Summer Time Wines by Cotswold Wine School
Cotswold Collective Partner, and wine aficionado from the Cotswold Wine School, Michelle Goodman explains why Summer should be about more than your standard white wines…
Summer time and warmer weather is only for white and rosé wines. Rubbish! Especially as the weather here in the Cotswolds has been an unpredictable as a bargain bin Barolo, you never quite know what the forecast will be. But fear not, we’ve put together a few fantastic wines of all colours that are well worth a try this summer.
Crémant de Loire
Made with the same method as Champagne, this wine is hugely popular in the bars and restaurants of Paris. Crisp, smooth and appetising, this fizz has honied and gently floral characters. Not too dry, this nicely balanced bubbly would be delicious served as an aperitif with savoury canapés.
£8.99 at Lidl while stocks last.
Freixenet Vintage Brut Cava
Don’t overlook Cava, this Spanish sparkler is made in the same method as Champagne but with local grape varieties. Traditionally made from three vintage grape types, this wine has crisp apple and citrus fruit flavours and a complex fresh finish. A perfect wine to serve with tapas and other appetisers.
£8.50 Morrisons Supermarket
Greco di Tufo DOCG
This is an exciting white grape from Campania, the rugged volcanic vineyards inland from Naples, and it’s refined, dry, and well worth a try.
£6.99 at Lidl while stocks last
Blockhead Chenin Blanc
A really fresh Chenin, delicious tropical fruit flavours with a rounded finish. This is such good value for money and it’s vegan and vegetarian too!
£8.50 Stroud Wine Company
Premier Bain Beaujolais Rosé
Pure delight in this brilliantly crisp, bright-fruit Beaujolais rosé. Very crisp and citrusy with bright strawberry and raspberry fruit. Vegan and vegetarian certified and a delight to sip.
£12.99 Laithwaites Wine
Slippery Slope Rosé
Brought to you by Cheltenham’s own Dryhill Vineyards! It doesn’t get more local than this. A pale salmon colour with bright strawberries, raspberries and peach on the palate. A beautiful dry pink wine made from Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes with fantastic balanced acidity.
£16.80 Dryhill Wines, UK
Sibiliana Sensale Organic Nero D’Avola
Great organic red from Sicily. Red fruits and cherry aromas, very fresh and balanced. Try it slightly chilled or perfect with pizza!
£9.95 Stroud Wine Company
Summer Road Old Vine Grenache
Light refreshing wine even at 14.5%… The word is quaffable… With a real fruity palate and no harsh tannins in sight. A real treat to drink after so many overly heavy reds elsewhere on the shelves.
£8.99 Waitrose
If you’re looking to begin your wine journey or take your wine-tasting skills to the next level, the Cotswold Wine School are here to help.