Oh Summer 2026! On these warm afternoons and evenings, white wines and bubbles pair perfectly with our deck. And certainly, our enjoyment of them increases every year. These super sippers also pair with a picnic, happy hour, poolside, or lakeside. Moreover, they also complement fish, crab, scallops, oysters, shrimp, prawns, sushi, or a tasty summer salad. We love white wine and bubbles. So, when Vineyard Brands sent us four bottles, we could not wait to open them. All four are wallet-friendly ($13-$19). Miguel Torres Chile NV Estelado Brut Pais Rosé and 2025 Andica Sauvignon Blanc. Marqués de Cáceres NV Cava Brut and 2025 Verdejo Rueda. Read on for details.

Summer 2026: Miguel Torres Chile NV Estelado Brut Pais Rosé ($19)

Miguel Torres Chile crafted Estelado Brut Pais Rosé with the Méthode Champenoise, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. Pais, from the 17th century, is the oldest grape in Chile. This sparkling rosé is pale pink and dry, with fine bubbles. Estelado Brut Pais features a bit of everything in the glass: plums, stone fruit, grapefruit, lemon, a touch of orange creamsicle, berries, and hints of salinity and flint. Paul Zitarelli of Full Pull Wines says: “I’ve had many a Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé and Crémant d’Alsace Rosé that don’t hold a candle to this.” Overall, the Torres family has more than 150 years of winemaking in Spain, and also became the first foreign winery to arrive in Chile in 1979.

Marqués de Cáceres NV Cava Brut ($16)

As you know, Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain, created in the same way as Champagne from France. Both use the Méthode Champenoise. The differences are their countries, grapes, and flavors. Marqués de Cáceres NV Cava Brut blends 50% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeo, and 20% Parellada. This Cava is dry, refreshing, and crisp with fine, persistent citrus bubbles and flavors of stone fruit, apples, and brioche. We drank it as an apéritif on the patio, but you could serve it with seafood, chicken, or spicy dishes.

Marqués de Cáceres 2025 Verdejo Rueda ($13)

Rueda’s signature white grape is Verdejo, and Marqués de Cáceres 2025 Verdejo Rueda showcases this local Spanish grape at its most expressive. Some say Verdejo is similar to a dry and fruity Sauvignon Blanc, but we didn’t find this to be the case. Pair this lovely white wine with soft goat cheese, which complements the wine’s crisp white peach and zingy grapefruit notes. Or serve it with grilled fish, fish tacos, or seafood pasta with a white sauce.

Miguel Torres Chile 2025 Andica Sauvignon Blanc ($16)

Miguel Torres has a commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, which is beautifully reflected in the freshness and vibrancy of this 100% Sauvignon Blanc. A pale, delicate yellow color, Miguel Torres 2025 Andica, from Chile’s Central Valley, is a standout white wine that crosses the SB flavor profiles. Aromas of grapefruit, apples, tropical fruits, and herbaceous notes mirror the palate. Call it a porch pounder, a quaffer, a summer sipper, or a delight on the deck, but you’ll also call it delicious. More please!

Summary: Summer 2026

In conclusion, we recommend all four of these stellar sparkling and white wines from Vineyard Brands. Above all, we thank Vineyard Brands for the introduction and samples from their extensive portfolio.

Meanwhile, find us here at Write for Wine and on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.

Cheers,
Margot and Dave