Our top picks for the summer
Looking for that perfect summer wine or refreshing apéritif? Read on to discover our top picks and tips for the most refreshing and versatile tipples on our shelves this summer.
So what makes a good summer wine?
Location, temperature, occasion all have a role to play in this answer. As a general rule of thumb, increasingly hotter summers call for light and refreshing, lower alcohol wine styles that can be enjoyed gently chilled. Fruity, light reds and rosés come to mind, together with refreshing whites and sparkling wines with good levels of acidity. Food pairings are also a key factor to consider – as the summer months are often a time for lighter, fresher dishes – from salads to cold cuts, cheese platters to seafood dishes. Read on to discover some of our go-to summer styles.
The exciting winemaking project from the one and only singer-songwriter John Legend. Produced using grapes from France’s Languedoc Roussillon, the 2020 release is a beautiful blend of 45% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 20% Cinsault produced from both free-run and first-press juice to obtain a pale, delicately coloured rosé style and fermented at low temperatures to encourage freshness.
In the words of the producer, “a brilliant, pale pink colour. It exudes fruitiness and elegance. The nose is aromatic with delicate notes of peach blossom, raspberry and apricot. Full on the palate, crisp light notes of fresh picked strawberry and white nectarine lead to an elegant and lengthy finish.”
Pair with: Lobster, crab dishes, charcuterie boards and lots of sunshine.
The latest release from Miraval, channelling the true spirit of the French Riviera. A wonderful blend of fruit aromas and freshness, made from exceptional terroirs in Provence. Produced from four key varietals: Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle and Syrah. Available in a wide array of formats, from half, to magnum and even 600cl – perfect for those summer get-togethers with friends and family.
Tasting notes: In the words of the producer, “Attractive bright and translucent colour, a typical Provencal pale pink. The nose immediately reveals all the elegance of this Miraval Rosé with its superb aromatic bouquet delicately combining fresh fruit, freshly cut currants and roses, seasoned with a zest of lemon. The refinement continues on the palate with an ample, rich and gourmet texture, perfectly balanced by the natural acidity and minerality with saline and limestone notes specific to Miraval which continue in a long finish.”
Pair with: Summer salads such as Salade Niçoise, cold cuts, salmon dishes and young cheese boards.
Whilst hot weather can often make a full bodied, high alcohol red wine feel less appealing, this is the time for light bodied alternatives that can also be enjoyed gently chilled.
Look to the delicious Bourgogne Gamay Maison Leroy 2019 for a beautifully ripe Gamay with excellent ripeness and concentration, yet seamless balance and freshness. At 12.5% abv. this is a lighter style of red, perfect for those hot, lingering days of July and August.
Pair with: Light pasta dishes, charcuterie and freshly grilled sardines.
Discover the beautiful offerings that the English wine scene has to offer, such as the Danbury Ridge Pinot Noir 2019 hailing from the Essex countryside.
In the words of the producer, “Displaying an array of ripe red fruit aromas with highlights of cherries, hints of smokiness and spice add complexity to the nose. The palate has a juicy acidity and fine tannins lending to a refreshingly long finish.”
This is a wonderfully versatile red, and can prove the perfect match for a range of dishes from risottos to charcuterie.
Made from 100% Assyrtiko, this is Vassaltis Vineyards’ most well-known wine. An exceptional white with great ageing potential, here is a wine that shows the true essence of what Santorini and Assyrtiko are about. Aromatics of basalt and pumice stone with ripe tropical fruits, honeysuckle and maritime salinity, followed by a palate of salty green fruits with high levels of minerality and acidity. The long aftertaste adds depth and weight to the wine.
The perfect match for seafood and fish dishes – think spaghetti alle vongole, calamari fritti…
A crisp and fresh Sardinian white wine, based on the Vermentino grape variety (80%) and the addition of Chardonnay (20%). Displaying a vibrant yellow straw colour, the wine emanates aromas of tropical fruit and citrus. Fresh and smooth on the palate, punctuated by a subtle minerality.
Enjoy with Caesar salad, fish soup, and light white fish dishes.
A more quirky alternative to the much loved G&T, this will be your new favourite apéritif this summer. Make from a refreshing combination of 2 parts tonic to 1 part White Port. Best served on ice with a wedge of orange and a sprig of mint, quite simply put this is delicious.
Made from a field blend of white varieties which are fermented in stainless steel, fortified at the desired level of sweetness and aged for a minimum of 3 years. Delicious notes of dried apricot, wild honey, spices and vanilla. Smooth and round, initially quite sweet on the palate but finishes relatively dry with a delightful citrus peel-infused aftertaste.
Another excellent choice for Porto Tónico, this popular Portuguese tipple is refreshing, easy to make and can provide that welcome touch of sweetness on a warm summer evening.
Made from local Douro white varieties Malvasia, Rabigato, Códega and Viosinho and aged for approximately 10 years. Vibrant gold in colour with flavours of dried stone fruits, citrus peel, nutmeg and eucalyptus.
A blend of the noblest of the classic Douro varieties: Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato and Códega, this dry style White Port is subtle, fruity and light.
Pair with: Enjoy as an apéritif with smoked almonds, olives, salty crisps or tapas – the choice is yours!