Without deliberately intending to shoot ourselves in the foot we feel bound to point out that there are some days now in an English summer when it becomes simply too hot to drink wine - or indeed any alcoholic beverage. On such days it is best to wait until the sun is lower in the sky and has stopped beating down like a furnace. Rehydration is very important when we expericncee these high temperatures and liquids containing alcohol can prove counter-productive at such times. However later in the day when the sun is less fearce we can start to sip and savour rather than drink from thirst.
Summer is the territory of fresh, crisp and clean-tasting whites like an unoaked Chardonnay, Rieslings (the German ones are often much lower in alcohol and are therefore refreshinig without being too powerful), the more unusual grapey Gewurztraminer possibly along with, of course, some slightly fuller wines like a Maconnais or a Loire wine. It is hard to resist a refreshing, vibrant, chilled glass of Manzanilla with some good tapas when it is very hot - just as they do in Jerez.
Summer is also the time of more Al Fresco parties and barbecues when it is hard to find a more enjoyable aperitif than a fine champagne or good quality sparkling wine.
The growth in popularity of rosé wines in the UK, both still and sparkling, is testament to our appreciation of these wines from our holidays abroad. The first bottle of rosé opened each year may fire the starting gun on any summer.
Full-bodied, more tanninc red wines are best avoided when it is so hot as the temperature at which they should be served is not appropriate to the season nor to its lighter foods. Having said this there are lots of other reds which are a pleasure to drink on warmer days - particularly fresh, intensely fruity Merlots and especially Pinot Noir wines. Do not be afraid to pop these bottles in the fridge to cool (as opposed to chill) them down. This will emphasise their fruit. If you serve them warm all you will taste is alcohol.
Minervois Rosé, 2006 - Château d'Oupia, Languédoc - £6.62 per bottle
There is something quintessential about the association between the Languédoc and crisp, refreshing rosés. Maybe it's the thought of soaking up all that lovely southern french sunshine whilst on holiday without a care in the world. Year in year out André Iché manages to produce one of our most popular pink wines. Predominantly made with Grenache Noir, Cinsault and Syrah this is a pale-coloured rosé with an excellent depth of spangly strawberry fruit.
Crémant de Loire Brut, NV - Domaine de la Presle - £10.55 per bottle
The Crémant has a firm, assertive flavour which is perfectly off-set against a creamy mousse and supported by a ripe, clean pure fruitiness and balancing acidity. It is made from Chenin Blanc (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%) and this addition of Cabernet gives the wine its intrinsic quality and individuality.
Frédéric & Anne-Sophie Meurgey-Penet are making some really outstanding Crémant de Loire sparkling wines; Sophie is the oenologist and her husband, Frédéric is a Bugundian with a great deal of sparkling wine experience. This young couple met whilst they were studying at Beaune and they have both worked extensively in Australia and South Africa.
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