The ultimate summer wine guide (come rain or shine)
Whatever the weather or occasion, there is a grape to celebrate with, says Guy Kelly
Summertime in Britain is rarely predictable – which is why, when faced with a calendar of sporting and cultural events, there is an age-old national recipe that comes in handy year after year: just add booze.
Whether you find yourself in the refined grounds of Glyndebourne, in the mud at Glastonbury or perched in a fold-up chair in the back garden, finding the right wine to drink can provide a challenge – especially with so much choice on offer.
So, with the help of Pierpaolo Petrassi, the first Italian master of wine and head of wine buying at Waitrose, here are seven wines to pair with seven key events.
Barbecues
When: all summer (weather permitting) Barbecues are as much about standing around in a garden making small talk as getting stuck in to the food. So you want a wine that is drinkable as you wait for your host to get the grill going, and strong enough to match those deliciously smoked meats when they’re finally served.
A well-rounded red, such as the Peter Lehmann Portrait Shiraz (£9.99), ought to do the trick. “A barbecue generally means meat,” Petrassi says, “and that means the wine needs to be approachable and soft, but robust enough to cope with big flavours. This Australian style tends to be a good balance of being fruit-driven while holding enough body to sip with food.”
Euro 2016
When: June 10 to July 10 Football-watching fodder of yesteryear may have been a pint of lager and a chicken vindaloo, but for a more refined experience opt for a wine from the heart of the continent – and we don’t mean Brussels…
Waitrose’s Araldica Barbera D’Asti Superiore (£8.99), from footballmad Piedmont, is an ideal accompaniment to a plate-on-the-lap meal of most varieties, possessing plenty of kick.
“In the last few years, we’ve seen this region produce wines that are very fruit-driven, particularly red cherry notes, but still retaining that vibrancy with a good amount of spice on the finish,” Petrassi says.
Wimbledon
When: June 27 to July 10 Fizz could be the order of the day at SW19 this year if Andy Murray finds his mark. But a Brit that is guaranteed to serve well is the much-underrated Stopham Estate Pinot Blanc (£14.99), produced in the South Downs.
“British wine still isn’t taken as seriously as it should be, but this stands against any of its kind from mainland Europe,” Petrassi says. Not dissimilar from a chardonnay, this pinot blanc isn’t as full as its French rivals but boasts strong notes of stone fruits, such as apricots and peaches, while (helpfully) just as at home alongside strawberries and cream.
“The hallmark of British wines is a citric finish, but it isn’t overpowering. You’ll want to sit with a lingering glass of this over the course of an afternoon.”
Glastonbury
When: June 22-26 What exactly does one drink with mud and rock music? Warm cider is the historic palette-cleanser at Worthy Farm, but it’s a different crowd these days.
Assuming there’s sun, an elegant white, such as the Hen-Pecked Picpoul de Pinet (£7.99) – so-called due to its tight Mediterranean grape-clusters frequently falling to the ground where hungry chickens roam – will make the perfect campsite friend.
“Traditionally, Picpouls used to come across as dry and without a lot of flavour,” Petrassi says, “but this dances with citrus and apple blossom flavours. It’s funky and a bit out-there, yet still very sophisticated for the glampers.”
Rio Olympics
When: August 5-21 Capturing the carnival atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro at home is no small task, but there’s one surefire way to salvage some Olympic spirit: Brazilian wine.
Often overlooked as a grape-growing nation in favour of its Argentinian and Chilean neighbours, this year’s host produces far more wine – of all colours – than one might think, largely thanks to the European emigration to its southern regions. One is Waitrose’s Brazilian Chardonnay (£8.79).
It may be from the New World, Petrassi argues, but tastes far closer to home: “This wine is extremely crisp, and more European – almost Burgundian – in style, compared with Australian or Californian whites, and has a lovely seam of acidity.”
Glyndebourne
When: until August 28 If you find yourself in its exquisite grounds for the opera festival, packing your interval hamper with an elegant wine is paramount. Look no further than a dry rosé, Petrassi says, suggesting the Whispering Angel (£16.99) from Provence.
“Over the past few years, as rosé has really taken off; sweeter wines from the New World have tended to dominate, but people have started to realise that there’s so much more,” he says. Whispering Angel is “very pale, very elegant and very dry” – hallmarks of a Provence rosé, which have come to transform the market in Britain. Equally enjoyable sipped or with food, a dry rosé comes with one definite serving suggestion: best drunk extremely chilled. Pack plenty of cooler ice packs – or finish the bottle very quickly.
Last Night of the Proms
When: September 10 Whether you watch live on a giant outdoor screen, or from your sitting room, the jubilant atmosphere is a good excuse to pop a cork. Affordable Prosecco has seen an extraordinary surge in popularity, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t also high quality bottles to be found.
La Gioiosa Prosecco DOCG Superiore (£13.49) is one. A step up from your average sparkling wine, and made with a better grape, La Gioiosa is flexible enough to work with any light finger food, so, Petrassi says, it’s perfect for a Proms picnic. “It will cover anything you might fill a hamper with, with pear and quince the predominant notes. This has very tight bubbles, too, meaning it fizzes on the tongue. There’s also a lovely lemony finish, which makes you reach for another glass.”