In a perfect world, we’d spend every day of summer like the French do: moving slower, soaking up the sun, and, of course, savoring glass after glass of thirst-quenching white wine. While we can’t technically spend our entire summer on the luscious sands of southern France, we can drink like we do. We’ve rounded up five mouthwatering bottles of white to have you drinking like the French in no time. Grab your sun hat, chaise, and favorite glass of white and get ready to sip a little more French this summer season.
Domaine La Grange Tiphaine ‘Trinqu’âmes’ Sauvignon 2016
When it comes to quality-to-price ratio, the Loire Valley is one of the best you’re gonna get. Rich in affordable, delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine is where it’s at for the French. Look no further than this organically farmed bottle by Domaine La Grange, aged on its lees for four to five months. Average Price: $21
Pascal Janvier Jasnières 2016
When we said we were obsessed with the Loire, we weren’t kidding, and the French are, too. Jasnieres might just be one of the most underrated appellations in the entire Loire Valley. The Chenin here grows in limestone-clay soils, producing insanely drinkable wines of honeyed fruit flavors, balanced by crisp acidity. Average Price: $19
Patrick Piuze ‘Terroir de Courgis’ Chablis 2016
The French swear by their Chablis, and it’s no mystery why. Zippy, high-acid whites from Burgundy go with basically every situation: aperitifs by the pool, seafood platters, late-nights with friends… the list goes on. Self-proclaimed Chardonnay haters, let this bottle change your mind. Average Price: $25
Château Carbonnieux Blanc 2015
Believe it or not, Bordeaux doesn’t just make big reds. In fact, some of the most refreshing whites on the planet come from this celebrated region. The blends are comprised of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with the former providing acidity and backbone and the latter providing gorgeous, fuller-bodied fruit flavors. Don’t miss this gem from Pessac-Leognan. Average Price: $44
Domaine de l’Ecu ‘Granite’ 2015
What would summer be without a good ol’ bottle of Muscadet? Needless to say, Domaine de l’Ecu’s ‘Granite’ is a classic staple. Comprised of the Melon de Bourgogne grape, wines from Muscadet are known for their lees aging, giving them a serious textured complexity. The region’s briny, Atlantic influence makes the wines perfect for pairing with oysters, shellfish, and whatever else you feel like adding to your shellfish tower. Average Price: $22
