Spring came and went under a wash of rainfall (even Noah is working from home) and with the Summer Solstice approaching, and the stages of Glastonbury going up, we have still yet to enjoy any meaningful string of sunny days.
Let's be optimistic, it's coming (surely?). With the ground underfoot now firm, we are swapping wellies for walking boots. Bring on the smell of cut grass, the distant hum of mowers, warm air, blue skies and the sound of a distant cricket match…………all will be well at last.
Our increasing community of local vineyards will be watching their vines closely as the buds to turn flower and into fruit set. They will be hoping for long periods of warm sunny weather to take the fruit set into ‘veraison’ (this is when the tiny green grapes start to colour and ripen). Fingers crossed for all vignerons across the region.
Once the patio has been jet-washed and we have taken the covers off the garden furniture we can perhaps start to anticipate all things alfresco. Yes, taking our socialising back out into the fresh air.
For many, the BBQ will feature heavily producing lovely smoky aromas and a comforting background sizzle as we catch up with our friends and family. So here are my top tips for alfresco/BBQ wines ………white wines should be fresh and aromatic but also nicely rounded. Try a good White Blend from the Southern Rhone, a Sardinian Vermentino, a Sicilian Grillo or maybe an Argentinian Torrontes. Nice easy drinking to suit the mood.
Fizz is always good when we are enjoying the outdoors. Have you tried Franciacorta from the Lombardy region of Italy? Italy’s answer to Champagne and absolutely delicious! Maybe a lovely Cremant de Loire or Blanquette de Limoux, super value regionalised Champagne style sparklers.
When the sun is out we also think of Rose Wines. We are generally looking for elegant and delicate flavours and Provence rules the roost here but also try a good rosé from the Southern Rhone, particularly Tavel or Lirac. Perfect with smoked salmon or charcuterie or just as a relaxing drink in the garden.
As for Red wines, I think that the lighter bodied reds such as a good Beaujolais fit the bill but if we are barbequing meats then I would be thinking about soft, tangy and spicy reds. A good Salice Salentino from Puglia or a Primitivo from the same region or perhaps a lovely peppery Costieres De Nimes from the South of France – beautiful.
Needless to say, we have bottles of these gorgeous wines @thewineroomschewmagna some of which will have your name on them!!
Mike Gough is the Founder and Owner of The Wine Rooms, Chew Magna
www.thewineroomschewmagna.com