It is officially summer (according to the calendar at least) and there is a natural shift in the wines that we choose to drink at this time of year. We're going to give you some tips on the kind of styles that we think make ideal summer wines. There are no rules however, so if your favourite wine is not on this list - you go ahead and keep enjoying it.
It will come as no surprise but as the weather gets warmer, wines that offer vibrant, light, refreshment are ideal. We move from richer, heavier red wines to zestier white wines. Summer is also synonymous with Rosé wines, with Provence Rosé being a standout choice due to its light, dry, and crisp profile featuring notes of red berries and citrus.
If you're looking for white wines, you are spoilt for choice, however there are a few varieties that thrive in heat. Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its zesty and aromatic qualities, offering flavours of citrus, green apple, and herbs, with notable examples from New Zealand and the Loire Valley. Albariño from Spain is celebrated for its bright acidity and flavours of lemon, lime, and green apple, while Verdejo, another Spanish white, is crisp and aromatic with tropical fruit and herb notes. Of course we cannot mention summer without also mentioning Riesling, as the dry examples of this which delivers flavours of lime, green apple, apricot with refreshing acidity. Other refreshing varieties to consider include Vinho Verde from Portugal, which is light, slightly fizzy, and refreshing with flavours of lime and green apple.
Sparkling wines are perfect for summer occasions and not just for celebrations. Prosecco probably doesn't need any introduction, and the drier examples are light and fruity with flavours of apple, pear, and citrus. The new Charmat from Flint vineyards is made in this style and is fantastic. If you prefer, a Spanish Cava, is crisp and dry, often presenting flavours of apple, citrus, and almond with a bit more yeasty depth. For a more luxurious option, traditional method English Sparkling Wine and Champagne offers a range of styles from light and crisp to rich and toasty, making it suitable for various summer celebrations.
We don't forget about red wine altogether though and light red wines come into their own during the summer months. Pinot Noir, with its light-bodied nature and flavours of cherry, raspberry, and earthy notes and low tannins and be served slightly chilled. Gamay, particularly Beaujolais, is another light and fruity red with flavours of red berries and a hint of spice, also benefiting from a slight chill. Bigger and bolder reds still have a place at barbecues - just keep the tannins and oak to a minimum and choose wines with fresher acidity. Portuguese red can be a wonder here.
These wine styles provide a diverse array of flavours and characteristics that can complement a variety of summer activities, from picnics and barbecues to beach outings and poolside relaxation.
What we're drinking this summer:
Pieropan, Soave Classico
A classic that is perhaps overlooked, but definitely one to have in your summer line-up. This is a fresh and expressive Trebbiano di Soave. It has classic aromas of white flowers, almond blossom and a touch of citrus. Rounded, ripe fruit is perfectly balanced by a fresh, clean acidity. Long and fragrant, it has a note of fine, almond pastry on the finish. Superb on a sunny veranda with a seafood linguine.
Granbazan, Etiqueta Ambar Albarino
This is a really delicious and zesty Albariño. Fresh almost tropical aromas then stone fruit and citrus on the palate with a creamy texture, mineral notes, vibrant acidity and a slight seaside saltiness. It is ripe and complex in style but with fresh balancing acidity and good length on the finish. Try with a grilled octopus with paprika and lemon.
Chateau Grange Cochard, Morgon Les Charmes
A lovely example of Cru Beaujolais from Morgon. This has more concentration than your average Beaujolais. There's such a pure aroma of raspberry and black cherries given added complexity with hints of espresso, and earthy, leafy notes. On the palate it is ripe with wonderfully expressive fruit with more cherry meeting strawberry and blueberry flavours. There's a fresh acidity and some grippy tannins to finish and some richness from oak ageing.
Try this with a bavette steak and frites. This is what I'm drinking if i'm seated outside a French bistro feeling sophisticated but wanting the simple pleasures.
Vila Jardim White
This is a very easy-going wine that's a good one to have on the wine rack for those moments that call for a glass of something. The name translates as Garden Village and we were impressed by the authentic quality of fruit and winemaking. Very good value. One to enjoy on a summers day with salt cod Bacalau, Portuguese Piri Piri chicken or white asparagus risotto.
Vila Jardim Selection Red
Maintaining the holiday feeling with another Vila Jardim wine that we will be bringing to the barbecue this summer. A taste of central Portugal from one of the oldest wine producing regions in the country. This is a spicy and rich red blend with a nice depth of flavour. Blackcurrant, plum, blackberry, a peppery spice. The palate is rich and rounded with 6 months of oak providing texture and leading to a finish with good length and gentle tannins. If you like a bold and spicy wine, this is for you. Ideal grilled beef, Portuguese stone soup or a smoky bean chilli.
Flint Vineyard, Charmat Rose
"This wine is really fun with sherbety summer berries that are pure, ripe and fresh. There's a real skill in making a wine this precise and clean while keeping all the aromatics and flavours that give it life."
Why not try canned wine this summer?
Summery picnics can be a treat, however carrying a full bottle of wine and glasses isn't always practical. Step forward canned wine. Light, convenient and great quality, here are a couple of our favourites that are worth trying this summer.
Ocean Muscadet CAN 250ml
"We discovered this Muscadet on buying trip to Paris and just had to bring some back for you. We've been supporters of canned wine for years and this is the style of wine that really suits the format. A picnic essential!"
O Joie Fleurie CAN 250ml
One of the beautiful Beaujolais vintages the 2020 wine is light, with a beautiful freshness, always pure and elegant, that gives a fruity, crisp and fresh red wine to take away in a practical, lightweight, recyclable format for all those moments when you were still hesitating to open a bottle. There's an earthiness to this too and a little food friendly tannin which makes it great for picnics.
Organic and natural wine
Cortese, Nostru Organic Nerello Mascalese
Cortese are one of a number of Sicilian wine makers who farm their grapes organically. Their sunny island also produces some wonderful wines that suit the warmer weather perfectly. Crisp, aromatic Cattarrato's, and very light reds made using the Frappato grape have been big favourites of ours recently. If you're looking for something with a little more intensity, the local specialty of Nerello Macalese is definitely one to try.
Kate Says:
"Nerello Mascalese can produce wines that are similar to Pinot Noir and this great example offers a harmonious blend of ripe berries with subtle earthy undertones, reflecting the rich volcanic soils of Sicily. I'd enjoy this with a grilled tuna steak."
Rallo, Vicoletto Catarratto
This wine is a slice of Sicilian sunshine. It has a beautiful mix of citrus, grapefruit, apple and melon fruit on the nose. These follow onto the palate, complemented by a subtle note of Mediterranean herbs and a backbone of fresh acidity. 10% of the wine is fermented on skins for 12 days. Bottled without fining or filtration.
Try this with Sicilian pasta or chickpea fritters.
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