There’s truly nothing quite like sipping a crisp, refreshing glass of wine in great company while basking in the warmth of the sun. Whether it’s a laid-back afternoon in the garden, a picnic in the park, or a sunset dinner on the patio, wine has a way of turning everyday moments into something special.
With the arrival of warmer days and longer evenings, we thought it was the perfect time to share some of our favourite wines that are ideal for the summer season. From light and zesty whites, to vibrant rosés, and easy-drinking reds, we’ve handpicked a selection which pair beautifully with sun, laughter, and good conversation.
Sauvignon Blanc from one of the finest regions, Loire Valley. This is a classic style, beautifully complete and bright.
It is light bodied, with a refreshing minerality and an abundance of fresh fruit notes. Including guava, lemon, pear and passionfruit. There are subtle hints of quince and fresh cut grass as well. This wine is delicate and precise.
Perfect pairing – This dish would pair well with roasted salmon
Harrow & Hope Brut Rose, England NV
This is a superb English sparkling wine from Buckinghamshire. An excellent alternative to Champagne.
This wine is packed full of beautifully ripe fruit, notably strawberries and citrus fruits. There are also hints of brioche, and lemon meringue tart. It has a soft mousse and fine bubbles, making for a super refreshing glass of fizz!
Perfect pairing – The acidity on Sparkling wine works well with most cheeses, so I would suggest trying this wine as an accompaniment for your charcuterie board
Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot, Vermentino, Pays d’Herault 2022
Anne Gros and Jean-Paul Tollot are two of Burgundy’s most renowned producers, and this joint venture between them looks to showcase the very best of the South of France. They have experimented by producing very different styles of wine, and the results are outstanding.
A blend of Vermentino and Roussanne fermented in stainless steel to preserve the freshness and purity of fruit. It is expressive on the nose with an explosion of mineral, floral and fresh vegetal notes. The palate is lively with notes of white flowers, citrus and salinity.
Perfect Pairing – This would go well with grilled chicken or Caesar salad
Folding Hill, Ballasalla Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2021
Folding Hill is a boutique New Zealand winery, and this Pinot Noir is one of their finest products.
It showcases classic Central Otago style, featuring a profile of both red and darker fruits. On the nose, there is a subtle spice quality. The palate is expressive and vibrant, with well integrated evidence of oak. It is light, yet powerful, showcasing the very best of New World Pinot Noir.
Perfect Pairing – This Pinot Noir would pair well with barbecued chicken or mushroom risotto
Domaine Bernard Defaix, Chablis 2022
This family business is one of our favourite producers in the region. They focus on ecological and sustainable farming, and use stainless steel vats for fermentation to allow the distinctive character of the wine to be retained.
This is a truly excellent village Chablis, it has a rather cool nose, with notes of yellow orchard fruit, lemon rind and minerality. It is refreshing, yet complex. It is a wine of real finesse and character.
Perfect pairing – This would pare perfectly with seafood dishes like Mussels or crab.
Of course when we think of Rioja, we think of red wine, but this Spanish region is also known for producing excellent white and rosé.
The rosé from Muga is a pale salmon colour, with aromas of peach, apricot and blossom. The palate is well balanced, with texture and a crisp acidity. The dominant flavours are stone fruits and citrus.
Perfect pairing – This would go well with grilled vegetables or barbecued fish
Chateau de Plaisance Sur la Butte, Anjou 2022
This blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the rising star of the Loire Valley – Chateau de Plaisance.
On the nose, there are aromas of crunchy red berries, alongside hints of earthiness and spice. The palate is bright, with a juicy red fruit profile with ripe tannins. It makes for an easy drinking glass, with a long refreshing finish.
Perfect pairing – This is very versatile food wine, but I would suggest trying it with lamb chops or beef burgers off the bbq
Tholomies Brut Cremant de Limoux NV
A fantastic value Cremant made up of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. This is a bright, refreshing fizz.
It is quite floral on the nose, with hints of citrus fruit and almonds. The palate is bright, with delicate bubbles and fantastic balance. This is certainly a party wine, made to be enjoyed with friends.
Perfect pairing- Whilst this wine would stand alone as an excellent aperitif, you could also try it with fish and chips
Emma & Christian Sorine, Maranges Vieilles Vignes 2022
Classic Burgundian Pinot Noir. This is an enjoyable, light and airy red wine. It shows real purity of fruit, with notes of raspberry and black cherry. There are also hints of earthiness, bringing depth, but the star here is the fruit.
This wine is simply satisfying and delicate, in the best way.
Perfect pairing – For red Burgundy, I would suggest pairing with duck or pork dishes
All of these wines are available online, or in our Stourbridge shop.