A Winemaker Picks His Favourite Summer Bottles

Piedmont, Italy

You need to impress the in-laws, but you don’t want to break the bank. So, you go GD Vajra, and you grab something from a region that looks the part and over-delivers on quality. Dolcetto is the unsung red grape of Piedmont, overshadowed by its big brothers, nebbiolo and barbera. But when dolcetto is good, it is so good. This one has flavours of black cherries and strawberries, with loads of spice and earthy notes. If you can get your hands on a high-quality pork fillet, serve it with grilled plums, and you'll be in business, my friends.

Available here 

California, USA

This is an easy white you don’t have to think too hard about drinking and, quite honestly, it over-delivers on the quality. There’s loads of fruity flavour (including white peach and apricots with white flowers and spice) and it still serves up a charming drinking experience. Swap the beers and watch the football with a glass or two alongside fried chicken with herby roast potatoes. 

Available here

Swartland, South Africa

Our collaboration with Smokestak is light, fresh and brimming with vibrancy. We worked closely with Smokestak to pair the wine with its barbecue-themed menu. This wine is smoky, meaty and spicy, and it makes me want to grill meat and drink lots of it. Expect notes of smoked meat, fresh red cherries, red plum and liquorice. I’d enjoy it with grilled fennel seed sausage and a fresh fennel slaw on the side. 

Available here

Burgundy, France

Everyone thinks Burgundy white is all about chardonnay. But there is the lesser-known aligote, a grape that has high acidity and is generally assumed to be a bit less complex in flavour. However, it’s fantastic if you’re looking for something palate cleansing and refreshing, and that speaks of the region’s salty, mineral terroir. With notes of green apples, pears and lemon zest, this one has a salty, saline finish so will go well with mezze, flat breads and dips. Yes, it’s £34, but it comes in a 1.5-litre bag you can carry into the park, and not have to worry about lugging glass bottles back, or forgetting the corkscrew at home.

Available here

Cotes du Gascogne, France

Sometimes the food elevates the wine. Other times, the wine elevates the food. In this instance, it’s about both elements coming together and singing at the top of their lungs. The Solehl is a beautifully balanced sweet wine with a fresh acidity that keeps it vibrant, while still allowing the sugar and sweetness to do its thing. Add that to some smooth, young blue cheese, like a dolcelatte, and you’re in for a treat. 

Available here

Stellenbosch, South Africa

When I drink reds in summer, I want to be able to chill them down and feel refreshed after every sip. Lower alcohol and higher acid tend to do the trick, and this wine ticks all the boxes. It’s a light red, with an extremely bright nose and a charming palate. Expect notes of rose water, black cherries and spiced meat. Perfect with tuna carpaccio with a citrusy dressing, pop this in an ice bucket and your summer days will become a lot brighter.

Available here

Sweden & Austria 

When I’m on holiday, I want to relax, reset and feel energised on the other side. Alcohol often doesn’t help those endeavours. But then you find something like Fruktinger, and that changes. Made from a blend of saison beer, rhubarb juice and wine, this is a low-alcohol, sour beer/cider hybrid that’s packed full of energy. It’s all about the tart, earthy rhubarb, lime cordial and underripe green apples. Pair it with raclette, tart and sour cornichons, and mini pickled onions.

Available here

Auverge, France

One should always cheers with fizz, even if finding great-value fizz can be a challenge. This is a rosé made in a pet nat method, so is generally made to be drunk with more vibrancy and youthful energy in the wine. It’s from the gamay noir grape, which is not often used to produce quality sparkling wines, but this one is delicious. Amid the notes of strawberries and cream, red cherries, pomegranate and a touch of cinnamon and clove, take a moment to consider the bubble profile on the wine, which we sometimes forget to do with fizz. Pair with a bowl of fresh strawberries and chocolate, and maybe some Marvin Gaye.

Available here

Basque Country, Spain

Ameztoi Txakoli is an uncomplicated, easy-drinking wine that will always be a crowd pleaser at a long, lazy Sunday lunch in the garden. There’s nothing not to love. Crack this at a garden party and the glasses will empty as quickly as you can pour them. It has limey and lemony notes, and a bright, refreshing acidity. Serve it with toasted sourdough, a slab of butter, salty sardines, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Available here

Campania, Italy

You always want to gift someone something they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves, right? This is an orange wine (skin-fermented white wine) so something a little different. Approachable, delicate and beautifully lifted, it’s a great gateway into the orange wine world. With notes of orange peel, orange pith, honeyed oats and chamomile, it can stand up to bold flavours like spicy noodle dishes. 

Available here