The summer season is here and with it comes long sunny days, alfresco dining, socialising with friends and enjoying some delicious wines.
There are a number of great whites, reds and rosés that are perfect for sipping in the sunshine so here are our top choices for summer wine online Ireland.
White Wine
No matter how hot it gets outside, white wines are versatile and easy to drink at any time, whether you are at the local pub with friends, relaxing with family at a BBQ or enjoying a fabulous meal.
- Pinot Grigio
One of the most refreshing wines and the ultimate crowd pleaser, Pinot Grigio is a great starting point if you are unsure about what to choose or looking to serve to a group. The signature zing that this crisp, fresh wine is known for comes from honey, citrus, green apple and pear flavours which make it a great pairing for salads, light pasta dishes and fish.
- Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a very versatile French wine which is popular all year round. The flavours often include white peach, pear, grapefruit, lime and other tropical fruits which combined with its spicy, creamy yet acidic notes make it especially good for summer. This wine pairs really well with green vegetables, oysters, chicken, delicate fish and cheese.
- Albariño
This Spanish wine is perfect for those balmy summer evenings. With its invigorating flavours and high acidity, Albariño is a light bodied wine which is low in sweetness, making it light and refreshing to drink. Try enjoying a glass of this with leafy green herbs, meats or salty fish such as grilled seabass, squid, fresh oysters and seared scallops.
Rosé Wine
Rosé is a great sociable summer wine that is favoured by many for its crisp, refreshing and complex taste. Even though it goes against the beliefs of some, it is delicious when enjoyed in a glass with a few ice cubes – prefect for the heat.
- Pinot Noir Rosé
This delicate, dry pink wine is characterised by its low sugar content, crisp acidity and succulent strawberry, cherry and rose petal flavours. It can be enjoyed either with appetisers such as melon and prosciutto, olives and hummus or as part of a meal with chicken, pasta or salmon.
- Grenache Rosé
This wine is best served really cold which makes it perfect for those hot days and a crisp and refreshing accompaniment to summer foods such as flatbreads, salads, wraps, seafood and charcuterie platters.
Red Wine
Despite the fact that some people might think that red wine and the summer heat do not go together, there are some great reds which can be served chilled and enjoyed even on the warmest day.
- Pinot Noir
This popular red wine is more delicate, acidic and lower-tannin than most other reds and it’s complex, elegant flavours are showcased even further when it is served slightly chilled. Pair this beautiful wine with fatty fish dishes such as salmon, pasta, roast chicken or cheese platters.
- Beaujolais
A Beaujolais is a light, tasty red wine which can benefit from being chilled slightly before serving – remember cool but not cold. Enjoy alongside pâtés, charcuterie, soft cheeses, seafood paella.
- Rioja
If you’d rather not cool your red wine, Rioja is a great summer drink at room temperature. This full-bodied Spanish wine has dominant cherry flavours that taste great on a balmy summer night. The best thing about Rioja is that it goes with almost any food – vegetables, hamburgers, tapas, grilled red meats, whatever you want.
