Aperitifs: the perfect wines to refresh summer evenings

From the moment it was born - millennia ago - wine has never been just a drink, but has symbolised so much more. Within a glass of white, red or rosé wine, one can find the essence of conviviality, the beauty of being together and sharing an enjoyable experience. This is why wine is often the protagonist of aperitifs, also occasions for social gatherings.

During the warm season the opportunities for fun and tasty happy hours multiply, between trendy clubs and beachside gatherings. Here are the best wines for a summer aperitif!

How did the aperitif come about?

The ancient Romans were forerunners of many customs. It is to them that the first traces of the aperitif can be attributed, when - during banquets - they used to offer diners an alcohol-based drink to prepare their stomachs for the actual meal. The name itself - aperitivus - in fact described something that 'opened' the evening.

It is, however, thanks to modernity that the aperitif took on the characteristics we know today, when the newborn Vermouth, invented by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin, became so popular as an evening drink that it also contributed to the spread of the aperitif itself as a worldly custom. Vermouth was not, however, the only protagonist of these evenings, which welcomed the most varied types of long and short drinks, as well as beers and wines, the latter becoming increasingly popular in both gourmet and more rustic aperitifs.

Aperitif wines: what are the characteristics?

Not all wines are the same: there are specific criteria that a bottle must meet in order to be present on occasions such as these.

The watchword is first and foremost freshness. The best aperitif wines are those that are light and easy-drinking, capable of giving a pleasant sensation of liveliness from the very first sip, as well as those that are aromatic, fragrant and have fruity notes, and are the protagonists of interesting taste experiences.

This applies to both still and sparkling wines, which have on their side another fundamental characteristic of aperitif wines: the ability to whet the appetite and lighten up the dishes - often savoury and fried - that these convivial occasions offer diners.

The best wines to drink during an aperitif

Having established the basic requirements that a wine must have in order to participate in an aperitif without weighing it down, it is almost automatic to fall back on whites, rosés and bubbles of various kinds, which are generally fresher and lighter than a red, and for this reason suitable for a casual evening.

Those who wish to focus on a versatile wine can find an excellent ally in Prosecco, whose light, yet pleasant effervescence refreshes the palate even with less than delicate appetisers, such as fried delicacies and savoury dishes.

A valid alternative among the bubbles is Franciacorta, an excellent Lombardy sparkling wine that owes its hints of bread crust and dried fruit to fermentation on yeasts. Elegant and fruity, Franciacorta conquers the palate with a lingering effervescence and slightly citrusy hints, capable of accompanying cured meats and fish-based appetisers.

Happy hour does not only call for big bubbles, however, but also for still, light and aromatic whites, provided they are fresh wines for summer, such as a timeless Gewürztraminer, which is excellent with savoury, smoky and fatty cold cuts or blue cheeses. Its lively aromas, from which the spicy soul that gives this Traminer its name emerges, also make a perfect match with ethnic hors d'oeuvres, also rich in spices.

Fish-based appetisers, on the other hand, can be paired with a Lugana DOC 2021, floral and slightly almondy, capable of degreasing - with its fresh, citrus notes - the oilier ingredients.

Finally, honourable mention to rosé wines, often unjustly considered a hybrid between whites and reds, too light to accompany a complete menu, but in reality capable of adapting to different convivial occasions, thanks to their strong personality and versatility.

For an aperitif, the Primitivo Rosato Salento IGP Notte Rossa, characterised by a Mediterranean aroma from which hints of red fruits emerge, can be an excellent companion. A light minerality gives it the light and fresh soul that is needed to create an excellent combination of wine and summer aperitif.

Aperitif and red wine: an unlikely marriage?

The basic rules of wine tasting and wine and food pairing would dictate that reds are not the most suitable products for an aperitif. The reason for this discrepancy is their tannic component (more muted or more pronounced depending on the variety), which gives the palate a sensation of astringency.

But every rule has its exceptions, which is why even lovers of red wines can enjoy a great aperitif!

The choice of wines for aperitifs should fall on fresh, young products, characterised by a low level of tannins and therefore little structure.

Among the still red summer wines, a good choice could be a glass of Bardolino DOC Classico 2021, a still wine with a fruity and slightly spicy soul, delicate and easy-drinking, even more pleasant if tasted with salami with a sweetish aftertaste.

Finally, among the light wines for the aperitif there are the effervescent ones, such as Lambrusco, which tickles the palate with its aromatic and persistent mousse, as well as a fresh fragrance of violets that goes well with various types of cold meats and fried delicacies: a very good red berry alternative to Prosecco!

After this review of aperitif wines, you have no more excuses: choose the best bottles on Svinando and organise your happy hour!