Summer means it’s time to adjust wine selections to offset hopefully warmer months, with more outdoor dining, relaxation and lots of sunshine. For most, summer is when wine enthusiasts turn to lighter reds and rosé, as well as nicely chilled whites. Heavier wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel can seem a little too overpowering. Our tastes move towards fruity reds and light whites with more acidity and, of course, rosé wines are generally the order of the day.
The rule should be: Think light and refreshing and you won’t head too far off the mark.
Here are six varietals to look out for.
Beaujolais
Low in tannin, with vibrant red berry flavours, it’s the ultimate summer red. The Beaujolais Nouveau style, produced and released on the third Thursday in November, is meant to be drunk within the year, so the beginning of June and July are perfect moments to uncork a bottle or two!
Bright acidity and a touch of oak makes it a versatile wine that will pair with a wide array of foods from pork sausages to fried calamari.
Pinot Noir
A French classic but produced all over the world, it’s another red that’s light in body with a fruity flavour that you can serve chilled. Pinot Noir makes a great match with salmon or other fatty fish, roasted chicken or pasta dishes.
Chardonnay
The world’s most planted white wine varietal, originating from Burgundy in France, Chardonnay is a summer staple on many tables. Light and refreshing, it’s a good all-rounder to include at the dinner table or to enjoy in the garden.
Young, unoaked Chardonnay is a perfect partner for delicate foods like raw and lightly cooked shellfish or grilled fish. Oaked Chardonnay lends itself well to rich textured foods such as creamy mustard and tarragon chicken and makes a great partner to a veggie pizza.
Sauvignon Blanc
It’s dry, crisp and fruity taste makes it the perfect choice for celebrations and family get togethers. It’s versatile enough to match an array of foods but is is supreme coupled with a goat’s cheese salad or lighter fish such as sole or rainbow trout.
Riesling
Originating from the Rhine valley, this highly versatile wine with a universally low alcohol content can be paired with any summer food. It also works with spicier meals.
Provence Rosé
Summer in a bottle, this classic pale rosé from vineyards close to the sunny Mediterranean coast boasts summer pudding flavours and beautiful elegant freshness. Wine has been made here for over 2,600 years, making Provence the oldest wine producing region of France.
Offering acidity levels of a white wine and the fruit character of a red makes this rosé ideal with grilled sardines and a well herbed rack of lamb.
Of course, there are plenty of other equally great wines for summer including Chablis and a wide range of other rosés. Always look for quality and veer to the light and refreshing rather than the full-bodied grape varieties. Particularly in summer, it’s important to keep hydrated with plenty of water and drink alcohol responsibly.
Jason Mules
Waitrose, Okehampton