NOT everyone would consider themselves to be seasonal wine drinkers, but as the hot weather is finally upon us, I find myself crying out for crisp, zingy whites and light Rosés.
Nothing goes down quite like a cool glass of Provence Rosé or a light crisp white wine from the south of France whilst sitting outside basking in the sunshine.
These wines are the ideal accompaniment to summer’s favourite foods - salads, seafood and grilled chicken.
Château Pigoudet ‘La Chapelle’ Rosé 2010 Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence £8.99 or Buy 2 bottles save £1 = £8.49 at Majestic
Top pick for the summer due to its excellent southern position, embedded in a picturesque valley close to the river Durance, Château Pigoudet benefits from sunshine all year round.
The colour of bright pink petals, the nose boasts red apples and ripe cherries.
Fresh and elegant, this aromatic rosé lingers on a beautiful finish. Enjoy with Salade Niçoise.
Baron de Badassière, Picpoul de Pinet 2010 £8.30 slurp.co.uk
Perfect for light fish dishes such as Calamari and easy on the purse strings.
Baron de Badassière is from the Picpoul de Pinet region of the Languedoc, near the coast of the South of France. This region benefits from a sunny, warm climate which encourages ripe, fruity flavours in the wines, while the coastal breezes help retain freshness and aromatics.
A crisp, zesty wine, full of fresh fruit aromas of citrus with subtle floral notes, such as rose petal. It is refined and elegant on the palate, well balanced with a citric finish.
Prieué de Saint-Jean, La Chapelle de Bébian Blanc, Terrasses du Larzac 2009 £15.95 terroirlanguedoc.co.uk
Full of flavour, fruity and rich, this wine is highly recommended.
La Chapelle is the second wine from this famous estate but is no means second in quality.
Made from a divers blend of Mediterranean white grape varieties this wine is full, rich, fruity and honeyed with good balancing acidity and hints of spice, mint and aniseed. It goes superbly well with many dishes including a simple plate of prawns with lemon or rich seafood dishes.
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