As the warm weather approaches, many get together to make lasting summer memories with loved ones. As you swirl and sip, the complexity of the wine can mirror the depth of discussion, turning casual sips into engaging connections.
Whether at a formal dinner party or an informal gathering, understanding the basics of wine selection, serving, and tasting can significantly elevate the interaction. You should begin by selecting a wine that complements the occasion and menu. We have selected our top 5 winning wines perfect for your summer get togethers.
The Bon Vivant
If your father enjoys the drama of popping corks and keeping everyone’s glass full gift him this Lachetaur Crémant de Loire. It is structured, fine and round with a good length and persistent effervescence. A touch of lemon and berry fruits, lemon, tangerine, exotic fruits on the nose and translucent, brilliant, pale yellow with silver reflection. Serve as an aperitif or with seafood.
Wine: Lachetaur Cremant de Loire Price: £16 Retailer: Ocado
Link:https://www.ocado.com/products/lacheteau-cremant-de-loire-brut-300101011
The Collector
The Réserve de la Comtesse is a favourite with claret lovers in the know. This savoury and full bodied Pauillac from Bordeaux is certainly a wine that will add something special to any wine collection. Expect notes of red and dark fruit, kirsch, toast and cinnamon and is an exceptional pairing with beef Wellington.
Wine: La Réserve de Pichon Comtesse Pauillac 2017 Price: £69.99 per bottle (£50.99 mix six) Retailer: Majestic
Link:https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/reserve-de-pichon-comtesse-61386
The Historian
Maison Calvet could quite possibly be Bordeaux’s oldest wine brand. Established in 1818 in by Jean-Marie Calvet in the town of Tain-l’Hermitage, in the France’s northern Rhône region. Calvet built the company up to became one of the leading négotiants (wine merchants) in France. The Calvet Sancerre is an excellent example of their most popular wines; an aromatic bouquet with white flowers and citrus fruits aromas and flinty notes combines richness, liveliness and aromatic persistence.
Wine: Calvet Sancerre Price: £18.50 Retailer: Ocado
Link:https://www.ocado.com/products/calvet-sancerre-63198011
The Generous Host
When only a magnum will do! This Château Cantenac-Brown 2006 Margaux is the ultimate centrepiece that needs to be on every claret lover’s table. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, currant and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh clean finish. Cantenac Brown is typically Margaux in character; fragrant and perfumed on the nose and medium bodied and harmonious on the palate.
Wine: Château Cantenac-Brown 2006 Magnum Price: £230 per magnum (£200 mix six) Retailer: Majestic
Link:https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/cantenac-brown-06-magnum-61389
The Philanthropist
While Neethlingshof Estate has a long and rich tradition of wine making in Stellenbosch it is also home of The Pebbles Project; a NGO that enables children from farming communities to access quality education programmes and health, nutrition and social work services. Additionally, in recognition of the estate’s commitment to eco-sustainability seeing 172 hectares given over to conservation, it was awarded WWF Champion Conservation status. Gift their Neethlingshof Estate Pinotage 2021, full bodied and rich with notes of ripe red plum, black cherry cloves and a hint of sweet tobacco. Great with dark chocolate and rich cheese.
Wine: Neethlingshof Estate Pinotage Price: £14.95 Retailer: Wadebrige Wines
Link:https://www.wadebridgewines.co.uk/neethlingshof-pinotage~2541
