Summer is just around the corner… apparently, so we thought it was about time to have a look at some of the best wines to enjoy at your summer parties and barbeques.
When the mercury starts to rise (from 4 to 8C if you’re in the UK) and you feel like enjoying life al fresco then there are certain wines that you just have to have.
It would be very easy to wheel out the old favourites and look for the usual characteristics – crisp, light and clean but they don’t always have to be what you’re looking for in a summer wine.
So, with that in mind, here are five of favourites for a rocking summer party.
Dandelion Vineyards Shiraz
Our team loved this exciting little number so much that we made it our wine of the week a while back. That love hasn’t been lost.
There’s a Christmas pudding-like spice flow out of the glass with this Shiraz and that’s not something that sings summer, we know.
But those spicy fruits and hints of bramble and dark chocolate go fabulously well with barbecued meats and chorizo. You might see this suggestion as a little strange, but put your faith in us and you’ll be rewarded with this wine!
Logan Apple Tree Flat Rose
This delicious rose came out top of Wine100’s list a few years ago and it’s still remarkably easy to see why.
Rose wine and summer are old friends and the Logan Apple Tree Flat will be your best buddy at a summer soiree.
It’s a dry rose, which makes it just perfect for accompanying the barbeque and salads. This rose is delicate, yet extremely aromatic.
Are you honestly going to have a barbeque without inviting an Aussie? Of course not. If you don’t know any actual Australian people, the Logan Apple Tree Flat Rose would be happy to oblige.
Alpha Zeta Chardonnay
Are you honestly contemplating turning up for a sizzling summer party without a Chardonnay? Okay, perhaps you are and that’s fine. But let us suggest the Alpha Zeta Chardonnay because it’s an understated class act that whispers summer rather than screams it.
We said earlier that there doesn’t need to be talk of “crisp” but you cannot avoid it with this Chardonnay. It’s well balanced and fruity and so easy to drink, especially when the elusive sunshine comes out to play. And yes… it’s very crisp. Sorry.
Kuraka Sauvignon Blanc
You all know how much we at Lockett Bros love New Zealand and their wines so we’d feel awful if we didn’t invite at least one of them along for our summer party.
Allow us to introduce the Kuraka Sauvignon Blanc – this dry wine offers scrumptious stone fruit flavours and a powerful finish. It’s a perfect partner to the fresh and light salads accompanying your barbeque.
Montes Alpha Merlot
Chileans know a thing or three about enjoying wine in the sunshine and this Merlot, although probably not an obvious choice, is a great one nonetheless.
It’s full bodied and robust with heaps of vanilla and toasty notes. Thinking of some fresh fish for the barbeque? This Merlot will be a fantastic partner. Of course, it’s equally enjoyable with your barbecued red meats.
We have a huge range of summer wines for you to enjoy at our online store here or you can come to our shop in North Berwick at 133 High Street. The team would love to talk wine with you!
