What We're Uncorking: 7 Great Low-Key Wines For Summer

Bubbly doesn't need to be an only-at-parties drink. There are a lot of great sparkling French wines made outside Champagne that won't cost an arm and a leg.

They're called cremants and each region has its own style. Cremant d'Alsace (such as this one, from Wolfberger) is one of our favorites. It's inexpensive enough to celebrate a Wednesday, and yet it's every bit as tasty (we think) as its more famous cousin.

Also Great: Cremant de Limoux and Cremant de Loire also offer a lot of taste at a fraction of Champagne's price.

If you're already a fan of cabernet sauvignon, then it's worth trying an ancestor.

Specifically, a parent: cabernet sauvignon was made by cross pollinating sauvignon blanc and cabernet franc grapes. As you might expect, cab franc has a lot in common with its offspring, but it tends to be slightly softer and a little more fruity, making it perfect for a summer cookout or barbecue feast.

Also Great: While California's Napa valley yields very good cab franc (as it does cab sauvignon), you can't go wrong with the wine that's been made for centuries in Bordeaux or the Loire valley.

Picture a bottle of rosé: The image in your mind is probably a pale pink.

That's French rosé, typically from Provence, in the south of France. This is where you get those soft hues and the almost flinty dry mineral flavor that makes a glass so absolutely refreshing when it's hot out.

The Bandol region, a small part of Provence on the coast, consistently offers everything rosé should be: clean, bright, and easy to drink while sitting on the porch enjoying a little bit of breeze.

Also Great: There are plenty of options when searching for a dry rosé! Your local wine shop will have recommendations. Outside of Provence, Oregon and Washington are worth exploring.

Technically, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo is a rosé, but as you might notice, it's much darker, almost ruby red.

This makes it a great rosé for folks who think they only like red wine. It's got plenty of body, but is light enough for simple summer sipping.

We love serving it with pizza (homemade or ordered in). The balance of fruit and acid pair well with cheese, dough, and tomato sauce.

Also Great: Villa Gemma is an outstanding wine but Cataldi Madonna and Masseria Coste di Brenta are also solid choices.

Riesling gets a bad rap. And if you're drinking the overly sweet stuff, it can be a little cloying, it's true.

But dry riesling, on the other hand, can be a wonder. With lots of peach, apple, and grapefruit flavors, it's just the thing to go with a plate of cheese and crackers (and maybe some spiced nuts) for a no-cooking summertime snack dinner.

German rieslings run the gamut from sweet to dry and in between, but those from Alsace, France, such as this Trimbach, are almost universally dry.

Also Great: New York's Finger Lakes region and the Pacific Northwest are also great places to source dry riesling. Try Fox Run from the Finger Lakes, or Chateau St. Michelle from Washington.

Wine shouldn't be complicated, and canned wine embodies that ethos. Whether you like red or white, you can chill it or not, crack it open and sip, without having to think much about it. And cans are great for boat trips, picnics, or anywhere glass is a no-go.

I'm a particular fan of this brand, not only because we (almost) share a name, but because it just tastes good. There is lots of great canned wine out there, however. The investment in finding one you like is generally low.

Also Great: Nomadica's red blend is mild and easy to sip on, and we're big fans of Porch Pounder's whole aesthetic.

Boxed wine has a lot of advantages. The technology lets it last much longer—weeks instead of days—after opening. It's far better for the environment. And because winemakers don't have to ship heavy (and easily breakable) bottles, there's considerable cost savings.

But it's had a bad rep because most boxed wine is pretty cheap. "Splurge" a little — such as paying $65, or the equivalent of $16.25 a bottle — and you've suddenly got a much, much better wine, that you don't need to rush through to enjoy. You can get a box for your next big party, or just keep one on hand for a daily glass with dinner.

Also Great: If you want to splurge a little more, My Favorite Neighbor's red blend, which we love, now comes in a box. Looking to go a little more moderate? Try Sandy Giovese, which retails for closer to $40 a box.