Longer evenings, warm weather, slower pace… Summer has a way of making everything feel a little more relaxed. Dinner gets pushed back, recipes get lighter, and we all start chasing freshness, whether on the plate or in the glass.
Naturally, our wine choices follow suit. Out go the big, tannic reds of winter, and in come the easy-going whites, such as elegant white Côtes du Rhône wines. Freshness, balance, precision… A great summer white wine should stay sharp even at 30°C, and play nicely with whatever’s on the table without stealing the spotlight.
At Xavier Vignon, we’ve picked out three perfect bottles to see you through the season. Ready to meet your summer staples?
𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚 & 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬, 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡: 𝐎𝐮𝐫 Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024
Citrus and burrata salad? It’s basically summer on a plate: juicy, zesty, super quick to throw together, and loaded with seasonal freshness. Between the tang of the fruit, the creaminess of the cheese, and the hit of fresh herbs, it needs a wine that’s vibrant and expressive, but knows how to stay in its lane.
Enter our Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024. A sunny blend of Viognier, white Grenache, and a touch of Picpoul, it opens with bright aromas of stone fruit, citrus zest, and fresh flowers. The palate? Lively and generous, with a lovely salty finish that keeps things crisp. It’s the perfect sidekick for your salad: it echoes the citrus, balances the creaminess of the burrata, and gives the whole dish a refreshing lift.
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞 & 𝐨𝐮𝐫 Côtes du Rhône Extra : 𝐀 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
Ceviche doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s all about top-quality fish and perfectly balanced seasoning. This is a dish that’s light but structured, elegant enough to start a meal and satisfying enough to stand on its own. It calls for a white wine with a bit of depth and complexity… something that lifts the flavors without overwhelming them.
Enter our Côtes du Rhône Extra, aged the Xavier Vignon way: in Vinarium®. After a classic fermentation, it’s matured under natural CO₂ in wooden tronconic vats, a unique process that adds layers without heaviness. Expect delicate toasty notes, hints of ripe pear, honey, and just a whisper of oak.
On the palate, it kicks off with a zesty bite, then glides into a beautifully balanced acidity and a long, lemony finish. It brings enough freshness to play nice with the fish, while its structure holds its own against citrus, soy sauce, or whatever twist you add to your marinade. Clean, clever, and just the right amount of bold.
𝐀 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛-𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 & 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Intra
Summer meals aren’t all about salads and ceviche. Sometimes, you want something a little more indulgent, like a gooey, herb-roasted Camembert drizzled with honey, paired with a warm beet salad and a handful of walnuts. Comforting, yes, but still totally seasonal.
To match that richness, time to bring out the big guns: our Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Intra. Aged for 30 months under immersion in the Vinarium®, it’s not your average white wine. Its deep golden hue hints at what’s to come: layers of dried fruit, yellow plum, toasted bread… It’s a wine that knows how to make an entrance.
The palate starts bright and fresh, then opens up into something full and textured, with a long, slightly salty finish. It’s an unexpected but seriously satisfying pairing : bold, elegant, and perfect for a summer dinner with friends that lingers long into the night.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞?
A good pairing starts with good serving habits. And in summer, a few simple moves can make all the difference in keeping your white wines fresh and balanced.
The first rule is to skip the ice-cold pour. Serving white wine too cold flattens its aromas and mutes its character. Aim for a sweet spot between 8 and 10°C. A quick chill in the fridge will do the trick, but don’t forget to take the bottle out a few minutes before serving.
Keep your bottles stored away from heat, light, and vibrations — yes, even if that means hiding them in a cool cupboard during a heatwave. Your wine will thank you.
And if you don’t finish the bottle? Just pop the cork back in, stand it upright in the fridge, and enjoy the rest within a couple of days. Easy.
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
Picking a white wine for summer isn’t just about chasing freshness, it’s about elevating seasonal cooking, highlighting simple ingredients, and giving timeless dishes a fresh twist.
At Xavier Vignon, our wines are crafted to strike the perfect balance: finesse and flavour, freshness and depth, approachability and personality. Whether you’re throwing together a quick lunch, planning a laid-back dinner, or popping a bottle for a spontaneous apéritif, there’s always a pairing that works.
And if you’re not sure? Just try it. That’s what summer’s for.
