With the good weather continuing, a few reds have recently come on the radar that would sit very comfortably alongside the BBQ’d meats plus a reminder of a delicious sparkling rosé from the Loire that could be consumed at any point during the day.
1 - Gabriel Meffre, Gigondas, Le Roc des Dentelles 2011, Southern Rhône
Classic example of this Southern Rhône village. Same varieties as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Spicy aroma of the Grenache on the nose and very drinkable, with gentle but rich fruits working with finely balanced acidity and tannins. The vintage on the Waitrose web site when ordered was 2015, but 2011 arrived. Not a problem as the ‘11 was perfect, and the ‘15 will be better: just as quaffable, but a little younger.
£22.00 - Waitrose
2 - Lucas van Loggerenberg, High Hopes Syrah 2023, Stellenbosch
This estate seems to operate in the same vein as Tardieu-Laurent in Provence: owns no vineyards, but buys in grapes from selected sites to make interesting wines. The results are very fine. This red is a blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Grenache. Whole bunch fermentation for the Syrah - I’m penning an article on this process so more information shortly - and then aged in 500 litre barrels. Enough fruit and acidity to work with a rump steak to perfection.
£26.46 - Justerinis
3 - Damascene, Syrah 2021, Stellenbosch
Classic South African Syrah. Deep and moody with a firm construction and plenty of length. Red fruits with well defined acidity and excellent integration. Young but exciting and vibrant on the palate. Decant an hour before it is needed. Buy a case or two and let it sit in the cellar for the next 5 years, bringing out a bottle or two when a rib of beef is being consumed over lunch. This estate is making some exceptional and very good - relatively speaking - value wines.
£39.95 - Lea & Sandeman
4 - Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas, Terres Brulées, 2019, Northern Rhône
The family team - father, mother, daughter - continue to produce exceptional wines from their Northern Rhône vineyards. This Cornas is made from vines that are between 20 and 60 years old, delivering an inspired nose of cassis and oak, it shows the 21 months in oak on the palate with a deeply rich concentration of flavours. Layers and layers as it opens up and will certainly keep for another few years. Full-bodied, yet brisk on its feet, and you find yourself quickly pouring the second glass …
£41.00 - Waitrose
5 - Langlois-Chateau 'Classique' Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé
Finally, another plug for this Loire Crémant Rosé from Bollinger’s subsidiary. At £15 not only is it a great rosé, but it’s also been made using exactly the same process as Champagne, so it has a lively, effervescent sparkle that slips down with incredible ease on a summer afternoon. Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. There are light cherries on the nose, with a degree of refinement on the palate: varietal flavours of red and black fruits, with a light and delicate touch.
£15.00 - Majestic
