Summer Drinking During the best days of summer Y Sgwâr is a pool of sun, edged with the stunning granite buildings of Dolgellau. On days like these, local customers in Meirionnydd go for fresh, easy-going, light drinking. Pinot Grigio is always a popular choice, as is the more unusual Siegerrebe from Whitecastle Vineyard near Abergavenny. After closing time, we often head for the hills, taking a little picnic to Llynnau Cregennan or Llyn Cynwch (Precipice Walk). These evenings are blissfully tranquil, staring out over the Mawddach, watching the world wind down with a glass of Pecorino in hand. Many of us choose our wines by the season, and between barbecues and picnics, summer drinking tends to happen outside. Sales of sparkling wines shoot up with Prosecco leading the way, but can I suggest a different fizz? Challenge your friends with
a delicious French crémant and see what they think – any reputable wine merchant will guide you to a decent one. Better still, many of the Welsh vineyards have splendid sparkling wines - look for Ancre Hill’s Blanc de Noirs. These sparklers from Wales will generally be drier and have a bit more structure and flavour. With the climate we have in Wales, the wines produced are never going to be chunky blockbusters, but that’s their beauty over summer when you want something light. Everyone loves a Sauvignon full of elderflower, kiwi and gooseberry flavours but have you considered a Solaris from Wales? Light, fresh and fruity, this is ideal for drinking in the evening sunshine. Lots of people head for rosé when the sun’s out, which is also great. If you’ve been put off by sweet Californian Zinfandel, then do try again: there’s a whole range of pink wines that have a bit more body and structure for al fresco dining. A rosé from Provence is perfect with salads and tarts. Here in Wales, go for Montgomery, who produce a beautiful crisp, dry rosé with Pinot Noir - or try Pant Du’s Rondo rosé from Penygroes. Spain produces many fuller-bodied rosados that are the traditional answer to a cool wine to drink with food in hot weather. These are gutsier and easily stand up to barbeque food, which, thanks to marinades and strong sauces combined with chargrilling, can be problematic. We tend to go for lighter reds in the summer; a Valpolicella has a streak of acidity that will cut through some of the fatty foods we’ll be feasting upon. Alternatively, you could choose a Beaujolais. Wales does light and fruity flavours well and the Rondo grape is producing good results here, with that same acidity and herbiness, and bright brambly fruit on the nose. Back to fizz, and a little something to go with your fruity puddings. What could be better than a sweet, frothy Moscato, generally light in alcohol? Enjoy it with sweet, sun-ripened strawberries, or better still, with meringues and cream. The blend of the wine’s sugary notes with the dessert is a delight. Ah! Those summer nights! Dylan and Llinos Rowlands Dylan and Llinos’s Top 5 Summer Drinking Wines Ancre Hill, Blanc de Noirs. Scintillating ultra-dry fizz, a match for Champagne £34.50 Llaethliw Solaris – herby, light and refreshing. £17.50 Montgomery Rosé – refreshing pink grapefruit with a delicate palate of wild strawberries. £18.80 Provolo, Valpolicella– soft red wine with red cherries and plums £10.50 Cerrino, Moscato d’Asti – a sweet frothy delight. £10.80
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