If you’re like most of us wine lovers who tend to drink more white wine during summer months, this post is for you. Even though I consider myself more of a red wine drinker, I can’t resist seeking out new and exciting white wines when outside temperatures start rising.

My name is Michael Gallo. I’m a wine manager at our Cary, North Carolina store. Let’s take a brief look at five fun and exciting wines that are a must-try before you take down the umbrella and bring in the chairs.

Hugues De Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2012

From Picpoul de Pinet, one of the top villages in the appellation of Coteaux du Languedoc in the south of France, the Hugues De Beauvignac Picpoul is a crisp and refreshing white wine with lots to offer. A light-bodied wine with an inviting nose, delicious citrus fruit flavors on the palate and nicely balanced acidity. A perfect wine for a porch-sipper or backyard get-together. Enjoy with a variety of seafood dishes, fresh green salads and grilled fish or chicken.

Wine Snapshot:
Country: France, Region: Languedoc-Roussillion, Grape Varietal: Picpoul

Cantine di Dolianova Dolia Vermentino di Sardegna 2011

Off the west coast of Italy and south of the island of Corsica is the island region of Sardinia (Sardegna). Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea where the grape variety Vermentino is widely grown. Made from the Vermentino grape, this lovely white wine has a very floral nose with crisp citrus fruit flavors on the palate. Balanced acidity and a refreshing finish complete the wine. Serve with seafood dishes, grilled fish and garden fresh green salads.

Wine Snapshot:
Country: Italy, Region: Sardinia, Grape Varietal: Vermentino

Palma Real Rueda Verdejo 2012

Located in north-central Spain, northwest of the capital city of Madrid, is the wine region of Rueda. This region is known for high quality white wines made from the grape varietal Verdejo. The Palma Real Rueda Verdejo is a delightful example of wine from the region. If you’re a Sauvignon Blanc fan like I am, you will appreciate the flavor profile of this wine. Fresh and clean on the palate, with tropical fruit flavors, crisp acidity and pleasant mouthfeel. This is a light-bodied and refreshing wine with mineral notes and a lingering finish. Enjoy with shrimp tacos, grilled fish and light pasta salads.

Wine Snapshot:
Country: Spain, Region: Rueda, Grape varietal: Verdejo

Winzer Krems Gruner Veltliner Ried Sandgrube 2011

It is well documented in trade publications that Grüner Veltliner has become a go-to white wine for sommeliers and wine and food pairing enthusiasts. Grüner Veltliner is another alternative to Chardonnay and can offer a distinctive spiciness and complexity. A great way to explore the signature grape of Austria is with the Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner 2011. The wine, with its citrus fruit and floral nose, has interesting complexity and stone fruit flavors on the palate. It is medium-bodied with notes of spice on the finish. Enjoy with lobster tails, cream-based pasta dishes and Asian-fusion cuisine.

Wine Snapshot:
Country: Austria, Region: Kremstal, Grape Varietal: Grüner Veltliner

Greek Wine Cellars Assyrtiko Santorini 2012

Our final stop on this summer whites tour is on the Greek island of Santorini. Greece is the original wine-producing country in Europe, and one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. One of the three major white wine grapes of Greece, and the grape used in this featured wine, is Assyrtiko (Ah seer’ tee ko). Assyritko is an indigenous grape varietal and is widely planted in the volcanic soil of Santorini. The two other major white wine grapes are Moschofilero (Mos ko fee’ le ro) and Roditis (Ro gee’ tees). Best served with Mediterranean cuisine, the GWC Assyntiko is an elegant wine with crisp clean fruit flavors on the palate and pleasant acidity. The wine has an interesting minerality to it and a palate cleansing finish. The GWC Assyrtiko is nice introduction to the wines of Greece.

Wine Snapshot:
Country: Greece, Region: Santorini, Grape Varietal: Assyrtiko