White Wines for August

August is the best part of summer. Hear me out. The heat waves are behind us, the nights have started to cool off, and the tourist crowds have thinned. Best of all, my favorite season is right around the corner. Here are my five favorite white wines for August, with pairings.

Alta Vista Estate 2024 Torrontés, Mendoza
Chamomile and orange blossom on the nose, with lychee and a flick of ginger underneath. The palate is dry and lively, with apricot and grapefruit up front, and the lychee carrying through. Good acidity keeps it all in line, and a light herbal note shows up at the close. The finish runs a touch short, but the freshness makes it a natural with Thai food, Pad Thai especially. Typical price: $14–17. In PA: $15.99

Teliani 2024 Tsolikouri, Georgia
Stainless-fermented Tsolikouri from Lechkhumi, near Racha. Lemon and orchard fruit on the nose with an odd but appealing streak of petrol and baking spice. The palate is tangy and mouth-puckering: apricot, white peach and orange, edged with bitter almond and a hint of toast. Bright acidity gives it real tension, and the finish is drawn-out but zippy. This works remarkably well with smoked salmon. Typical price: $15–22. In PA: $14.49

Forjas del Salnés 2024 “Leirana” Albariño, Rías Baixas
From Salnés, raised in stainless steel and foudre. The nose is young and harmonious: cut grass, linden, and a whiff of sea breeze, with peach and spice behind. The palate is saline and slender but intense, granite minerality running through a fine thread of acidity. It finishes with a salty twist and a curious note of ginger cookie. There’s a little more of everything this year. Grill some giant scallops and serve with a green tomato relish. Typical price: $30–35. In PA: $19.99

Bodegas Pazo de Villarei 2024 “Abadía Do Seixo” Albariño, Rías Baixas
Yes, two Albarinos on this list. It’s the go-to summer wine. Fresh and vivid on the nose: white peach, grapefruit, lemon zest, wet stone and a faint iodine tang. Medium-bodied with zesty acidity, the palate moves from lime and nectarine into subtler notes of honeysuckle. Juicy and supple through a lemon-zest finish. Think fish and chips or fried chicken. Yep. Typical price: $15–18. In PA: $16.99

Vignobles La Baume 2024 Picpoul de Pinet
Pale gold with green glints. Sharp, zesty aromas of lemon zest, lime leaf, green apple and white flowers, plus a saline hint of sea spray. Bone dry and ultra-crisp on the palate, tart lemon-lime with a flash of tropical fruit and a stony, almost crunchy texture off the limestone. Salty minerality carries the finish. Tense, focused, and mouthwatering. Get out your oyster knife for this, you filthy shucker. Typical price: $20. In PA: $11.99