12 best white wines for sipping all summer long

This is such a reliable Australian producer – this time blessing us with a Burgundian-style chardonnay, making great use of two regions: Hunter Valley and the Adelaide Hills. The wine pours a seductive glowing gold, and the first sip reveals the creamy richness of the fruits, courtesy of the French oak ageing. It’s so luscious, with heaps of stone fruits and tonnes of complexity. It is very difficult not to be enamoured with the persistence and character of this white wine.

The Ned has become one of the most trusted names when it comes to sauvignon blanc, with grapes grown in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough region. This white wine is brimming with that signature Marlborough personality, as cool-climate Awatere aromas jump out of the glass. Zero bitterness, beautiful green strokes of gooseberry, kiwi, lime and lemongrass, and an exquisite light crispness – delish.

Freixenet first made its name in sparkling wine but, these days, its iconic bottles are home to much more – such as this delicious pinot grigio from Garda. It’s a real sip of Italian sunshine, with crisp orchard fruits playing off zesty citrus in perfect harmony. It’s dry, delicate, and soothing, and the touch of floral honey towards the end adds an intriguing, subtle complexity. It’s packing a lot of elegance for the money, too.

The Kozlović family have made wine at the tip of Croatia since 1904, with the terroir there taking up similarities to the Italian region of Friuli, which isn’t far away. The indigenous grape variety in this wine is malvazija istarska, a close relation of the more famous malvasia grape. Here, it’s delightfully floral and aromatic, with characterful zest and minerality. The fruit delivers a slight tropical hint and peachy richness, and the touch of saltiness at the end leaves this crying out for food.

Now, this is something special. Setting the benchmark for the Western Cape (one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world), the ancient vineyards of Stellenbosch, Overberg and Robertson have come together to create this beautifully layered expression of the land. Pure, vivid citrus and rich minerality are the driving forces behind the liquid, carrying with them a typhoon of creamy tropical notes and electric zesty lemon on the finish. A true showcase of high-end chardonnay and the region.

Never has ambition tasted this good. Tenuta dell’Ornellaia set out its stall a few years ago for high-end Tuscan white and this latest vintage of 100 per cent chardonnay ticks every box. As alluring as the sun and sea around Bolgheri, it’s texturally rich with labyrinthian complexity. Think a seductive nose of apricot and acacia flowers weaved with hazelnuts and peppery spice. In the mouth, it comes alive with refreshment, as peach and apricot unfold alongside aromatic jasmine. It's full-bodied and almost enters savoury territory at times. Full of flair and utterly exquisite.

Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s most awarded wineries, and its riesling punches well above its price point. With vines grown between wild oceans, ancient valleys and imposing mountains, it’s all finally bottled at Villa Maria itself – in the crater of a volcano. What an adventure. Once it reaches the glass, you can expect an explosion of ripe fruits, from apple and grapefruit to zingy sherbet lemon. A sticky honey hits on the mid-palate, binding ripe fruits and zippy acidity into perfect harmony.

In 1852, Don Luciano Murrieta returned to Rioja, armed with skills and techniques he acquired in Bordeaux. In doing so, Marqués de Murrieta helped to propel the region onto the global stage and the estate is now one of the most respected in all of Spain. Cappellania is the product of 100 per cent viura grapes, producing the deep hypnotic golden colour and rich taste of this prestigious white. It bridges the gap between the sheer oak-driven complexity of past wines, and the clean acidic freshness of modern styles. White fruits and flowers are so expressive here, with swirling almonds, pear and dried apricots detailing the creamy palate beautifully. Perfectly poised.

You don’t find too much viognier in Napa Valley but this is exceptional. The cooler vineyards of Oak Knoll allow the grapes to ripen slowly, delivering intense brightness and vibrance to the character. Every drop is harmoniously balanced. In the spotlight are the lofty fragrances of honey, white peach, apricot and flowers, all kissed by a touch of background oak. The smooth softness of the mouthfeel is to die for, and the weight of the body is spot on. Class in a glass.

In 1957, the Capelinhos volcano on the Azores Islands of Portugal erupted, leaving a huge bed of lava ash 400m above sea level. These days, vines are grown here, because the mineral-rich, easily draining soil is hugely appealing for wine producers. This is noticeable in the wine, too, with the trademark minerality stealing the show. Ninety per cent of the grapes (arinto) are from this volcanic soil, but the remaining 10 per cent is terrantez do pico from the basalt soils of Pico island, which brings a helping of fruit, too. It’s bone-dry with a stunning texture that carries intoxicating complexity – think nutty French oak ageing, bright lemon and crisp pear – all the character and oceanic soul you want from this wild and rare winemaking region.

Setting the benchmark for ‘Cali chard’, Brewer-Clifton is always reliable, and this Santa Rita Hills wine is seductively expressive and complex from the off. The winemaker’s fermentation and oak barrel ageing rounds off the profile satisfyingly. The bright lemon-gold pour opens up inviting ocean air and lemon notes, and a lemon curd flavour continues in the mouth. Joining it is sweet honey and pineapple, before the return of minerality with a savoury, somewhat salty, kick. The length goes on and on, showcasing the winemaking talent and terroir with every passing second, as salted butter appears to see us off. Lively, smooth and so much fun to explore.

In the 1970s, André Dubosc, the founder of the wonderful Plaimont cooperative, embarked on a mission: to revive the Saint Mont appellation in southwest France. The local dry whites, now a PGI (protected geographical indication) with Côtes de Gascogne, sparked the winemaking revival in this region when the colombard grape was rediscovered. Colombelle wine like this now flies the flag for the region. Its aromatic style is so unique, and, paired with sauvignon blanc, it paints such an alive and fresh picture of this part of France. Rich tropical fruits intensify the full citric acidity, while crisp green and herbal layers add depth.