We are supposed to be in the middle of summer and despite the odd thundery shower, for once it seems that at times the Met Office have actually got it right! The temperatures have been hot, in fact, almost record breakingly so and hopefully there is more to come! This summer seems to be a sizzler and households around the country are enjoying barbecues on their patios. But, when it comes to the end of a hot sticky day, what wine should you enjoy? The shelves of your local supermarket are no doubt packed with white wines, but if you are looking for the perfect afternoon al fresco aperitif, then you may want to consider some of our summer white wine suggestions.
Susy Atkins, wine connoisseur at The Telegraph, suggests that the perfect summer white wine should be cheap enough to buy in bulk and store in the fridge, and work as a simultaneous tipple in the afternoon or if unexpected guests descend upon you! European white wine is the summer choice from Ms Atkins, and her suggestions include; from Tesco, and coming in at just under seven pounds, a 2008 Spanish white wine called Palestra Verdejo Rueda – a salty limey, fruity concoction. From Sainsburys, she recommends the 2008 Sicilian Casa Mia Fiano – a lemon and pear mix, with a hint of almond. And, finally from Majestic, a 2007/2008 Portuguesee called Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde – A crisp apple and lemon sherbet treat.
If you want to impress your guests with the next big thing, then why not take your lead from Tim Atkin of the Observer. He thinks he has found the hottest summer white when it comes to a complex, but budget friendly, summer. Argentina’s Torrontés, is his summer white wine of choice, and since you can buy this from ASDA (Trivento) for only £4.30 a bottle, at that price what have you got to lose? The wine is dry and perfumed, and there are many versions from the same grape available in other supermarkets too. Marks and Spencer’s offer an orange/Lemon version( La Esperanza Estate, Cafayate ) for just £5.99 and Waitrose will be stocking a Fair Trade version (Tilimuqui Single Vineyard Torrontés, Famatina Valley) from August onwards.
The BBC wine guide helpfully suggests that “Summer is not a season, but a state of mind,” and with that ethos firmly in mind it recommends that for the perfect summer white wine you should opt for something light and refreshing, that compliments summer food. A Spanish Albariño, Australian Riesling, or a South African Sauvignon Blanc should all work well with light fresh summer salads or refreshing seafood dishes.
Threshers recommend a Fair Trade option for their summer white wine offering. The brand of choice is ORIGIN, and comprises either South African or Argentinian wines. Produced in an organic setting and promoting a “back to nature” ethos, this is the perfect summer white wine choice for anyone with a socio-economic conscience. Pesticide free, this wine is also suitable for vegetarians.
For something a little more expensive, Oddbins summer white wine recommendation comes in the form of a 2007 French Sauvignon Blanc, called Sancerre Christian Salmon. Ringing up at the till at £13.99 (£11.19 each if you buy a case of 12), this clean dry summer white is an infusion of gooseberry, elderberry and citrus. For something a little more budget friendly, Oddbins recommends an Australian 2008 white, that goes by the name of Thomas Mitchell Marsanne. An aromatic spicy white, with a hint of melon, it is suggested that this could be Australia’s best kept secret!
Go to Wine Rack, and you may find that they recommend a bottle of 2007 Pinot Grigo Fiordaliso. This little Italian number will set you back £7.49 a bottle, but delivers a fresh apple and pear flavoured wine, that is perfect for bright summer nights. If during your trip to Wine Rack you decide to push the boat out a bit, then why not spoil yourself with a 2004 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay. A sophisticated nut and peach combination, this New Zealand wine will set you back £25.99 a bottle, but many say it is well worth it!
General advice, collectively from those in the know, suggests that when it comes to choosing wines, let your taste buds guide you. Ensure you serve your wine chilled to the right temperature (some whites should be served colder than others, but try tasting at different temperatures to see which you prefer). Do not be afraid to experiment and try white wines from different regions and different brands than you usually would. You never know, you might just find a gem hidden in the corner of your favourite supermarket, or tucked away out of sight in your local off-license.
