Great summer wine suggestions: reds, whites, rose and sparkling

Wondering which wines to drink during the summer months? ely has all the tips….

WHITES

Grape variety: Picpoul

• Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine Feline Jourdan, Languedoc-Roussillon 2010
  Coming from the warm Mediterranean coast of the Languedoc Roussillon in Southern France, it is mouthwateringly refreshing with zesty lemons, Granny Smith apples and a rich creamy finish. Traditionally in Southern France Picpoul  is drunk with oysters and we can’t think of a better match.

 Grape variety: Chenin Blanc

• Touraine, Domaine de la Renaudie, Loire 2009
  Chenin Blanc comes in all forms, taste and sizes. Domaine de la Renandie’s  has ‘aromas of grapefruit, lime and honey. A very fine palate with plenty of freshness and minerality’. From the Loire Valley, more famous now for Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc is more widely planted and renowned for it’s racy acidity and crisp apple freshness. A must try this summer.

Grape variety: Chardonnay

• Macon Solutre, Domaine Gerbeaux ‘Les Clos’ 2010
  This absolutely delicious wine is perfect for those who don’t like Chardonnay and those who love it. The 2010 vintage is rated as outstanding and we are delighted to be able to share with you one of the best on the market. Completely unoaked it is crisp and racy with excellent minerality. If you normally drink Sauvignon, try this and surprise yourself!

 Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon

• Pessac-Leognan, Château le Sartre Blanc, Bordeaux 2009
  Made from the classic Bordeaux white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon this wine has both the bright zesty flavours of Sauvignon and the richness of the Semillon. It spends some time aging in barrels which adds savoury tones to this classic wine. Decanter magazine has described this as ‘delicious’ and Wine Spectator has described it as ‘delicious and generous’. We think it’s stunning!

 REDS

 

Grape variety: Syrah / Grenache / Carignan / Mourvedre

• Côtes du Luberon, Domaine de la Citadelle ‘Le Chataignier’, Rhone 2009
  Made from the typical Southern Rhone blend, La Chataignier ‘Cotes du Luberon’ never disappoints. It’s absolutely brimming with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and plums and yummy liquorice tones. If you like Côtes du Rhône, you’ll love Côtes du Luberon!

 Grape variety: Tempranillo

• Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Vina Alberdi, Spain 2005
  Vina Alberdi is one of ely’s best selling wine and for good reason. It’s a classic Rioja with a contemporary feel. Intense aromas of wild strawberries, sweet raspberries, cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Medium bodied and spicy with elegent tannins, this an excellent accompaniment to ely’s meat platters.

Grape variety: Gamay

• Fleurie, Domaine des Nugues, Beaujolais 2008
  Fleurie is one of the most famous of all Beaujolais and for good reason. Still light enough that you can dunk it in an ice bucket to chill it down, but with lots of bright summer fruits, earthy nuances, refreshing acidity and soft tannins that make it a great with beef carpaccio or soft , ripe gooey cheeses

 Grape variety: Pinot Noir

• Morey-St-Denis, Domaine Lombeline, Burgundy 2007
  From the Cotes du Nuits in Burgundy, Morey-St-Denis is one of the key villages in Burgundy. We have sourced a deliciously summery one with, light, fresh and juicy with aromas of marascha cherries, spices and delicate herbaceous tones. Delicious served slightly chilled and perfect with charcuterie.

ROSÉ

Grape variety: Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc

• Bordeaux,  Chateau Du Seuil, France 2008
  Cherry pink in colour this Bordeaux Rosé is exactly what you want to hit the spot – absolutely brimming with raspberries, cherries and strawberries with hints of peaches and bananas. Dry with a tiny hint of sweetness and a rich mouthfeel, this is delicious by itself of with a fresh summer salad.

Grape variety: Cinsault / Grenache / Mourvedre

• Faugeres, Domaine la Sarabande, France 2010
  A great new addition from Domaine La Sarabande, an award-winning winery in Faugeres, Southern France. Fresh, fruity and salmon pink in colour, it has vibrant flavours of red cherries and strawberries, lively acidity and a long finish. It’s our new favourite rosé.

SPARKLING

Grape variety: Muscat Gordo / Black Muscat

• Pink Moscato, Innocent Bystander, Australia 2010 (1/2 bottle)
  Fizzy, pink and slightly sweet this is the ultimate summer drink. It has delicious fruit flavours of strawberry, mandarin, rhubarb, pear and pink grapefruit. There’s no better way to drink this than on the waterside terrace with a selection of ely’s homemade icecreams and sorbets. Yummy!

Grape variety: Prosecco

• Prosecco, Le Contesse, Italy NV
  Our prosecco is one of the nicest, if not the nicest prosecco you will ever taste. From the Veronese hills this aromas of fresh Golden Delicious apples, pears and a distinctly peachy finish. There’s only one problem with it – it’s very more-ish.

Grape variety: Pinot Noir / Chardonnay / Pinot Meunier

• Champagne, Domaine Dravigny-Godillon ‘Cuvee Ambre’, France NV
  Coming from the heartland of the quality Champagne area, Domaine Dravigny-Godillon is one of the few Champagne houses, alongside Bollinger and only a few others, to still make the traditional biscuity, yeasty Champagne style. They are a small family run winery and sell their wines only to the restaurants of Paris, Ireland and Denmark. Light and refined, it has delicate aromas of fresh strawberries and peaches with lively bubbles and fantastic freshness.

WANT TO SAMPLE ANY (OR ALL) OF THE ABOVE?  all the wines listed above are included in our summer wine selection available at all 3 ely venues.