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Summer is the perfect season for relaxed gatherings, outdoor dinners, and moments of sharing with friends and family. As temperatures rise, our palates naturally ask for fresh, light and well-balanced drinks. They call for Dízimos – because the right wine makes all the difference.
More than a choice of flavour, wine is a key element of the Mediterranean Diet (link to blog article), recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This way of living and eating values seasonal ingredients, shared meals and, of course, a glass of wine enjoyed with moderation.
In this guide, we’ll help you choose the ideal wine for summer, according to the different types of meals, using practical suggestions.
Light starters such as bruschettas, fresh cheeses, olives, and pâtés call for fresh, vibrant white wines. Dízimos Original 2021, with notes of tropical fruit and subtle minerality, is the perfect appetite awakener and an excellent mate to a wide variety of summer nibbles.
Fun Fact: many people wonder whether white wine should be served chilled or just fresh. The secret lies in the ideal temperature: between 8°C and 12°C for white wines, enhancing the acidity and fruity aromas.
Grilled fish is one of the most ordered dishes in the warm months. To complement it, prefer white wines with structure and freshness, such as Dízimos Reserva 2020. Elegant and persistent, this wine balances the juiciness of the fish with citrus and floral notes, making your summer meal truly special.
Tip: Never fill the glass to the top. Pour only a third of the way up the glass, this will help to maintain the ideal temperature of the wine and fully enjoy its aromas.
Fresh salads and vegetarian dishes call for light white wines with vibrant acidity and herbaceous notes. Dízimos Original 2021 is an excellent choice, its freshness and lightness perfectly complement raw vegetables, goat cheeses and lemon or herb based dressings.
Fun Fact: many people ask if fruit-based salads can go with white wine. The answer is yes, particularly with young, fruity white wines which bring out the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Grilled chicken, turkey or rabbit call for white wines with more body and complexity. Dízimos Reserva 2020 is the ideal one, as its structure and note of ripe fruit perfectly complement succulent white meats.
Serving tip: To serve white wine at the right temperature, place the bottle in the fridge about 20 minutes before serving or use a bucket of ice and water during the meal.
Light seafood pastas or seafood rice dishes call for fuller-bodied white wines, with mineral touches and persistence. Dízimos Teresa Single Vineyard 2020 is the right choice, with its complexity and elegance, harmonizing perfectly with seafood dishes and summer pastas.
Fun fact: did you know that the top of the glass of white wine should always be smaller than that of red? This helps to preserve the temperature and delicate aromas of the white wine.
Fresh summer desserts like mousses, fruit or sorbets call for sweet or semi-sweet white wines. While Dízimos focuses mainly on dry wines, for lighter desserts, Dízimos Original 2021 can be served very chilled, pairing nicely with fruit-based puddings and fresh cheeses.
Serving Tip: for sweeter desserts prefer liqueur or late harvest wines, best served between 6°C and 10°C.
For every summer meal to be truly memorable, choosing the right wine is just the beginning. It is essential to serve it at the ideal temperature and use accessories that enhance the whole experience. The right temperature boosts the aromas and flavours of the white wine, making it fresher and more tasty, while the proper tools help with both service and preservation, ensuring each glass of wine is enjoyed at its best.
Temperature is crucial to take advantage of the whole white wine potential. The ideal is to serve between 8°C and 12°C, depending on the style: light white wines are best between 8°C and 10°C and full-bodied between 10°C and 12°C. This temperature range enhances acidity and fruity flavours, making them perfect for fresh, summery dishes.
Serving the wine too cold can hide aromas and flavour, while serving it too warm allows the alcohol to dominate the palate.
Beyond choosing the right wine, the following accessories make all the difference when serving white wines in summer:
Ice bucket: keeps the wine at the perfect temperature throughout the meal. A handy tip: add some salt to the ice to help it last longer.
Quality corkscrew: a reliable two-stroke corkscrew is a practical and efficient option to open the bottle without frustration.
Proper wine glasses: white wine glasses should be smaller and narrower than red wine glasses in order to preserve both aroma and temperature.
Glass fill level: never exceed one-third of the glass for white wines, ensuring the wine doesn’t warm up too quickly.
Wine thermometer: a simple but effective way to ensure the wine is served at the ideal temperature.
Drop-stop: prevents the wine from dripping when serving, keeping your table linen clean and elegant.
Vacuum pump: removes the air from the bottle preserving wine’s life, keeping it fresh for future occasions.
Thermal bag: perfect for picnics or outdoor events, keeping your wine at the right temperature on the go.
Choosing the right wine for every summer meal is easier than it sounds. With Dízimos wines and these handy tips on temperature, glassware and accessories, you’ll be ready to impress your guests and enjoy summer to the most.
Try Dízimos Original 2021 for starters and salads, Dízimos Reserva 2020 for grilled fish and white meats and Dízimos Teresa Single Vineyard 2020 for seafood pasta and shellfish rice dishes. Always bear in mind, the correct serving temperature and the use of proper accessories are the key to make all white wine moment a unique and memorable summer experience.
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