WINE

SOME summer wine suggestions for you this week.

I can’t think of a more summery suggestion than an English Rosé.

And like the white wine also recommended below, it’s from Chapel Down Winery in Kent.

Chapel Down own vineyards across a wide patch, a key factor perhaps being the limestone or chalky soils which dominate the land near to the south east coast of England.

This type of soil, also common to both Chablis and Champagne, enables the estate to produce lean, mineral profiles in their wines which are perfect for sparkling, whites and rosé. It goes without saying that England has the cool climate that helps to keep these wines crisp. Spain never used to be known for its crisp white wines perhaps because if its generally hotter climate but the advent of cool fermentation techniques has changed all that.

This week’s recommendation from the Torres brand is a real cracker.

Chapel Down English Rosé 2016 (£10.99 Sainsbury’s, Majestic, www.chapeldown.com and select independent wine

●● Chapel Down English Rosé merchants)

Wow, this lovely rosé was more than a pleasant surprise. It’s made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Regent, Rondo, Pinot Meunier, and Dornfelder. And that seems like an inspired choice when you dip your nose into the glass for a whiff of an English summer garden in full bloom. There is a definite nettle and hawthorn aroma here that mingles with the sharp bite of grapefruit. The hint of blackberries and blackcurrant on the nose opens out on the palate, the juicy melon adding a fruit salad effect. The crisp finish is dominated by apple tart acidity.

Chapel Down Bacchus 2016 (£12.99 Majestic, Waitrose www. chapeldown.com)

Bacchus is swiftly becoming the English varietal for white wines. It’s really our answer to Sauvignon Blanc and if you like Sauvignon I’d be inclined to give this bottle a whirl.

Like the rosé, there is a pronounced nettle aroma, and more than a suggestion of gooseberry. It’s a bit blustery but there’s also a more elegant undertow where you can sense elderflower and pineapple when you get to the palate.

This wine is brilliant with seafood and anything dressed with lots of lemon or lime such as tempura.

Torres Verdeo Verdejo 2015 (£9.99 Hoults Wine Merchants, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Roberts and Speight, Italian Continental Stores, Mitchells Vintners)

This is yet another wine that shares aromas and a crisp, citrus profile with Sauvignon Blanc.

It’s a speciality of the Rueda region, a DOC created in northern Spain in 1980.

This particular version is a delight. The nose is characterful and exuberant with abundant citrus blossom while the palate has pear-like fruit and a hint of fennel.

‘You dip your nose in the glass for a whiff of an English summer garden in full bloom’