Give the bo-jo a go

Gary Carter from Shropshire Wine School recommends giving a second chance to a light and easy-drinking red that’s just made for summer salads and barbecues

Aswe look forward to summer evenings al fresco, lighter style red wines come into vogue. We’re so used to full-bodied, high-alcohol wines from Australia and Argentina that lighter wines from cooler climes are often overlooked.

France provides the quintessential summer wine in the shape of Beaujolais. It’s a pity this wine is associated with “Beaujolais Nouveau”, which was (and to an extent still is) a huge marketing ploy to sell some very thin, mostly poor wine every November. On the plus side, because of this association, Beaujolais wines are under-valued and excellent value for money.

Ignoring Nouveau, Beaujolais comes in three levels, all made 100 percent from Gamay grapes. Because of the variety’s characteristics and some winemaking techniques, these wines all have low levels of tannin, which is great if you’re not really a red wine drinker.

Fresh and fruity

First, we have Beaujolais AC, from the southern part of the region. These wines are the lightest, with fresh red fruits on the nose and rasping high acidity. They won’t last very long, but lightly chilled they can be fun. Next is Beaujolais Villages AC, from the north: more fruit concentration, more structure and again, best served lightly chilled. Finally, the very best villages eschew the name altogether and have their own labels, Fleurie AC and Brouilly AC the most familiar. Another step up in quality, with pronounced red fruits, they are versatile enough to accompany many meals.

Three to try

Maison Loron Beaujolais AC 2020 (Majestic Wines, £7.99)

Straightforward red fruits on the nose, strawberry being the most obvious. Low tannin but medium-bodied as this was a warm vintage.

Les Pivoines, Beaujolais Villages AC 2021 (Momentum Wines, Oswestry, £9.99) An absolute fruit bomb, with bursting strawberry, raspberry and red cherries on the nose and a soft finish on the palate.

Domaine André Cologne, Fleurie AC 2021 (Tanners Wines, £16.80) Sour cherry, raspberry, lavender and pepper on the nose. High acidity, medium but very smooth tannin, with a long finish.

National Beer Day is a much-loved event in the calendar, celebrated on 15th June. In 2023, it promises to be bigger and better than ever, with activities planned across the country.

The history of National Beer Day in the UK dates back to 1215, when King John signed the Magna Carta – which included a clause regulating the price of ale. Over the centuries, beer has become an integral part of British culture, and National Beer Day is a chance for people to celebrate this beloved beverage.

By far the largest gathering is the Great British Beer Festival at London’s Olympia, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to sample traditional ales, lagers and craft beers from more than 900 breweries. In addition, pubs and bars will be hosting special events from beer tastings to live music. Some even offer discounts. Smaller independent breweries often run tasting tours, which are a fantastic opportunity to discover exciting new beers and champion local businesses. We know the Shire patch has its fair share of fine breweries to support!

National Beer Day 2023 will also focus on the cultural significance of this much-loved drink, with many museums and institutions hosting exhibitions on the history of beer and its impact on British society. So whether you’re an enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, mark your calendar for 15th June and let’s raise a glass… to beer!