ON THE GRAPEVINE
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS ON... RED WINES TO ENJOY CHILLED THIS SUMMER
IF YOUR go-to white has lost its mojo and that weekday rosé feels a little run of the mill, why not try popping a red in the fridge?
This can make for a fun riff on those spicy, peppery notes or jammy, sun-kissed fruit, adding freshness to the finish. These five top drops will fit the bill very nicely...
1 LOUIS JADOT BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES 2018, FRANCE
FONDLY referred to as ‘petite pours’, a half bottle makes a great choice. Smooth and silky, this cherry-fruited thirstquencher is dependably delicious at a cooler temperature.
2 VIGNOBLES ROUSSELLET PINOT NOIR, FRANCE £4.99, Aldi
GREAT from the word go, this plush pinot makes a great summer alternative to pinot grigio, especially when it’s as fresh and fun as this one. Its fine acidity brings vibrancy and lifts the fruit, while the pretty raspberry florals make you want to dive right in.
3 ANDREW PEACE SHIRAZ 2019, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA £5.35, Co-op stores
A SMOOTH shiraz with minimal tannins (chilling accentuates tannin and acidity levels, so you don’t want anything wrestling with the temperature like a heavy red), the ripe black fruits really shine and somehow feel much more lifted when lightly chilled. With a succulent juiciness too, the wine’s bursting with black fruits on the nose and offers a super-fresh finish.
4 SORCOVA PINOT NOIR 2019, ROMANIA £7.79 Waitrose stores
BRIGHT, juicy and new on the shelves, this Romanian could certainly give a Californian pinot a run for its money and offers a lot of bang for your buck. Openly fruity, with enticing aromas of raspberry and black cherry, it’s vivid and juicy, with wild berry notes ending with ripe plum on the fruit-driven finish.
5 M&S CLASSICS NO 35, BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2019, FRANCE £8, Marks & Spencer stores
ANOTHER beaujolais with excellent credentials, you’ll find all the glorious gamay grape sensations you could wish for in this new Classics label from M&S. With a fruity, juicy silkiness allied to delightful notes of raspberries, spice and violet nuances, it’s one of the loveliest styles out there.