It may be tempting fate to bring up the subject of summer wines, but as I write, we are enjoying yet another wonderful sunny day.
Warmer weather certainly calls for a different style of wine.
As a general rule, look out for wines that are lower in alcohol, lighter in texture and body, and higher in acidity.
Unless you are eating, it is a good idea to avoid oaked wines.
This goes for reds and rosé, as well as white wines. Below are 20 wines to keep you refreshed throughout the summer months.
WHITE
1 Aldi Exquisite Collection Picpoul de Pinet 201313% €9.99
Aldi has a few very drinkable inexpensive summery whites including this fresh Picpoul with generous pear fruits. Stockists: Aldi
2 The Olive Branch Semillon Sauvignon, South Australia 2013,
12%, €11.99 for July
Attractive crisp, fresh, zesty dry white with light green fruits. Stockists: O'Briens
3 Menade Rueda Verdejo 2013 (Organic)
13%, €14.65
A big, smiling mouthful of ripe pear and pineapple fruits, balanced by racy citrus acidity. Stockists: Le Caveau Kilkenny; MacGuinness, Dundalk; Fallon & Byrne; Clontarf Wines
4 Geil Riesling Trocken Rheinhessen 2013,
12% €16.50
Fresh and spritzy with delicate apple fruits. Summer in a glass. Stockists: 64wine, Glasthule; Sweeneys, Glasnevin; Clontarf Wines; independent wine shops
5 Bellier Cheverny 2013,
12.5% €15.35/£10.30
It shouldn't work but it does: a blend of Sauvignon and Chardonnay from the Loire with lifted grassy aromas, fresh green fruits and a lovely zippy finish. Very enjoyable wine. Stockists: James Nicholson, jnwine.com
6 Sancerre 2012 Domaine Paul Prieur,
13% €23-24
Exquisite palate-tingling crisp green fruits with a wonderful dry finish. Stockists: Leopardstown Inn; Mortons, Ranelagh; Molloys; Village, Castleknock; Thomas, Foxrock; Callans, Dundalk Rosé
ROSÉ
7 Montesierra Rosado 2013, Somontano, Spain13.5% €11.90
Plump, ripe summer fruits with plenty of body – a real crowd-pleaser. Stockists: La Touche Wines; Clontarf Wines, Jus de Vine, Sweeneys, 64Wine, The Cheese Pantry; The Black Pig
8 Delheim Pinotage Rosé, 2013, Stellenbosch,
12.5% €12.99 or two for €19.40
Ample rounded fresh strawberry fruits with clean crisp acidity; great party wine. Stockists: O'Briens
9 Laurent B 2013 Domaine Brusset Côtes du Rhône13% €15.49
Lovely medium-throttle textured strawberry fruits. This is a great lunchtime wine and the perfect accompaniment to Provençal fish dishes and salads. Stockists: Mitchell & Son, CHQ, IFSC and Glasthule,
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10 Mirabeau 2013, Côtes de Provence 13% €15.99 or two for €23.98
Exuberant rosé filled with ripe fruit – the perfect deckchair wine for sunny summer afternoons. Stockists: O’Briens
11 Sipp-Mack Rosé d'Alsace 2012
13% €17.49
This is what Alsace should make with pinot noir: delightful, elegant, fragrant, raspberry-scented rosé. Stockists: Mitchell & Son, CHQ, IFSC & Glasthule, mitchellandson.com
12 Bergerie de l’Hortus Rosé 2013, Coteaux du Languedoc
13.5% €15.70
Appetisingly crisp mineral rosé with subtle strawberry and summer fruits. Stockists: Wines Direct, Mullingar 1890 579 579
RED
13 Vina Laguna Teran 2012, Istria, Croatia 11.4% €14.95
Light lip-smacking, juicy cherry and damson fruits. Serve cool with charcuterie. Stockists: Redmonds; Hole in the Wall; Brechin; Jus de Vine; Corkscrew; Gibneys
14 Biurko Rioja 2013 (Organic) 13% €16.95
Slightly earthy ripe cherry fruits and a seamless easy finish. Stockists: Honest2Goodness Wines; The Black Pig, Donnybrook
15 Fleurie La Madone 2010, Domaine des Chaffangeons 13% €19.95
Distinctly superior Fleurie with succulent, harmonious cherry fruits. Stockists: The Wicklow Wine Co; The Coach House, Ballinteer; Sweeneys; The Drink Store; Clontarf Wines; Hollands of Bray; Deveneys
16 Rosso di Marco, Marco de Bartoli, Pignatello Terre Sicilia 201212.5% €20.99
Offbeat wine from a Marsala producer; light tangy cherries with a savoury bite on the finish. Stockists: Wines on the Green; Hollands of Bray; Clontarf Wines; The Drink Store; Jus de Vin; McCabes; Baggot Street Wines
17 Setzer Zweigelt 2012, Niederösterreich, Austria13% €21.95
Smooth ripe dark fruits with hints of spice and dark chocolate. Stockists: Honest2Goodness; The Corkscrew; Baggot Street Wines; Donnybrook Fair
18 Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur Champigny 2013
12.5% €24.95
Very moreish vivid redcurrant fruits with a smooth finish. Perfect with cold meats. Stockists: Le Caveau, Kilkenny; Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer St
SPARKLING
19 Aldi Cava Contevedo Brut NV
11.5% €10.49
Zesty and fresh with creamy green fruits, this is one of the best value bottles of fizz I have tasted in a while. Stockist: Aldi
20 Oudinot Brut Champagne NV
12% €39.00
Made from 100 per cent chardonnay this is a lovely crisp dry Champagne with cool green fruits and a touch of toasted brioche. Posh summer celebrations.
Stockists: Marks & Spencer
