We’ve been on the lookout for stylish and good value wines for summer dining.
Starting with a lively white wine from regional South West France, Tesco Cotes De Gascogne Blanc 2016 (£5 Tesco) delivers a very fruity punch for its modest price tag.
Lychee and pineapple flavours lead the tropically fruity cast of flavours which are given citric pazazz on the palate with lashings of lime juice. At only five pounds it’s a very economical slurp to go with a Thai green curry.
Barbeque King
Tasty Argentinian Malbecs are currently all the rage, and for the summer season, medium bodied Trivento Reserve Malbec 2016 (£8 Tesco) sets itself up as a good candidate for all barbequed meats.
It’s a rounded, reliable and easy-drinking package featuring dark cherry fruits, a bright acidity and sweet tannins from six months ageing in French oak barrels.
All this is delivered on a modest 12.5% alcohol which is something to savour when many comparable wines can be a tad overpowering.
Pink Power
Wines from Spain’s prodigious Rioja region are always strong contenders for feasting. At this time of year the lesser known ‘rosados,’ are well worth exploring.
Faustino V Rosado 2016 (Cellar Trends RRP £9) with a very vibrant golden-pink colour looks great in its decorative, frosted bottle.
It’s equally vibrant to taste with brightly acidic redcurrant notes fattened by white pepper which fill the palate. These full-flavoured characteristics make it a good outdoor aperitif and friend to spiced or creamy fish dishes.
Starry Chardonnay
Proving that modern Australian Chardonnays are on the up and up, “The Astronomer” Chardonnay 2016 (£6.99 or ‘mix six’ £5.99 Majestic) comes from the reliable antipodean producer De Bortoli.
This satisfying white is testament to the thoughtful new wave of winemaking that turns away from over-oaked or over-tropical flavours and looks to clarity and harmony.
Ripe white peach aromas are adorned with lightly creamy vanilla and balanced with a taught minerality.
Chilean Charm
Similarly modern in its ability to combine power and freshness is the Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Chardonnay 2014 (£11.49 The Drink Shop).
The premium Marques De Casa Concha range constantly impresses with its serious minded quality at an approachable price.
This bone dry Chardonnay with a clean acidity, is a great wine for chicken roasted with a fistful of whole garlic cloves.
The lean minerality and lemon citrus flavours are overlaid with rich, buttery vanilla.
Ravishing Rioja
Finally, another wine from Rioja. This time a superb red which has been one of our favourite discoveries of the summer season.
Palacios Remondo Rioja Crianza La Montesa 2013 (£16.49 Ocado) is a masterly blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes.
Sophisticated, light and supple, the wine’s lovely summer fruit recalls fresh strawberry and plum.
The whole is elegantly balanced with ultrafine tannins and gentle spice aromas. Not at all heavy or oaky this is a red for the finest, delicately grilled red meats. Just draw the cork and get dining.