This page may contain affiliate links meaning we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you.
Click here to read our full disclosure statement.
Last updated on May 2nd, 2023 at 05:04 am
Summer is all about relaxing and enjoying the season with friends and family, and what better way to do that than with a glass of wine? But if you’re trying to be mindful of your overall diet, health and wellness goals, finding a “healthy” wine can be a challenge, let alone knowing what to pair it with. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best mindful wine pairings for a healthy summer. Whether you’re a fan of red, white, or rosé wines, we’ve got you covered with the best mindful wines and pairings to try this summer.
Best Mindful Red Wines
To be mindful when drinking red wine, look for wines made from high-resveratrol grapes as they may provide potential health benefits. Additionally for a healthy and mindful summer, choose red wines with lower alcohol content and no added sugars, and remember to drink in moderation. Here are our top picks for mindful red wines to try this summer:
- Merlot: This medium-bodied wine is rich in flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It also has a lower alcohol content compared to other red wines, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a glass without overindulging. It pairs well with a meatless pizza or a roasted vegetable dish for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Pinot Noir: This light-bodied wine is high in resveratrol, a polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It also has low levels of tannins, which can cause headaches and allergic reactions in some people. It pairs well with grilled salmon or a light pasta dish for a delicious and healthy meal.
- Malbec: This full-bodied wine is high in antioxidants, which can help protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions. It also has lower levels of sugar and calories compared to other full-bodied red wines. It pairs well with grilled meats or a hearty vegetable stew for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Red Wine Pairings
Merlot with Grilled Steak
The bold flavors of a Merlot pair perfectly with the rich flavors of a grilled steak. Plus, the tannins in the wine can help aid in the digestion of the fatty meat.
Pinot Noir with Grilled Salmon
Pinot Noir’s light to medium-bodied flavor makes it the perfect pairing for grilled salmon. The wine’s polyphenols, including resveratrol, can help to improve heart health.
Best Mindful White Wines
While not as well-known for its health benefits as red wine, being mindful with white wine is still important for a healthy summer. Choose white wines with lower alcohol content and no added sugars, and drink in moderation to avoid negative health consequences. Here are our top picks for white wines to try this summer:
- Sauvignon Blanc: This light-bodied wine is high in antioxidants and has lower levels of sugar and alcohol compared to other white wines. It pairs well with light and fresh summer dishes.
- Chardonnay: This medium-bodied wine is high in flavonoids and has a lower alcohol content compared to other white wines. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish and other light summer dishes.
- Pinot Grigio: This crisp and refreshing wine is low in calories and sugar, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or sugar intake. It also pairs well with light summer dishes and seafood.
White Wine Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc with Grilled Shrimp Salad
The crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc complements the light and refreshing flavors of a grilled shrimp salad. Additionally, the high acidity of the wine can help to lower the glycemic index of the carb-heavy components of the salad, such as croutons or fruit.
Chardonnay with Grilled Chicken Breast
The crisp and fruity flavors of a Chardonnay pair perfectly with the mild flavors of a grilled chicken breast. Additionally, Chardonnay’s high acidity can help to lower the glycemic index of carb-rich side dishes, such as potatoes or rice.
Best Mindful Rosé Wines
To enjoy rosé wine mindfully this summer, look for wines with lower alcohol content and no added sugars for a healthy choice. Some rosé wines may also contain resveratrol, so choosing those made from high-resveratrol grapes can potentially provide health benefits. As with all wines, drink in moderation to avoid negative health consequences. Here are our top picks to try this summer:
- Organic Rosé: This type of rosé is made from organically grown grapes, which means they are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic wines are also lower in sulfites, which can cause headaches and allergic reactions in some people. Pair organic rosé with fresh summer salads and grilled veggies for a light and healthy wine pairing.
- Rosé Prosecco: This bubbly and dry wine is lower in calories than traditional prosecco and has fewer carbs. It is also high in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Pair Rosé Prosecco with fresh fruit or a light cheese board for a refreshing and bubbly snack.
- Spanish Rosado: Spanish rosado wines are typically made from the Tempranillo grape and have high levels of resveratrol, a polyphenol that can help protect against cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Spanish rosado wines also tend to have lower levels of sugar and alcohol than other types of rosé. Pair Spanish Rosado with grilled meats, tapas or a charcuterie board for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Rosé Wine Pairings
Organic Rosé with Grilled Veggies
The light and refreshing flavors of an organic rosé pair perfectly with grilled veggies, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Plus, the wine’s higher levels of antioxidants can offer added health benefits.
Rose Prosecco with Bruschetta
For a festive and bubbly pairing, try a Rose Prosecco with bruschetta. The light and bubbly nature of the wine complements the crispy and savory flavors of the bruschetta, while the fruity and floral flavors of the wine enhance the fresh and herbaceous flavors of the dish. Prosecco is a lower-alcohol alternative to champagne and other sparkling wines, making it a healthier option for those looking to indulge without overindulging.
The Final Toast
This summer, don’t settle for just any wine. When it comes to enjoying wine mindfully, there are plenty of options to choose from that align with a well-balanced lifestyle. And when it comes to pairing your wines with summer meals, think about lighter fare such as grilled fish or salads, and choose wines that complement the flavors and textures of the food for the best mindful wine pairings. Each of these wine pairings offers unique and delicious flavors while also potentially providing health benefits. So, whether you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing meal or a bold and flavorful dish, there’s a wine pairing for every occasion. Just remember to choose organic or sustainably produced wines when possible, drink in moderation, and always sip and savor responsibly. Cheers to a well-balanced lifestyle and a summer filled with the best delicious and healthy wine pairings!
Pin + Share:
