Cheat on Sauvignon Blanc with These 7 Wines

Why be monogamous with only one zesty, tart summer wine? If sauvignon blanc is your usual game, there are plenty of zippy, acid-happy thirst quenchers out there waiting to be discovered.

Like sauvignon blancs, many of these wines are all-purpose. They can make your food pop and are the perfect pair to warm summer breezes.

Of course there are plenty of different regions that produce varying styles of sauvignon blancs, but don’t you want to try something a little more exciting and new? Perhaps a little more…mysterious? Experimentation is good. Go on, have a summah with these fine wines:

1. Grüner Veltliner - Austria

Grüner Veltliner (groon-ur-VELT-lin-ur), or simply “Grüner,” is Austria’s most widely-planted grape. It’s a high acid lovey with familiar notes of green apple, lime, and even some pepper. Some Grüner meant for aging can be quite expensive, but you should be able to find good bottles for $15 or less.


2. Torrontés – Argentina

While malbec is the most widely-planted red grape in Argentina, torrontés (to-RON-tes) is the country's most recognized white grape. Light-bodied, high acid, and very flowery in aromatics, most torrontés are very affordable.


3. Falanghina – Italy

Falanghina (fa-lan-GIN-nuh) is sort of like a more relaxed savignaun blanc. Not harsh or too zingy, and often has a smooth finish. Look for these in specialty wine shops or find them gracing the list at Italian restaurants.


4. Vermentino - Italy

Planted mostly on the island of Sardinia, Vermentino is light, crisp, and tangy with citrusy aromas—fish’s best friend. Ask the salesperson for a recommendation.


5. Txakolina - Spain

This basque country wine is pronounced chock-oh-lee-nah and is the area’s designated “aperitivo.” It's mouth tingling, refreshing, and slightly effervescent with a touch of salt. A must try.


6. Vinho Verde- Portugal

Cheap, slightly green in color, tangy, and majorly refreshing. Literally, some of this stuff just tastes like grass...in the best summer picnic way possible.


7. Muscadet – France

Muscadet (moos-cah-day) is actually the name of the region, not the grape. Lean, zesty, and super light-bodied with a lot of minerality, Muscadet makes a great pairing wine with oysters, fried food, barbecue, the list goes on.

Blog credited to The Savory | By Brooke Newberry