The Best Wines for Summer – 17 Italian Bottles to Chill and Sip

When the Italian sun is blazing and lunch stretches lazily into the afternoon, you need a wine that refreshes—not one that weighs you down. On the latest episode of the Flavor of Italy podcast, I chatted once again with Italian wine expert Cynthia Chaplin to talk about the best wines for summer—and as always, Cynthia delivered a glorious lineup of crisp, zesty, and often under-the-radar Italian wines that are perfect for warm-weather sipping.

Cynthia is my most trusted voice in Italian wine, and now she’s entering the world of wine publishing. Her first book, Italian Rosés: A Glass with Many Colors, will be released in early 2026 and is already one of the most anticipated titles for rosé lovers. She’s also working on The Wines of Northern Italy, expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Both books promise deep insight, lively storytelling, and expert guidance from someone who lives and breathes Italian wine culture.

Cynthia and I covered a broad spectrum of styles: sparkling wines, floral rosés, crisp whites, and even red wines that are delicious served chilled. These wines match summer’s rhythm and heat—ideal for terrace lunches, beachside aperitivi, or easy dinners under the stars.

Here are 17 of the best wines for summer, each with a story and sense of place that only Italy can deliver.

Best Rosé Wines for Summer

1. Rosa d’Amalfi – Marisa Cuomo (Campania)

A delicate rosé from heroic winemaking territory—literally. Marisa Cuomo’s vineyard clings to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Made from the ancient Piedirosso grape, Rosa d’Amalfi is sheer pink with a coppery shimmer, elegant, and perfect with cold seafood dishes or simply on its own.
https://www.marisacuomo.com/index-eng.php

2. Five Roses – Leone de Castris (Puglia)

Italy’s first-ever rosé export to the U.S., Five Roses is made from Negroamaro and has a legendary backstory involving WWII beer bottles and a forward-thinking contessa. Slightly more robust than other rosés, it’s great with grilled sausages, barbecue sauces, or a sunset aperitivo.
https://www.leonedecastris.com

Best Sparkling Wines for Summer

Sparklings for Summer - Lini 910 — Lini 910

3. Lessini Durello – Dal Maso (Veneto)

Love Prosecco? Try this. A sparkling wine made from the Durella grape in the volcanic soils north of Verona, Lessini Durello offers sharp citrus, crushed stone minerality, and serious refreshment. One of the best wines for summer if you want something bubbly and new.
https://www.dalmasovini.com

4. Erbaluce Spumante – Cieck (Piedmont)

A zingy sparkling wine from the lesser-known Erbaluce grape. Produced by Lia Falconieri at Cieck, it’s dangerously drinkable and pairs beautifully with everything from pasta salads to grilled vegetables.
https://www.cieck.it/en/cieck-winery/

5. Lambrusca Line – Lini 910 (Emilia-Romagna)

Forget syrupy Lambrusco. Alicia Lini’s “Lambrusca” sparkling line is joyful and dry, with fizzy pink and red versions that pair well with cheese boards and summer picnics.
https://www.lini910.it

Best White Wines for Summer

Summer Whites - Umani Ronchi — CaSal di Serra wines - Le Marche

6. Vermentino di Gallura – Piero Mancini (Sardinia)

This Sardinian white is citrusy and zesty with a granite-soil backbone. The only non-mountain wine on the list, it’s perfect with grilled vegetables, lemony roast chicken, or fish. A true standout among the best wines for summer.
https://www.pieromancini.it

7. Timorasso Derthona – Walter Massa (Piedmont)

Once nearly extinct, Timorasso has made a stunning comeback thanks to Walter Massa. Herbal, dry, and mineral-rich, it’s complex and ideal with herbed dishes or sharp cheeses.
https://www.instagram.com/vignetimassa/?hl=en

8. Orvieto Classico – Castello della Sala (Umbria)

Part of the Antinori family’s holdings, this Grechetto-based wine is chalky and floral with a Sauvignon Blanc–like lift, but far more refined.
https://www.antinori.it/it/tenuta/tenute-antinori/castello-della-sala/

9. Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi – Umani Ronchi (Marche)

With a touch of fennel and green almond, this white from the Marche is beachy and structured. Especially refreshing alongside grilled meats.
https://www.umanironchi.com/vini-e-territori/marche/casal-di-serra-verdicchio-dei-castelli-di-jesi-doc-classico-superiore

10. Verdeca (Puglia)

Unpretentious and bright, Verdeca is like lemon-lime soda with sophistication. Perfect for hot days and light lunches.
https://www.quattrocalici.it/vitigni/verdeca/

11. Kerner or Sylvaner (Alto Adige)

Sharp and alpine-fresh, these high-altitude whites are full of character, minerality, and acidity—ideal when the weather’s hot.
https://www.vinialtoadige.com/it/vitigni/vitigni-bianchi/9-0.html

Best Chillable Red Wines for Summer

12. Bardolino (Veneto)

A chillable red made from Corvina, Bardolino is fruity and dry with a little black pepper. Affordable and ideal slightly chilled.

13. Ruchè – Montalbera (Piedmont)

Floral and ruby-bright, Ruchè is one of the most refreshing red wines to chill in the summer. Montalbera’s unoaked version is especially lovely.
https://www.montalbera.it/en/ruche/

14. Refosco (No Sulfites) – Le Carline (Veneto)

Made near Venice, this sulfite-free red bursts with blackcurrant and spice. Chilled, it’s one of the best wines for summer—pure fruit and freshness.
https://lecarline.com/en/products/refosco-senza-solfiti-aggiunti/

15. Frappato – Planeta (Sicily)

Strawberry-forward and coastal in spirit, Frappato is bright, low-alcohol, and ideal with summer tomato dishes.
https://www.planeta.it/en/wines/frappato/

16. Schiava (Alto Adige)

Tangy and cranberry-driven, Schiava from the Dolomites is an alpine gem. Excellent with grilled trout, cheese, or even pizza.
https://italianwine.guide/regions-en-gb/trentino-alto-adige-en-gb/alto-adige-sudtiroler-doc-en-gb/alto-adige-schiava-doc-en-gb/
https://guida.quattrocalici.it/guida-vini/schiava/

17. Rossese (Liguria)

A coastal red with explosive wild berry fruit. Choose the un-oaked version from a recent vintage and serve slightly chilled for peak enjoyment. Try Ka Mancine.

The Best Wines for Summer – 17 Italian Bottles to Chill and Sip

Best Rosé Wines for Summer

1. Rosa d’Amalfi – Marisa Cuomo (Campania)

2. Five Roses – Leone de Castris (Puglia)