On the grapevine
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS ON... TOP DROPS TO KEEP THE SUMMER VIBES FLOWING
SUCH is the lure of the vine, it can take us on a tasting journey with every glorious sip, without having to leave home, so make the most of the last of the summer wine...
Vina Ventisquera Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Chile, £7.75, Morrisons: This savvy blanc hints at summer meadows and freshly cut grass, with tropical, citrusy aromas and a lively crisp palate of fresh pineapple, pear flavours, herbs and gooseberry. It’s tailormade for laid-back lunches.
Trivento Reserve Shiraz 2019, Mendoza, Argentina, £8, Tesco:
Want spicy notes of smoke and vanilla to complement those smoky BBQ ribs? Trivento’s meaty shiraz has smoky vanilla oak spice and bags of peppery blackberry fruit, the finish is long and smooth. A crowd-pleaser.
Cotes de Provence Saint Victoire Rose, 2019, Provence, France, £12, Marks & Spencer:
We love this square shouldered bottle with its powder-pink wine, balance of freshness and ripe berry fruits edged with blossomy, peachy notes, fresh acidity and seductive, silky texture.
Adnams English Bacchus 2018, England, £13.99, Adnams:
Similar to sauvignon blanc, English bacchus has the citrusy freshness, with some floral charm and zippy acidity, to make it the perfect foil for batter and tangy tartare sauce.
Domaine du Gros Nore 2017, Bandol, France, £22, Lay & Wheeler: Prepare to be blown away by one of the Riviera’s best kept secrets. Grown in small quantities, with a powerful blend of grapes (predominantly mouvedre), this wine is rich, complex and fine-tuned, with herb-infused, sun-kissed fruit and spice along the way. Gorgeous from beginning to end.
Maree d’Ione Organic Fiano IGP Puglia Tube, Italy, currently
£20.79 (was £25.99), 2.25L, Waitrose: For the perfect picnic wine take this tip-top tube, which offers a slice of Southern Italy with fresh pear and citrus, and hints of honeysuckle and nuts. One of the best boxed wines around.
Chapel Down Rose Brut NV, Kent, England, £26.99, Waitrose: It’s been a bumper summer for English and Welsh wines, partly thanks to the lockdown trend for shopping for home-grown produce. Take this
Chapel Down rose, made from pinot noir, is beautifully expressive with red berry and shortbread aromas, a vivacious, fruity palate and crisp, tangy finish.