Summer entertaining doesn't have to consist of frozen margaritas and ice cold beer. While these beverages can quench your thirst on a hot summer evening, there are lighter-style wines that can be equally refreshing. Here are some wine selections for a sophisticated summer party:

Prosecco: Prosecco is Italy's answer to Champagne. It's light-bodied, dry, and low in alcohol, with grapy aromas and flavors. In short, it's an ideal wine to enjoy in the summertime. And, its refreshing acidity makes it a perfect wine to pair with food. Food pairings: Try Prosecco with sushi or other seafood. Junk food addicts will want to enjoy a glass with some potato chips (the Prosecco will cleanse your palate from the grease and salt in the potato chips, making you want to go back for more chips!)

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: Racy. Vibrant. Crisp. Aromatic. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc explodes out of the glass, with aromas and flavors of lemon, grapefruit, herbs, grass and gooseberries, leaving your mouth watering. And, since these wines are typically not oaky, unlike many New World Chardonnays, they pair more easily with food. Food pairings: A mixed green salad with vinaigrette, topped with herbed goat cheese, is a perfect match. Try anything tomato-based, like Bruschetta or salsa and chips (the acidity in the tomatoes will match the acidity in the wine.)

American Riesling: If you hear "Riesling" and you immediately think "sweet wine," it's time to rethink that view. Rieslings are made all over the world in all styles, ranging from bone dry to dessert wine. American Rieslings from Washington, California and New York tend to be off dry, with just a hint of residual sugar. You'll get some apples, peach, and flowers on the nose and palate, along with good acidity. Food pairings: Having a Dim Sum or Asian party? The touch of sweetness found in off-dry Rieslings will counter the heat and spice often found in Thai, Indian and Chinese food. Riesling also works with grilled pork tenderloin or seafood.

Rosé: Yes, these are pink wines, but they are far from White Zinfandel. Dry rosés from France, Spain, Australia and the U.S. are fresh and fun, with the body of a white wine, and some of the complexity of a red. Typically made with the Grenache and Syrah grapes, they are fruity but not sweet, with spicy strawberry notes on the nose and palate. When shopping for rosés, look for the youngest vintage you can find. After a year or two, the pink color fades to a salmon hue, and the bright fruit flavors dulls as well. Food pairings: If you are looking for a casual entertaining and picnic wine, this is it! Try it with ham and cheese on a baguette for a picnic, or with a cheese, nut and olive platter.

Beaujolais Villages: Beaujolais is made in Burgundy, France, from the Gamay grape. It's very fruit-forward, with raspberry and cherry flavors, and little or no tannin to dry out or "pucker" your mouth. Although it's a red wine, it can benefit from a slight chilling to make it even more refreshingly delicious. Cru Beaujolais on the label means the wine comes from one of the ten best villages in the region. Food pairings: Grilled chicken, cheese and crackers, cured meats, and olives.

Oregon Pinot Noir: Referred to as the "headache grape" for its difficulty to grow, Pinot Noir has attracted many followers, who crave its low tannins, soft silky cherry and strawberry flavors, and "gamey" aromas that keep things interesting. Oregon's Willamette Valley has mastered the fruit-forward, yet elegantly restrained style of Pinot. Food pairings: If you are entertaining and serving a wide variety of foods, Pinot Noir is a great wine to serve, as it can pair with chicken, salmon and other fish, pasta, and, in a pinch, even red meat.