter-styled white varietals like riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot gris/grigio, sauvignon blanc, Muscat, chenin blanc, to name a few, where the level of alcohol is usually well under the 14% mark. They range from dry to off-dry in sweetness and tend to be a great compliment to carefree warmer weather sipping and spicier, Latin and Asian cuisines.

Top Picks for Aromatic and Summer White Wines

Weis Vineyards 2024  Sauvignon Blanc
96 points
$24
Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc typicity that over-delivers -- tarragon, lemongrass, lime skin, papaya on the nose with flavors of white peach and ripe pear, pus grapefruit and a hint of jalapeño, juicy sweet lemon, dried honey and honeydew melon.
Awards: 2025 New York Wine Classic - Best Sauvignon Blanc
Crowded House 2023  Sauvignon Blanc
95 points
$13
Best Buy
A spot-on example of a vibrant savory NZ Sauvignon Blanc with ample fruit, acidity, and versatility that refreshes the palate and begs for another sip, and another...
95 points $13 Best Buy
Topsail 2024  Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$15
Best Buy
A delightfully tropical and expressive NZ Sauvignon Blanc with mouthwatering acidity and a unique coconut note.
94 points $15 Best Buy
Acquilano Wine Cellars 2022  Riesling
94 points
$22
Riesling with electricity from start to finish, as sumptuously appealing as the ginger-pineapple-candied lime zest flavors are on their own as an aperitif, you will need a second bottle as you MUST have this with Peking Duck, a great marriage of tropical fruit and acidity.
Weis Vineyards 2023 Winzer Select A Riesling
94 points
$28
A honeyed, silky white which would be delicious sipped slowly and contemplatively.
Awards: 2025 New York Wine Classic - Best Riesling (Sweet)
Domaine Pascal Gibault 2023  Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$15
Best Buy
A lighter intensity of Sauvignon Blanc that still brings the range of fruits from orchard to tropical dashed with food friendly acidity and minerality; complex, pleasing, and an excellent example of the category.
94 points $15 Best Buy
Kirkland Signature 2022  Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$7
Best Buy
A+ for typicity; unmistakably Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
94 points $7 Best Buy
Taylors 2022 Promised Land Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$13
Best Buy
A genially herbal and fruit forward expression of Sauvignon Blanc; pair with pesto, salads, and light fish dishes.
94 points $13 Best Buy
La Playa 2025 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
93 points
$9
Best Buy
Crisp, lively Sauvignon Blanc with unapologetic herbal typicity of this food loving, sessionable white grape.
93 points $9 Best Buy
Wakefield 2025 Estate Label Riesling
93 points
$18
Best Buy
A rich and engaging Riesling with tempting and toothsome layers of flavor.
93 points $18 Best Buy