As the scorching summer heat bears down on us, there's nothing quite as refreshing and satisfying as a chilled glass of wine. Imagine sipping a crisp and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc and feeling a wave of coolness and relaxation to the end of a long day. In this story of wine reviews, we will explore some super cool summer sips sure to delight your taste buds and help you beat the summer blues. From refreshing sparkling and still whites – with one elegant red in the mix, these wines are the perfect companions for a lazy afternoon by the pool or a lively backyard barbecue. So, grab your glass and follow this mouthwatering journey through the tantalizing world of summer wines. Be sure to read through to #10 as it's a fan favorite.

#1 - Berlucchi Franciacorta ’61 Extra Brut, Italy

A sparkling wine of Italy that is not Prosecco means that the Glera grape – the grape of Prosecco – was not used in production. In fact, Chardonnay, and a bit of Pinot Nero (also known as Pinot Noir) is the blend to make this elegant sparkling wine that earned 90 Wine Spectator points. The sight of tiny, delicate bubbles dancing in the glass is like watching a fizzy ballet performance. It's so enticing, you can't help but take a sip. But first, take in the delicate aromas of apricot and brioche. Next, taste the dryness of this Extra Brut with a touch of residual sweetness that keeps your taste buds on their toes. The flavors of fresh citrus, pear, and a hint of almond enhance the velvety texture as if the wine is whispering, "Relax, indulge, and let me take you on a journey." Bottle price: $32

#2 – Kebrilla FINA 2022 Grillo – Sicily, Italy

A white Italian wine with zip would best describe this Grillo of Sicily. Made with organic Grillo grapes – the most popular white grape varietal in Sicily, this dry, savory white is produced in Western Sicily near the coast facing the island of Mozia. You can taste the salinity of the ocean in every sip, along with peach and passionfruit. You’ll want to pair this with fresh cheeses. Bottle price: $15

Bonus review: During a wine tasting of Sicilia DOC wines, held at Porto Restaurant in Boston, a Stemmari “Grillo” Sicilia DOC 2022 proved to be a stunning representation of this Grillo grape. Its beautiful bouquet of brioche, honeysuckle, and a touch of minerality led to a sip of buttery texture, thanks to the production of time spent on the lees. Bottle price: $8

#3 – Justin 2022 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California

The bottle describes the palate with tastes of tangy Meyer lemon, ripe peach, quince, and a hint of smooth vanilla. Upon sipping this Chardonnay, stone fruits and ripe golden apples with a bit of flint were more in line with the taste – it’s all subjective, right? Whatever you decide about the taste, know that this bottle of Justin is the perfect choice to add a bit of sunshine to a gloomy day. Its crisp acidity is balanced by the rich creaminess of texture – like biting into a lemon tart topped with a dollop of whipped cream blanketed with a bit of vanilla. Take a bottle for a picnic gathering or enjoy a glass while watching the sunset from your porch. Bottle price: $38

#4 – LangeTwins 2023 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, California

What to pair with a Peruvian-spiced chicken dish? How about this LangeTwins white wine, produced in a pristine, certified-sustainable vineyard on the Merrill Vineyard located along the Sacramento River Clarksburg AVA.

First things first, let's talk about the aroma of ripe tropical fruits, like juicy pineapple and luscious mango. It's like taking a stroll through a fruit market. On the palate, sweetness and acidity add balance with a refreshing and lively experience of ripe yellow apple and grapefruit, complemented by a subtle ginger and honey on the palate. The crisp mouthfeel and refreshing minerality and balanced acidity reflect the wine’s origins in the Clarksburg AVA on the Sacramento River, with its maritime influence. Bottle price: $27

#5 – Saint-Péray 2022 Fleur de Roc, Cave de Tain, Northern Rhône Valley, France

This Northern Rhône Valley white wine has a bit of a kick in its step. It’s blend of 97% Marsanne and 3% Roussane grapes grown in limestone soil attribute to its minerality in full throttle, with flavors of orange peel and stone fruits. Best served with goat cheese before dinner. Bottle Price: $24

#6 – Charles Krug 2023 Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley, California

I recently had the pleasure of unscrewing the cap to savor a bottle of Charles Krug 2023 Chardonnay from the esteemed Carneros region, and I must say, it was an absolute delight. Upon pouring, the Chardonnay revealed a beautiful golden hue, hinting at its elegance and complexities. The nose was incredibly enticing, with notes of ripe tropical fruits, such as pineapple and mango mingling with hints of toasted brioche. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a luscious and silky texture that coats the mouth delicately. The flavors are bright and bursting with flavors of juicy green apple, lemon curd, and a touch of honeydew melon. The complexity of the fruit is enhanced by a well-integrated oak profile, adding nuances of caramel and hazelnut. The acidity is perfectly balanced, providing a refreshing and clean finish that lingers delightfully in this fruit-forward white wine. Bottle price: $26

When a wine is this good, it’s interesting to learn what food pairing is recommended, and why not take it from the top; that is the proprietor of Charles Krug:

#7 – Theorem Vineyards 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, California

The Moon Mountain District AVA that straddles the Napa/Sonoma County line outside the city limits of Calistoga and is situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet, offering unparalleled terroir that gives the Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown here a distinctive character. The proof is in the tasting, and wow, what a luxurious tasting wine this is – the first sip dances on the palate with the elegance of a ballerina and the charm of a Shakespearean sonnet. The alcohol by volume is a whopping 14%, which is pretty high for a white wine. Also interesting to note is the aging of this gem includes 33% neutral French oak, 33% stainless steel, and 33% concrete.

Although Theorem Vineyards is located outside the city limits of Calistoga, these Sauvignon Blanc grapes are sourced from Moon Mountain District, where the cool coastal breezes and copious sunshine creates the perfect conditions for producing a standout wine. Additionally, the volcanic soils add a mineral complexity, and the mountainous terrain allows for exceptional drainage that attributes to a Sauvignon Blanc that bursts with creamy texture and flavors of honeydew melon, citrus, and a hint of freshly cut grass. Order your lobster roll and a bottle, the latter priced at $38 and only available by contacting the winery direct: info@theoremvineyards.com

But wait, there’s more!

In addition to wine, two custom-created candles are available, candles meant to evoke the unique scents and sensations of Theorem Vineyards and Theorem Ranch. This luxury candle collection (2 candles) also includes custom Theorem matches. $120

#8 – Chandon Brut, California

An affordable, approachable bubbly adventure awaits with the opening of a Chandon Brut! This effervescent darling from sunny California is just the ticket for a fabulous soirée or a little self-indulgence on a Tuesday evening. With the first sip, Chandon Brut unveils a captivating blend of crisp apple, zesty citrus, and delicate hints of pear. And the floral notes… like a garden of blossoms on your tongue!

Pair with Wellfleet oysters, bruschetta, or a lemon tart, and you've got a match made in heaven. The versatility of this sparkling beauty is unparalleled, making it the perfect companion for any occasion. Bottle price: $19

#9 – Castel Giocondo 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

When you’re enjoying a nice Italian red sauce dish or braised dishes – and Tuscan grilled steak, a glass of Brunello di Montalcino is the perfect swoon-worthy wine pairing. Sipping this Castel Giocondo wine is like having an Italian opera serenading your taste buds. From the first sip, you’ll be transported to the beautiful region of Montalcino, where rolling hills meet vineyards drenched in the warm Tuscan sun.

This deep, ruby color wine starts off with a nose of ripe cherries, violets, and juicy plums before the first sip coats the palate with velvety smoothness. The wine unravels layers upon layers of flavors, with lush blackberries, red currants, and a touch of exotic spices, including cardamom and licorice. This wine has an impeccable structure and balance with refined tannins – and a dark chocolate finish with a bit of tobacco. Bottle price: $89.99 on Wine.com

#10 – Flora Springs 2023 Soliloquy, Napa Valley, California

If you’re hankering for a one-wine show that captures your attention and leaves you spellbound, you’ll want to grab a bottle of Soliloquy, one of a pair of Flora Spring’s flagship wines, and the name of the clone used for this Sauvignon Blanc grape. Soft notes of honeysuckle and vanilla seduce the senses, while elegant mango and citrus – and a finish of butterscotch brings elegance full circle. Blended with a bit of Malvasia (jasmine notes!) and Chardonnay creaminess and pear on the palate, this is an excellent white wine for summer sipping – on its own or with summer dishes such as grilled chicken with fresh rosemary sprigs or seared scallops. The story behind Soliloquy deserves a standing ovation: this clone made its debut in 1989 in Napa Valley’s Crossroads Vineyard in the Oakville AVA as a singular unique grape to Flora Springs. And then the vines became diseased shortly thereafter and it took nearly a decade for the Flora Springs viticultural crew to reincarnate this stellar clone from what was salvaged. For more info on the life and trials of this clone, grab a glass and watch! Bottle price: $70

Charlene Peters, a.k.a. Sip Tripper, is a wine and travel writer who authored "Travel Makes Me Hungry," a tale of travels and indigenous recipes.