A Trio of Summer Reds

The essential summer red is a wine to match full flavoured barbeque dishes, a wine to sit back and enjoy when the sun is shining or one to savour during a balmy summer’s evening.

If you have never lightly chilled a delicate red wine, my advice is to try it this summer! Classic wines to chill (pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving) are those from the Loire. Charles Joguet ‘s “Cuvée Terroirs” Chinon comes alive when cool – its subtle, bright and pure red fruit being lifted to the fore. A new addition to the Adnams wine list this year is the 2009 Gassac Classic, which we feel is a wonderful wine when served chilled. It has serious breeding – its elder brother is Mas de Daumas Gassac, the first Grand Cru of the Languedoc, and it has a spritely, lightness of touch. Serve chilled with your summer picnic.

The Adnams Rioja has proved to be the run-away success of our carefully selected own-label range this year. Its relatively short time in oak delivers spicy tannins and has a concentration of fruit that is quite simply, very more-ish! This combination matches full flavoured dishes, and in particular, juicy red meats. A wonderful taste sensation is our Rioja with marinated ribs. The secret ingredient here is Chipotle Chilli Ketchup added to your marinade to create a sticky, smoky sweet rib - with a kicking finish!

Our good friend and biodynamic champion Monty Waldin, has moved his attention from the Corbières in south-west France to San Gimignano in Tuscany, and we are very glad to report that his first vintage is a real drinking pleasure. Made predominantly from Sangiovese with a judicious slug of Merlot, Monty’s Tuscan Red has lifted cherry aromas with an elegant, satisfying palate. Medium to full in body, one can savour its rich undertones, when the daytime temperature starts to drop, or equally, it can be enjoyed with a hearty pizza.

Rob Chase, Fine Wine Manager

Your essential summer reds...

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