CHILL, SIP, REPEAT: THE BEST WINES AND PAIRINGS FOR A COOL SUMMER

Summer in India is synonymous with scorching heat, but it’s also a season brimming with opportunities to explore refreshing flavours and innovative pairings.

To help you make the most of this vibrant season, we’ve gathered expert insights and recommendations from Kishan Pedhapally, the visionary Founder of Asav Vines. With his deep knowledge of wines and a passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences, Kishan shares his favourite summer wine and food pairings that promise to keep you cool, refreshed, and thoroughly satisfied.

Kishan Pedhapally, Founder of Asav Vines

Salads and Asav Sauvignon Blanc 

Crisp and tangy wines like Asav Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with fresh salads. Think iceberg lettuce or arugula, tossed with goat cheese, tomatoes, and a hint of citrus. The lightness of the food and the wine’s fresh tanginess ensure you won’t feel weighed down after your meal. 

FRUIT AND NUT SALADS AND ASAV RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 

For a more indulgent pairing, try a Waldorf salad with pears, apples, and grapes, or a salad featuring figs, honey, and lemon. These dishes pair exquisitely with the off-dry Asav Reserve Chenin Blanc. If you’re feeling adventurous, simple satays of cheese, cherry, and pineapple also work wonderfully with off-dry wines like Chenin Blanc or Riesling. 

ROSÉ WINES AND CHAAT 

A chilled glass of rosé is the epitome of summer sophistication. Enjoy it on its own as an aperitif or pair it with a fresh fruit chaat or a tangy paapdi chaat. For a unique twist, try a jamun rosé with the flavours of jamun or other exotic fruits. Alternatively, sip it alongside fresh strawberries for a delightful contrast. 

LIGHT REDS AND SMALL PLATES 

Fruity, lightly tannic red wines like Beaujolais and Grenache are perfect for summer evenings. Pair them with small plates of fritters, patatas bravas, or grilled fish. These light yet satisfying combinations will leave you feeling content but eager for more. 

SANGRA AND SUMMER 

No summer is complete without sangria. This fruity, wine-based drink is the ultimate refresher, perfect for cooling down while keeping your alcohol intake moderate. While there are no hard and fast rules, stone fruits and citrus fruits work particularly well with a base of white or rosé wines. 

So, this summer, don’t let the heat get to you. Instead, chill out with these delightful wine and food pairings that promise to keep you cool, refreshed, and thoroughly satisfied.