“Wine” Focus August 2025 - It’s too darned hot!

[David M. Bueker]

Of course when I thought of this is was 98 degrees. Now it’s 65 and pouring rain, but oh well.

It’s been really hot. 2024 was (again) the hottest year on record. Cl8mate Change is real despite what certain orange madmen say.

So what is your go-to when the thermometer is ready to blow its top? Is it some crisp white wine like Picpoul or Albariño, or a chillable red like Trousseau? Or do you go off piste and grab a non-wine alternative like a Pilsner or maybe a G&T?

Share your choices for really hot weather, even if you just stay inside, crank the AC, and drink a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

[Robin Garr]

Good topic! I generally default to good pink wines, most often Southern Rhone and Provence, as a symbolic middle finger raised toward the summer sun. I'm also more likely to enjoy chilled whites in summertime than winter. Chilled (not icy) beer or a G&T or Aperol spritz also work for sultry weather.

But thanks to the joys of modern heating and air conditioning technology, I drink whatever I want in any season, and I expect that's true for us all. Today, for instance, I'm writing about a Seghesio Sonoma Zin that weighed in at 15% and went just fine on a 90º-plus summer day. I did pop it into the fridge just long enough to bring it down to approximately cellar temp, and I think that made it a little more refreshing. TNs later!

[David M. Bueker]

I've been putting reds in the fridge for 30 minutes all summer. Then they come up to proper temp in the glass quite quickly.

I've been putting reds in the fridge for 30 minutes all summer. Then they come up to proper temp in the glass quite quickly.

And then do they go past proper temp?! I often have to return to the refrigerator for a bit.

[David M. Bueker]

I've been putting reds in the fridge for 30 minutes all summer. Then they come up to proper temp in the glass quite quickly.

And then do they go past proper temp?! I often have to return to the refrigerator for a bit.

Yep. Back and forth.

Not hot here in north western France! We had some early temperature spikes in May and June but July has been mostly cool (barely 20°C) and quite often overcast with northerly winds. Further south it is much warmer and my son in Finland has just been enjoying a spell of temperatures over 30°C. Strange patterns!

[Jenise]

Same here, Tim, in the Pacific Northwest. Temps in the low 70's now, and no day over 90 so far this summer.

My go-to hot weather wine is the Viognier from Cline Family Cellars.

-Paul W.

I really enjoyed this Piquepoul, rep pouring downtown.
2024 Bruno Lafon Lucy in the Sky Piquepoul Vin de France.
Clear color with hints of green is followed by lemon and lime and citrus nose. Tart fruit on the palate with notes of plump peach, pineapple, and citrus fruits. Round with a crisp finish and a touch of salinity. $22 Cdn

[Jenise]

Haven't seen that one here but I do love me some Picpoul. One WA winery is making one but it doesn't have the zesty verve of the French original.