The sun is shining, the weather is sweet, but what to drink? I grab a glass with some local wine buffs and discover their favourite sips for summer.
Rupert Pritchett (managing director) and the team at Taurus Wines, an award-winning wine merchant and importer near Bramley in the Surrey Hills recommend...
- Bolney Wine Estate English Bacchus 2021 | £19.99
The family owned Bolney Wine Estate can be found on the edge of the Sussex Downs. Crisp and aromatic, with its characteristic hedgerow and nettle flavour, Bacchus is essentially England's answer to Sauvignon Blanc. This zippy white is full of elderflower, gooseberry and grapefruit flavours, with delicate cantaloupe melon, passion fruit, candied orange and lime on the palate. A perfect partner to picnic favourites like cold cuts and hard cheeses.
- Chandon Garden Spritz | £22.99
This refreshing ready-to-pour fizz combines Argentinian Chandon sparkling wine with an artisanal orange peel liqueur and a touch of herbs and spices. Made to be poured into a large wine glass over ice and served with a juicy slice of orange alongside a bowl of fat, buttery Nocerella olives!
For more, visit tauruswines.co.uk
Nik Darlington, founder of Pip, wine merchant and importer in the Surrey village of Seale, just outside Farnham, recommends...
- De Kleine Wijn Koöp Ronkedoor 2020 | £29
A shiraz from a cool, coastal South African region, Walker Bay, better known for its Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays - indeed, the only Shiraz vineyard in the area, hence why this wine is called 'Ronkedoor', which loosely translates as ‘vagabond’. It means this is a fresher, peppery, more European take on Shiraz, one we'd like to enjoy with winemaker Wynand Grobler over a proper high-summer braai, the elevated acidity making it a fine foil for grilled juicy meats.
- SOU Alvarinho 2019 | £49
One of the most remarkable white wines ever to come out of Portugal and by one of its greatest winemakers of modern times, Nuno Mira do Ó. It has razor sharp focus, a sumptuous texture and incredible length. Perfect for that special summer celebration meal of the freshest grilled seafood - think lobster or buttery prawns. Go on, push the boat out…
For more, visit pipwine.co.uk
Andrew Dore of wine shop and bar, Corkage in Guildford, recommends...
- Chateau Grange Cochard Morgon 2020 | £21
We are often asked which red wines can be drunk chilled, and this Morgon is a prime example. Coming from a selection of very old and qualitative Gamay, the plot is in Beaujolais, France, and harvested by hand before maturing in barrels. It works beautifully chilled with French charcuterie such as patés, terrines, rillettes and saucisson sec, and with white-rinded cheeses.
Don't forget the fizz!
- Waldschutz Sparkling Extra Dry NV | £24
A refreshing dry sparkling wine from the Kamptal region of Austria. Bright lemon in colour with aromas of peach, mandarin and white blossom. A soft mousse with flavours of green apple and lightly toasted brioche. A great aperitif accompanied by salted nuts or Manchego cheese.
For more, visit corkage.co.uk
