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 - 2025 Best Sauvignon Blanc
Weis Vineyards 2024 Winzer Select A Riesling
95 points
$28
The archetypal Riesling that put NY State Vinifera on the map, hard to set your glass down once you take your first swirl and sip — this will take your cheese and charcuterie platter to the stratosphere.
Awards: 2026 New York Wine Classic - Best Riesling (Sweet)
Cielo 2025  Pinot Grigio
95 points
$9
Best Buy
Bright, dry, fruity and floral, all at the same time — you will want another bottle on ice as this is so balanced your cocktail wine will be what you want with dinner.
95 points $9 Best Buy
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...
Awards: 2025 Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
95 points $13 Best Buy
Weis Vineyards 2025  Sauvignon Blanc
94 points
$24
Best Buy
Zippy and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with loads of lemongrass, arugula, nectarine and citrus — a tangy white to open your palate and invite you to the table.
Awards: 2026 New York Wine Classic - Best Sauvignon Blanc
94 points $24 Best Buy
Filkins Vineyards 2024  Riesling
94 points
$25
Best Buy
Off-dry and vivaciously aromatic, packed with crisp acidity and wet stone minerality to balance the pineapple and melon fruit, this Riesling will be a champion from socializing through dinner.
Awards: 2026 Taste Michigan Governor's Cup - Governor's Case Winner
94 points $25 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)
Weis Vineyards 2024  Gewurztraminer
93 points
$22
Best Buy
This friendly Gewurz shows a touch of fun and a touch of serious — equally appropriate for light appetizers and summer bonfires.
93 points $22 Best Buy