FIVE SUPER SUMMERY SELECTIONS
Australia: Wirra Wirra Church Block 2017 (£13.49, 14.5%)
This classic blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot comes from Australia’s McLaren Vale, home to some of the world’s most exciting wines. The Wirra Wirra winery is one of the region’s oldest and most prestigious and Church Block, first produced in 1971, was named after one of the original local vineyards. It’s deep scarlet and a beguiling mix of plum and blackcurrant with notes of spice and cedar. Available from Waitrose.
France: Réserve des Tuguets Madiran 2016 (£7, 13%)
This cuvée is produced from clay-soil vineyards situated in the rocky foothills of the Pyrenees. Grapes – typically tannat, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc – are hand harvested, destemmed and crushed before fermentation and maceration. Aged for 12 months, the resulting wine is rich and full-bodied with notes of black cherry, liquorice and spice. Available from Tesco.
Italy: Cantine Lombardini – C’era Una Volta 2019 (£10.80, 8.5%)
A fantastic fruity lambrusco in the finest traditions of one of Italy’s best-loved frizzante (slightly sparkling) reds. Full bodied and well balanced, with lovely, ripe aromas of red berries and delicate sparkles, ideal as an aperitif or with desert. Available from Winebuyers.com
Spain: Frontonio Microcosmico Macabeo, IGP Veldejalon (£14.54, 14%)
A concentrated palate with crisp acidity and medium body, combined with a clean, dry style, make this Spanish white made from macabeo grapes from old vines a must-try. Notes of lemon and grapefruit make it perfect with seafood. Winemaker Fernando Mora began with 28 vines in his grandparents’ garden in Aragon, Zaragoza – making his first wines in his bathtub. Today, he is Spain’s second ever Master of Wine. Available from Jascots.co.uk
France: Ultimate Provence Côtes De Provence Aop Rosé 2018 (£22, 12.5%)
Another stunning French wine to try this summer, this promises a unique combination of Provencal red berries with aromas of pine, cinnamon and gingerbread. A dazzling combination of shiraz, grenache, cinsault and rolle grapes, the latter providing a touch of acidity. Not cheap but worth it if you’re saving money on your flights! Available from Winebuyers.com
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