It is summertime in Texas, and the heat is coming on strong. One of the best ways to cool down is with a nicely chilled glass of white wine with your meal.

White wines pair well with many types of food including vegetarian dishes, seafood, poultry, and pork. Recommendations for full bodied Chardonnay with steak have even been made.

Chardonnay choices abound, there are an estimated 500,000 acres planted worldwide so it is an easy varietal to find in every price point and made in every style from fresh, light and crisp to rich, buttery, and oaky.

A favorite in the summer and always a delicious pairing with seafood is the fresh, clean mineral driven style from Chablis in northern Bourgogne or Burgundy, as it is more widely known in the English speaking world. Chablis is produced in a cool climate which preserves acidity and accentuates minerality.

The soils on which it is grown are ancient seabeds which gives an oyster shell nuance to the wines making it an ideal companion with shellfish. Try La Chablisienne Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru with raw oysters and/or iced seafood platters.

Aromatic wines pair well with aromatic foods such as Indian or southeast Asian and the sweeter versions also work well with spicy Thai or Cajun cuisine. Although the wines have an intensity of aroma, they can have a more subtle flavor, so they also tend to do well with roasted poultry and vegetarian dishes.

The wines should be served like any other white, chilled and in a white wine glass. The wines will become even more aromatic as they warm, so wine lovers may pick up a wide range of exotic scents while enjoying a single glass.

Aromatic white wines are defined by their pronounced floral aromas which are backed up with bright notes of fruit that come in a range of flavor, intensity, and sweetness.

White grape varieties that are known for their aromatic quality include Albarino, Gewurztraminer, Muller-Thurgau, Muscat Blanc aka Moscato, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontes, and Viognier.

These aromatic whites are also delicious with softer cheeses from mild to more pungent. Recommendations include Brooks Willamette Valley Riesling or go with a Texas option like Duchman or Pedernales Cellars Viognier.

After a successful day of fishing out in the Gulf, have some chilled Brooks Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc on hand to pair with flaky white fish like snapper, flounder, or grouper. The light, dry peach flavored character plays well with the more subtle flavors of these types of fish especially when more simply prepared.

Having a fish fry? The Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a great option with everything from fried oysters to fried shrimp. Full of bright citrus notes and fresh acidity, this is a wine that will refresh the palate.

If looking for a rounder or softer wine, try the Clos des Lunes Bordeaux Blanc which is a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc which creates a smoother texture while still maintaining the fresh and fruity nature.

The San Felice Perolla Vermentino from Maremma, Tuscany is the top budget pick found for under $14.

Vermentino is a very versatile white due to its food friendliness. Grown close to the Italian coast, this white is an easy go-to for seafood salads and lighter pastas. Vermentino is typically dry with notes of lemon and herbs which play well with these lighter dishes and also with vegetarian choices. It’s also an easy summer sipper when well chilled for nights out on the deck with friends. Feeling celebratory? The Trudon “Monochrome” Brut Champagne offers a softer style of classic bubbles with a full range of complex notes to discover. It is more floral driven with orange blossom and hints of smoky fruit, with a bit of white pepper in the fresh finish.

Pair this with caviar and potato chips for an easy but decadent snack. Bubbles also pair with fried chicken and seafood.

If a fruitier flavored bubble is preferred, check out Sassetti Pertimali Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut NV. This prosecco is too good to use as a mimosa mixer.

Most prosecco falls in a lower category, this Sassetti has the higher quality DOCG status from the Italian Valdobbiadene region. Like the aforementioned Champagne, this wine is dry, but it will be fruitier flavored. Either are a great choice for a bubbly brunch.

This June, enjoy some chilled, refreshing whites that are ready to complement the flavors of the season. It’s a great way to stay cool all summer long. All of the recommended wines are available on the island at Spec’s on 61st Street.