ON THE GRAPEVINE

Here’s a varied array of top drops we enjoyed over the last few months, and would love to drink again and again before the sun sets on summer...

WHITES:

Cambalala Grenache Blanc 2020, Western Cape, South Africa (£6.49, Aldi) A lively salad of tangy green fruits, ripe guava, juicy spiced pear and lemon peel from South Africa which really hits the spot, with a brilliant balance of concentrated flavours and refreshing acidity.

The Rothschild Collection Rimapere Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Marlborough, New Zealand (£19, Harvey Nichols) A notch up the scale, this sauvignon blanc is a collaboration between the Rothschild dynasty and blue-chip winery Craggy Range. Exciting and beautifully aromatic, with the promise of passion fruit, concentrated gooseberry, vine tomatoes, freshly cut grass and lemony acidity, it’s super pure, expressive and full of finesse.

PINK FIZZ: Jansz Rosé Brut NV, Tasmania, Australia

(£17.95, Slurp) Trailblazer Jansz make top-notch fizz to rival champagne. Rose petal aromas and a fine, creamy mousse lend finesse, with tiers of strawberry and citrus fruits, the merest hint of nougat and a fresh acidity on the finish. Beautiful and super stylish.

Rumor Rosé, Provence, France (£29.85, 31 Dover) Showing the more serious side of rosé, Rumor is sophisticated and elegant. Fragrant white peach and apricot aromas lead to a fresh, peachy palate with the merest hint of redcurrants and spice, and long fresh acidity on the crystalline finish.

RED: M&S Found Xinomavro Mandilaria 2019, Greece,

(£9.50, Marks & Spencer stores) A delicious discovery, xinomavro is one of Greece’s most popular red grapes, and has been deftly blended with mandilaira, a bold red variety from the Aegean islands. There’s a lovely floral lift with fragrant black fruits, bramble and fresh herbs, then a trail of raspberries, blackberries and expressive red fruits. A natural partner with vegetable moussaka.