Here are our top seasonal food choices and the wines that we like to pair with them. Whether you have been strawberry picking and have an abundance of deliciously sweet British strawberries that you are looking to devour, or planning summer gatherings involving picnics or firing up the BBQ with family and friends, we’ve got you covered!
Wines to drink with strawberries
Strawberries... the cream of the British fruit crop! They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; freshly picked, in cakes, desserts, or with ice cream. If you are serving your strawberries without cream, then opt for a Demi Sec Sparkling wine, or if you are serving with a creamy element, try a delicate dessert wine like Beaune de Venise. You most definitely need a sweetness in the wine to match the sweetness in the strawberries.
We recommend:
Nyetimber Cuvee Cherie Demi Sec Sparkling, England NV
A terrific emulation of the classic off-dry Champagne style, made from 100 percent estate-grown Chardonnay grapes. Bursting with freshness and a subtle tone of rich, well-balanced sweetness there are plenty of delights to discover here. orange citrus, brioche, honey and lemon are all hiding in plain sight in this impressive sparkling wine.
Famille Perrin Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Rhone, France 2020
Located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Beaumes de Venise has a particularly warm climate. This enables the grapes to reach full maturity and allows the production of fortified Vin Doux Naturel wines. Laced with fragrant white flowers, violets and honeyed grape flavours this is fully sweet and delicious.
Wines to drink with barbecue food
A good Barbecue in the sunshine with a delicious glass of wine is one of life’s little pleasures. Choosing the right wine can really elevate the occasion, but what should you pick when you’re probably going to be eating lots of different things? Steak, sausages, burgers, chicken, halloumi, each item with varying degrees of char and smoke. You will need a versatile all-rounder wine which tastes great with or without food. I would suggest a juicy, fruit-driven red with some spicy notes like Malbec or Shiraz, a dry rose from Provence, or a traditional method sparkling wine like Champagne, Crémant or Cava. Please note It is perfectly acceptable to chill your reds on a hot day!
We recommend:
Dandelion Vineyards, `Lionheart of the Barossa` Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia 2021
Rich and ripe aromas of blackcurrant, black plum and blueberry with dashes of sweet and black pepper spice. Full-bodied and forward on the palate with firm, yet yielding tannins that wrap around a further core of hedgerow and black fruits fused with added mocha spice and dark chocolate.
Peyrassol Lou Provence Rose, Provence, France 2023
#Lou rose is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Cotes de Provence. Charming nose of red summer berries and white stone fruits complemented by its clean, refreshing acidity.
Vilarnau Organic Cava Brut Reserva, Spain NV
Single-estate wine made from classic Cava varieties Macabeo and Xarel-lo, given 15 months ageing on lees. The property, located in Catalunya’s Cava heartland cultivate their grapes with a range of organic practices and specialise in crafting first-class Cava. A smart alternative to Champagne, with vibrant flavours of green apple, citrus and toast.
Wines to drink with salads
Salads come in a variety of forms so try and match the weight and intensity of the dish with the weight and intensity of the wine. If your salad is light then serve a light refreshing wine that will complement the dish. You don’t want anything to heavy as this will overpower the delicate flavours. If you are having a salad with grilled peaches, cured meat or feta cheese, try with a wine with more body and flavour like Viognier or Albarino.
We recommend:
Domaine de Foncalieu Piquepoul Rosé, France 2023
Very pale colour with delicate aromas of crushed strawberry, rose petals with some lemon citrus notes. Wonderfully lively and bursting with freshness.
Bodegas Bardos Verdejo, Rueda, Spain 2023
Vibrant aromas of lemon citrus, apple and white peach with touches of gooseberry and fennel. Crisp, vibrant acidity fuses with further citrus and white stone fruit on the core with added minerality on the precise, linear finish.
Wines to drink with picnics
Again, picnics can come in all shapes and sizes but typically there will be sandwiches, pies, pastries and sweet treats involved. A Vinho Verde, Prosecco or Prosecco Rose will go down a treat, they are light bodied, bursting with fresh fruit characters and not too heavy on the alcohol. Provence rose or fresh, light, bright red wines like Pinot Noir or Gamay (Signature grape from the Beaujolais region) go particularly well with cured meats and cheeses. Just don’t forget the corkscrew! Alternatively take sparkling or screwcap wines so you don’t need one.
We recommend:
Quinta da Calcada, Lago Cerquiera Vinho Verde, Portugal
Bright aromas of lemon, green apple and pear with a touch of passionfruit. Crisp and clean on the palate with vibrant, racy acidity that flows into a core of further ripe citrus and tropical fruit. There`s a lovely saline edge that is complimented by the classic Vinho Verde spritz!
Prosecco Brut, Terre di Sant’ Alberto Rose, Italy NV
Beautiful aromas of raspberry, red cherry and redcurrant fuse together with hints of white flowers. Impressive complexity, structure and purity are supported by fresh acidity and a creamy, luscious mouthfeel.
Umbrele Pinot Noir, Cramele Recas, Romania 2021
Attractive aromas of red and black cherry with floral overtones. Soft, smooth, and supple on the mid-palate with delicate tannins that underpin more plush red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry fruit with a touch of black pepper spice.
For more Summer food and wine pairing advice, please do get in touch with our team at wine@bcfw.co.uk. Tried any of our pairings? Tag us in your snaps on Instagram @boncoeurfinewines.
