Looking for a wine to quench your summer thirst? Forget big and boozy. The key words here are crisp, fresh, and slightly sparkling; especially when the full heat of summer hits. Your essential liquid companion should be great-tasting, easy-drinking wines that you want to guzzle with reckless abandon.

I’ve been on a mission to find well-made thirst-quenching wines that are interesting and unique but don’t require serious contemplation. Here are 5 delicious options from South Africa, perfect for stocking your fridge this summer.

Le Lude MCC Brut

If you’re craving bubbles look no further than this newly release Methode Cap Classique from Le Lude. This wickedly good Champagne-style sub from the Franschhoek region is bright and tangy with a mouthwatering fizzy finish.

Price: R190

Fleur du Cap Unfilterd Chenin Blanc 2014

Fleur du Cap’s pursuit of regional excellence through the search for exceptional parcels of vineyards for its top tier wines has culminated in the launch of the first Chenin Blanc in the Unfiltered range. It has a commanding blossomy freshness and a lush stone fruit and peachy acidity that makes it difficult to put the glass down. One of the best chenin blancs I’ve tasted this year!

Price: R110

Van Loveren Daydream

Besides bubbles, rosé wines are brilliant for summer. With a glass of this uncomplicated and surprisingly fruity wine in your hand, let your imagination take flight to a lazy daydream of happy times with friends and family on a hot summer’s day.

Price:

Welmoed Pinot Grigio

Marrying a seafood dish with white wine has long been tradition. This Pinot Grigio is made for something fishy. It’s a fresh, easy-drinking wine with the perfect balance of melon and lime aromas on the nose that follow through to a crisp and light finish on the palate.

Price: R50

Waverley Hills Grenache

This bottle from Waverley Hills, a longtime pioneer in the biodynamic wine scene, is a fraction of the cost of other natural and biodynamic wines. It walked away with an award at this year’s Green Wine Awards and rightfully so. Chill it slightly and it’s sure to become your favourite summer sipper.

Price: R80

Bottoms up!!