What we're drinking in the sun!
A couple of weeks ago the lovely ALMA hosted a pop-up shop and show in Newquay at Slow Response Coffee, and asked me to put together a selection of wines to showcase. With sunny spells on the cards for the next few months I stocked the shelves with my favourites for drinking in the sun! If you didn't make it along to stock up, here's a round up of my recommendations...
Gentle sparkles
Pet Nats are some of the best for afternoon drinking; generally low(er) on ABV, lighter on the bubbles, and full of fruit forward flavour. Two of my favourites at the moment are Find and Foster's Allan and Channing Daughters' Bianco Pet Nat.
Allan is Pet Nat cider, made by the lovely Polly and Matt who foster orchards in the Exe Valley, Devon in exchange for apples to make their incredible ciders. It's inviting amber hue and tropical mango scent give way to a delicately sparkling palate with apple, orange peel and quince, and a tannin profile (from extended skin contact) reminiscent of an orange wine.
Channing Daughters' make a range of three Pet Nats, all three are great, but the Bianco is by far my favourite. Made with an aromatic blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano and Pinot Grigio in tiny quantities on Long Island, New York. Taste-wise, think orange blossom, white peaches, jasmine, and just a hint of cucumber skin.
Citrusy Whites
Sunshine calls for fresh zesty flavours and I've put together a spectrum of citrus to rival a packet of opal fruits!
Full of lemony zing and fresh green apple, Chateau de Suronde, Chenin Blanc "Esquisse" is the perfect partner to BBQ asparagus, smashed green pea bruschetta, and ceviche dishes.
T-Reix from Galician producer Cume do Avia offers pithy yellow grapefruit, lime zest and a salty minerality. Try it with Oysters, or simple grilled white fish and samphire.
Where red and rosé meet
I know summer is on it's way when I reach for a bottle of light red to put in the fridge. Light, bright, juicy reds brimming with berries, damsons and pomegranate are wonderfully versatile companion for washing down barbecue and picnic food. I'm also a fan of rosé with character. Deep dark pink doesn't always mean sweet, there are plenty of crunchy, fresh rosés that serve a similar role to light reds, but often with the added bonus of taming spice.
If you're having a bbq party then you need a litre of Primata in your life- part of the Natcool range from Niepoort. It's 100% whole bunch fermented goodness and an elegant antidote to the high alcohol, often intensely tannic wines traditionally produced in the Douro Valley.
My second recommendation from Cume do Avia is their Rosete, a nearly red rosé made predominantly from Mencia, Galicia's answer to Cabernet Franc. Deep cerise in colour with crushed fresh red currants, just ripe strawberries, ink and earth on the palate. Not a hint of sweetness, just ridiculously drinkable juice!
Rosete, Cume do Avia, 2020, Galicia, Spain
With this selection you are ready to go forth and BBQ! Sit in the garden on sunny days and balmy evenings, and sip on these delicious wines. Or if you feel like sharing take a bottle to enjoy with friends, the best kind of wine is enjoyed with others!