Each season has its fabric. For the summer months, linen is a close friend and wool is even closer for the winter. Just like your closet has a different outfit for each season so should your wine cabinet.

Some wines are just more appropriate for each season. Some may think that “seasonal wine means focusing on colour more. Whites and roses for summer and spring switched for a deep red in autumn and winter.

Contrary to popular belief, colour is not the most important aspect when choosing your wine as per the season. These wines are reflective of the season’s food consumed.

During the summer it’s more common to have barbeques and outdoor activities. The food commonly consumed during this time would pair with lighter, crisper wines meant to refresh the palate when eating lighter food. Whereas fuller richer wines accompany our comfort foods at the peak of the winter months.

Summer

Yes, you most certainly can drink red wine during the summer months. Keep a close eye on the alcohol content. The ideal amount is 12% alcohol by volume (ABV) or even lower.

In short, seek to consume wines with lower alcohol with a strong acid backbone. Keep in mind, wines made with grapes grown in cool climates or at high altitudes tend to naturally offer more acidity. Wines with good acidity give a refreshing and crisp sensation.

If you prefer whites, feel free to choose between fruity or mineral white wine. But if you have nowhere to turn, rosé will do the job.

“Feel free to choose between a fruity or mineral white wine—avoiding over-aged or oaked whites,”

Vanessa Held.

Autumn

Summer’s crisp and refreshing wines still play a major role during this time of year. However, autumn sees served warmer temperatures. You want to bring a bit of body and spice into the mix. Aim for Spanish and Italian reds. Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia for the former and Nebbiolo, sangiovese for the latter.

For those who prefer white, medium-bodied whites with texture are a good choice.

Winter

A common myth about white wine is that it is only meant to be drunk during the summer, simply untrue. Creamy, full-bodied, structured white wines can be a great companion during those harsh months. Although that may not be the case for fragrant and light whites.

But you can never go wrong with good red wine. Aim for a full-bodied with a high number of tannins and alcohol content.

Spring

Some summer and winter selections will work well during this season, although a full-bodies cabernet may not be the best choice. The key is high acidity, low tannins Dry whites with high acidity ad light to medium bodied. They are meant to be consumed young when they are fresh and fruity.

Darker rosés tend to have more weight and are better suited for chilly spring days. You can enjoy a good sparkling wine in spring. It has the same attributes that make a rosé ideal for this season (freshness and acidity).