Great value, deliciously summery, widely available and all Gold Medal wines in my eyes.
2011 La Fôret, Beaujolais, France (£7.99, reduced to £6.39 until 14th August, Waitrose). It is worth trading up from entry level Beaujolais to this delicious version because you get so much more class and succulence in the glass. With red berry fruit and a silky texture you can chill this wine if you like or just drink it at normal temperature – either way it is a crowd-pleasing star and stunning accompaniment to chicken and fish dishes.
2011 La Umbra, Merlot, Dealul Mare, Romania (£6.49, Waitrose). This scrummy, plummy merlot is a sensational little wine and it goes with all manner of dishes thanks to its easy-going blackberry flavours and bright, eager palate. A little heavier than the Beaujolais this is the perfect al fresco red for all manner of dishes.
2001 Mâcon Blanc Villages, Burgundy, France (£4.99, Tesco). I cannot believe that decent Mâcon can be found for under a fiver, so get in quick because this wine is set to fly. With neat, crisp chardonnay flavours and a jolly, summery air, this is a stunning all-rounder and it would be spot on with this salads and lighter fish dishes.
2011 Taste the Difference Albariño, Galicia, Spain (£7.99, Sainsbury’s). The quirky albariño grape is this summer’s must-have, vinous, wine accessory. With a peachy aroma, lime juice and honeysuckle palate and a nervy, refreshing finish, this is an impossible classy wine at a great price. Light enough to be drunk as an aperitif, but also sensational with fish, this is a world class drop.
2011 La Prendina Estate Rosé, Mantova, Lombardy, Italy (£8.99, Marks & Spencer). Made from pinot grigio and a few drops of the Valpolicella grape, rondinella, this is a very elegant rosé with hints of red fruit on the nose and a long, lithe, white-wine-like finish. A decathlete of a wine this is one of the most accomplished food and wine matching bottles of the season.
