Summer is the time to stay away from the big, burly, heavy wines, especially if you live in hot climates. The big Cabernets, Syrahs, and to some extent, even big Chardonnay's seem awkward and without intrigue during this time of year. A better choice are many of the crisper, lighter wines, most of which lean to the inexpensive side of the ledger. Such varietals as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Sancerre, some Pinot Noirs, and yes, many champagnes make summer, and summer foods wonderful. Sandwich foods, deli meats, cheese and crackers, cold plates of all kinds, light fish meals, sushi, etc, beg for these kinds of wines all the time, but especially when it's hot. Summer, of course also means BBQ for the BBQ souls and well it should. I am a fan of such myself. A great choice compliment is a light Rhone varietal wine, and for those pasta dishes, a wonderful Chianti is terrific. Here are a few suggestions for some of the above:

Champagne, Washington State: Domaine STE. Michelle, Cuvee Brut. This champagne is voted a best buy almost every year. It is crisp, well balanced, and loaded with citrus and apple flavors, and great to enjoy well chilled itself and/or with many of the dishes mentioned above. It is a super summer cheese and cracker compliment. Best of all it is inexpensive and you can find it in the grocery store.
Typically, $8-$9.00 a bottle, U.S.

White Wine, California: Murphy-Goode, Fume Blanc Reserve '97. Known for their excellent Chardonnay's and Fume Blanc's, Murphy-Goode continues the tradition with their '97 Fume Blanc Reserve. Possessing a wonderful crispness of citrus blended beautifully with a light touch of grassiness and notes of melon and wild nuts it is fabulous with chilled meats and multi-grain sandwiches on a hot afternoon or warm evening. Well balanced and structured it will treat great sushi dishes most favorably. Ah, life is good!
Typically, $12-$15.00 a bottle, U.S.

White Wine, California: Caymus, Sauvignon Blanc, '97. Another name synonymous with long term quality wines of many varietals, their Sauvignon Blanc is always a standout selection. Typically crisp and structured it leans less to the citrus side and more to the to that of melon fruit nuances, which soften its sharpness and gives it a little more weight. Combined with its structure its fruit nuances offer a wake-up call of palate pleasure that changes in the glass as it warms a little and maintains such with a fairly long finish. A great compliment to light fish meals, cold or hot, and almost any assortment of summer salads and cheeses it is always great to have around.
Typically, $11-$14.00 a bottle, U.S.

If you must have something a little heavier, or your climate is a little cooler during the summer then this is the one to try. Recommend even buying and holding a year or two.

White Wine, California: Minor, Chardonnay Napa Valley '97 . Minor is relatively new on the California scene, but definitely not lacking. They have released 3 '97 Chardonnay's that are incredible. The least expensive, yet some say the best, is their Chardonnay Napa Valley. It is a polished combination of weighty, oil shale scents and a touch of hazelnut, both nuances a couple of Montrachet attributes, and fresh, clean pear and apple complexities, dipped in ginger, all in a background of mild citrus. All these complexities continue to change in the glass as it warms a little, with the fruit nuances seemingly offering a touch of sweetness as it does so. This is one mouthful of wine that lingers forever on the palate. It is simply an all around joy. Do yourself a favor and find some, soon. It is a steal.
Typically, $24-$28.00 a bottle, U.S.

For the BBQ lovers at heart try the following:

Red Wine, France: E Guigal, Cotes du Rhone. One of the great wine makers and producers of the world, Guigal is known far and wide for his many great, large-scale Rhones, such as his single vineyard labels of La Mouline, La Landonne, and La Turque. These wines almost defy description with their massive weight, rich layered nuances, and day long finishes. Many vintages are critic rated "100" point wines and usual bring $150 + prices per bottle when released.

What few seem to realize is that all of this expertise goes into his everyday bottle of Cotes du Rhone, which you can find at the grocery store. While such may be at considerably lower scales of weight and intensity, many of the large wine complexities are all there. Both white and red pepper are apparent, along with a sense of old, dark chocolate, wood, meatiness and mild smoke. It is simply wonderful with BBQ. At its price, it is an every day treasure, never lacking for flavor and interest.
Typically, $8-$10.00 a bottle, U.S.

A major step up from his Cotes du Rhone is his Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde. Don't worry about the year. Major quantities of pepper and meatiness in this beauty with significantly more weight on the palate. Great for big time BBQ and spicy flavored meat dishes. More money, but a great bottle of wine!
Typically, $30-$38.00 a bottle U.S.

Red Wine, Australia: Rosemount Estate, Shiraz '97. Once again this is an annually high rated wine by a wonderful, long term producer in Australia. A few years ago it was the number 1 rated wine of the year by the "Wine Spectator", irrespective of its price. Although possessing a touch of smoke in the background it leans more toward the sharpness of spices, like hickory, that are covered in blackberry fruits. Spicy with good levels of glycerin, it is great for those craving spicy oriental foods, summer or any other time. Best of all, like most of the others listed this month, it will not break the bank and is often found in your local grocery store.
Typically, $8-$10.00 a bottle, U.S.