In a search for great summer sippers, our experts tasted dozens of white wines and found several that were very good and more that were good. All of the very good choices cost $20 or less; one is a Consumer Reports Best Buy at $6 per bottle.
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The types
Pinot grigio (in Italty) or pinot gris (in France and the U.S.) tends to be simple, as wines go. White blends are, for the most part, lean, delicate, and more subtle than other fruity white wines. Both types are refreshing, thirst-quenching, and palate-cleansing, which makes them a perfect choice for a summer day.
They are often consumed alone or paired with light snacks such as cheese and crackers or veggies and dip, or with simply prepared seafood, sushi, or lighter pasta dishes.
Check our reviews of more than a dozen red and white wines, from cabernet sauvignon to white blends.
Our recommended pinot grigio, Ca Montini ($15), has floral, apple, and grassy flavors and is dry. Among the four recommended white blends, 14 Hands has hints of tropical fruit, juicy fruit, apple, and ripe peachy notes.
Bottom line
Check our wine Ratings for a white blend or pinot grigio that sounds good to you. As you read, note that "structure" in white wines is a combination of alcohol, sweetness, and acid; "nose" is what you taste, which can be very different from nose.
All of the white blends are 2012 vintage. A newer vintage of the same wine should taste quite similar, but be careful when buying an older one because most whites are best consumed within a year or so.
A version of this article also appeared in the July 2014 issue of Consumer Reports.
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