Tipping’s Tipples: Six great wines for summer

It is summertime and the living is easy… allegedly. So I have picked half-a-dozen affordable wines to relax with on the balmy evenings that we are all hoping for.

1. A marvellous Beaujolais

You may have noticed Beaujolais has become fashionable again. All the better for an hour or so in the fridge, it is a good red to chose on hot days in the summer months.

The Wine Society has the marvellous Château de Lacarelle 2014, Beaujolais-Villages.

It is fresh and juicy like a good bojo should be, brimming with red summer fruit flavours and characteristic floral notes.

Drink it on its own or match it with charcuterie.

2. A big red for barbecues

If there is a barbecue on the go and you want a bigger, fuller red then try Feudo Dei Tari Negroamaro 2013.

Southern Italian wines often represent good value and this rich red, from the Puglia region, is no exception.

Spicy, structured and oozing flavours of black cherry, brambles and dark chocolate, it will pair brilliantly with burgers or steak and also with meaty pizza and pasta dishes.

Pukka pinks are perfect for summer and have crowd pleasing potential in spades, which is something to consider if you’re having a party.

Rosé wines are very versatile too, matching with all manner of grub. Most make a good choice as an aperitif too.

It has to be said that there are some cloyingly sweet, confected examples out there which I would avoid like the proverbial. Well made, dry rosé is always welcome though.

3. A sophisticated rosé

Laurent Miquel Vendanges Nocturnes Cinsault/ Syrah Rosé 2013 is bone dry and quite a sophisticated drop.

With an attractive salmon pink hue, it reveals flavours of redcurrant and under-ripe strawberry, mineral notes and a little peppery spice.

4. A South African classic

Or head to South Africa and Cleefs Classic Collection Rosé 2014, made from shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinotage.

It is summery and refreshing, with flavours of red cherries and a creamy texture.

5. A zesty white

If it has to be a white wine then Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Gavi 2014 is well worth a try.

Pair it with salads or grilled fish. Clean tasting and packed with zesty lemon flavours and peach, with some mineral notes.

6. A smooth sauvignon blanc

Equally impressive at the price is a quaffable sauvignon blanc and semillon blend from Bordeaux, stocked by The Wine Society.

Château de Ricaud Blanc 2014 has a smooth mouth-feel, and doesn’t skimp on lemon and Granny Smith apple flavours, with mineral notes on the finish.

Cheers, here’s to those summer nights!