Move Over Limoncello Spritz
Spritzes had their moment. Seltzers had their fling. Even the Midori revival came and went. But this summer, the drink of the season doesn’t come from a shaker - it comes from a cellar.
At DiVino, we’re seeing what sommeliers across Europe already know: people want refreshing alcoholic drinks that feel real - not fizzy, flavoured sugar water. They want summer in a bottle wine - light, dry, and full of personality.
So here’s your guide to the best summer wines to drink when the weather hits 30°. Real European wines that deliver flavour, freshness, and a little escapism - without the fuss.
ROSÉ
1. Loire Valley Rosé (France) – For those over Provence
If you’ve been drinking Provence rosé for years, this is your next step. Loire rosés are just as dry but have a little more texture - meaning they actually stand up to food. They’re what the French locals drink at lunch instead of white wine.
Tastes like: Provence rosé, but with a touch more red fruit and savoury depth.
Pairs with: seafood, roast chicken, and summer picnic spreads.
2. Bandol Rosé (Provence, France) – The real deal from the Riviera
Bandol is a small seaside region between Marseille and Toulon that quietly produces France’s most serious rosés. Made from Mourvèdre, these wines have more structure, spice, and richness than the pale pinks you’ll find in beach clubs. This is the summer rosé wine that makes you rethink rosé entirely.
Tastes like: a fuller-bodied version of Provence rosé, closer to a light Pinot Noir.
Pairs with: grilled fish, olives, and Mediterranean-style dishes.
3. Puglian Rosato (Italy) – The dark horse
Puglia’s deep-pink rosatos might look sweet, but they’re anything but. These southern Italian wines are dry, full-bodied, and built for long lunches. Once you’ve had one with grilled seafood or pasta, it’s hard to go back.
Tastes like: similar to a dry Grenache rosé, but with more richness and sun.
Pairs with: seafood pastas, antipasti, or even barbecue.
WHITE
4. Falanghina (Campania, Italy) – The taste of the Amalfi coast
In southern Italy, where lemons hang over the sea and lunch stretches all afternoon, Falanghina is the local staple. It’s the wine that makes everything - seafood, sunshine, company - taste better. Full-bodied yet refreshing, it’s perfect for anyone tired of bland whites.
Tastes like: Pinot Grigio, but with more flavour and texture.
Pairs with: seafood, caprese salads, and long, lazy lunches.
5. Vermentino (Sardinia, Italy) – The island white that tastes like freedom
Sardinia lives at its own pace - long lunches, late dinners, and always a bottle of Vermentino nearby. Grown near the sea, it’s fresh and slightly savoury, perfect with simple, coastal food.
Tastes like: Sauvignon Blanc, but softer and more mineral.
Pairs with: grilled prawns, clams, or Mediterranean-style salads.
6. Petit Chablis (Burgundy, France) – The cool, effortless French one
Petit Chablis is what you drink when you want something crisp, clean, and undeniably French. Made from Chardonnay, it’s lighter than the famous Chablis (and cheaper) but still elegant - the kind of wine that never goes out of style.
Tastes like: a refined, unoaked Chardonnay.
Pairs with: oysters, prawns, sashimi, or anything fresh and simple.
7. Vouvray (Loire Valley, France) – Chenin Blanc with heart and soul
Vouvray is France’s answer to “something different but still familiar.” Made from Chenin Blanc from the Vourvay region within the Loire Valley, it has the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc with a softer, more rounded texture. It’s versatile, food-friendly, and quietly impressive.
Tastes like: a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.
Pairs with: roast chicken, creamy cheeses, and light seafood dishes.
RED
8. Beaujolais (France) – The red you chill
Beaujolais is the go-to summer red wine - light, juicy, and perfect served slightly chilled. It’s what the French drink when it’s too hot for Cabernet. Once you try it cold, you’ll never look at red wine the same way again.
Tastes like: Pinot Noir, but fresher and lighter.
Pairs with: charcuterie, barbecue, or picnic food.
9. Frappato (Sicily, Italy) – The floral island red
Frappato comes from Sicily’s sun-soaked south and feels tailor-made for warm weather. It’s light enough to chill, with just enough structure to make it feel serious. The locals drink it with tuna, pasta, or anything straight off the grill.
Tastes like: a lighter-style Pinot Noir with a touch of Mediterranean warmth.
Pairs with: tomato pasta, grilled tuna, or antipasto.
BUBBLES
10. Crémant de Bourgogne (Burgundy, France) – The French fizz for every occasion
Made the same way as Champagne but from the Loire Valley, Crémant de Bourgogne is made traditional method (the same way that Champagne is made) and delivers everything you want - elegance, freshness, and a French accent - for a fraction of the price. It’s what you open when you want to celebrate nothing in particular.
Tastes like: Champagne, but softer and more approachable.
Pairs with: oysters, sushi, or potato chips and conversation.
The Final Pour
Forget the cocktail lists and complicated syrups. This summer is about simplicity - real wine, real regions, and that easy European feeling. Loire instead of limoncello. Bandol instead of bubbles-in-a-can. Falanghina instead of fizz.
Because summer in a bottle isn’t a trend - it’s a way of drinking that’s easy, elegant, and full of life. If you’re looking for the perfect summer wine, shop the collection now at DiVino.com.au, or get in touch at hello@divino.com.au - we’ll be more than happy to help you find your bottle of European sunshine.