There’s nothing better than sipping a chilled summer wine by the pool or with dinner in the hot months, but there are so many options to choose from that it can get overwhelming. How do you know which are the best for the warmer season?
Sommelier, private wine cellar curator, August 2000 Playmate Of The Month, and former Playboy Playmate Summer Altice shares her top five summer wine recommendations that you should try this summer.
Altice is a well respected Sommelier based in Los Angeles and works as a private cellar manager to many well-known celebrities and athletes. She received her certification in March of 2015.
North Canterbury Orange, Pyramid Valley Vineyards
Year: 2023
Winemaker: Huw Kinch
Blend: 62% Pinot Gris, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 14% Pinot Noir, 1% Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Viognier
The North Canterbury Orange (skin contact white wine) from New Zealand is a blend of four vineyards sustainably farmed and free of artificial chemicals or fertilizers. It is primarily whole bunch fermented for 12 to 24 days in open top fermenters with a small amount of Blanc de Noir pressings added during fermentation. It is then aged in concrete Tulipes, clay amphora and old barrels for six months without SO2 before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: An explosion of flavor hits your mouth with spices and orange rind. It has soft, fine tannins that coat the mouth leaving a savory and palatable finish.
“A great match with aromatic dishes, this is the perfect wine for a hot summer day at the beach or by the pool,” says Altice. “It’s a stunning representation of natural wine made by one of the best biodynamic wine producers in the southern hemisphere. We have an absolutely amazing deal with the discount, so make sure to grab a few and stock up.”
Buy it here: MSRP $40
Exclusive Discount Code: Playboy15 will give you 15% off your purchase of 3 or more bottles
Leslie Rose, Frank Family Vineyards
Year: 2023
Winemaker: Todd Graff
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
This wine is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Napa’s Carneros region. The climate in Carneros creates optimal growing conditions for Pinot Noir, and thus produces incredible rosés. The 2023 vintage is well balanced with bright acidity allowing the flavors of the region to shine through.
“I am not usually a Napa Rose drinker, but this wine had me at hello!” says Altice. “It is so beautifully done, and my only issue is they make limited quantities of it and it can sell out, so get yours as soon as possible!”
Tasting Notes: This light Provençal style rosé of Pinot Noir is pleasure personified. Peach and wild strawberry aromas are escorted by vibrant flavors of white nectarine and zingy citrus on the palate. There’s a beautiful depth and elegance to this wine, accompanied by freshness and energy. It finishes with a mouthwatering minerality for a clean, long dry finish.
Buy it here: MSRP $50
Exclusive Discount Code: SUMMER24 will extend 15% savings on first time purchases
Smith & Sheth CRU Sauvignon Blanc Wairau
Year: 2022
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
This wine is created from mature vines from the stony soils around Marlborough’s Renwick township blended with select parcels from a heritage vineyard in Dillons Point and a hillside vineyard in the Southern Valley. On the palette and vivid aromas of blackcurrant leaf, lime, and meadow flowers. It has a complex, energetic palate of citrus, white peach and elderflower with a lovely weight finishing with a distinctive briney mineral character.
“The 2022 Cru Wairau Sauvignon Blanc is very good. Svelte and electric, the wine straddles the difficult line between classy and exuberant. With plenty of flavor, nice powdery phenolics and persistent drive, this is pleasurable and elegant. Cool,” said Erin Larkin, Robert Parker The Wine Advocate.
“This is my favorite Sauv Blanc to drink at any time, with or without food,” adds Altice. “One of my clients calls this her ‘house water’ and goes through a case a month. Buy as much as you can with the discount because you will need a few on hand at all times.”
Buy it here: MSRP $25
Exclusive Discount Code: Playboy15 will give you 15% off your purchase of 3 or more bottles
Three By Wade Chenin Blanc
Year: 2022
Winemaker/Label: Matt Naumann, Wade Cellars
The 2022 Three by Wade Chenin Blanc comes from organically farmed vines in Clarksburg, California. It is fermented with 100% native yeast and aged in 30% neutral French oak and 70% stainless steel.
Tasting notes: On the nose, this wine has aromas of jasmine and fresh lemon, while the palate has notes of ripe pear with a clean bright finish.
“Why Chenin Blanc? I just love its bright acidity and the wine’s natural weighty texture,” says Altice. “This wine is so wonderful to drink. Dwyane and his team really knocked it out of the park with this wine. It’s something affordable, yet elegant and refreshing.”
Buy it here: MSRP $20
Exclusive Discount Code: Playboy24 will give you 10% off Chenin Blanc
Domaine Fourrier Bourgogne Rouge
Year: 2021
Winemaker: Jean-Marie Fourrier
One of the shining stars today in Gevrey-Chambertin, Fourrier became collectible following the ascension of Jean-Marie in 1994. His vision matched his experiences of working with Domaine Drouhin (Oregon) and with the legendary Henri Jayer, transforming the once-rustic wines of the estate into bottles of unparalleled elegance.
Tasting notes: The 2021 Bourgogne Rouge vintage offers a wonderful blend of red berries, earthy notes, and subtle spice, making it a versatile and approachable introduction to Burgundy’s best red wines. Perfect for the afternoon of a warm summer day. Serve slightly chilled.
“I personally visited with Jean-Marie and his family in September of 2021 in Burgundy and was able to try his many esteemed wines, the Bourgogne Rouge included. This bottle is a beautiful introduction to the beauty of his wines. Limited quantities are available,” says Altice.
Buy it here: MSRP $62.99