The best wines inspired by European holidays
Wine expert Susy Atkins is a discerning holidaymaker, and she likes to seek out the lesser trammelled spots of the Med. She’s the same with her holiday inspired wines too. Read on for her picks of the best wines inspired by European holidays…
Codorníu Vintage Cava Brut 2021, Penedès, Spain 11.5%Most cava comes from northeast Spain, near Barcelona. Here’s a fine example showing the green apple peel, toasty hint and lively bubbles that are the hallmarks of this classic sparkler. Party on. Available from Tesco (£11.49).
Alaina Rosé 2022, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 12.5%Made just inland from the coast near Perpignan, this is an excellent, dry and well balanced rosé, fresh and elegant with wisps of red cherry and strawberry. On offer this month, it gives Provençal pinks a run for their money. Available from Waitrose (£11.99, down to £8.99 from 2-22 August).
Found Agiorgitiko 2021, Peloponnese, Greece 13.5%A new Greek red, part of M&S’s excellent Found range of more unusual wines. Juicy, ripe but soft in style with cassis, prunes and a dab of dark chocolate. Match it with herb-strewn barbecued lamb. Available from Marks & Spencer (£8).
Stemmari Passiata Rosso 2021, Sicily, Italy 13.5%Impressive blend of syrah with local grape nero d’avola from the sunny southwest of Sicily, it’s smooth, rounded and laden with rich blueberries and damsons. Firmly structured to take on red meat or rich cheeses. Available from Waitrose (£10.99)
The Society’s Exhibition Santorini Assyrtiko 2021, Greece 13%The volcanic island of Santorini produces exquisite, premium dry whites from the assyrtiko grape. Here’s a beauty: whistle-clean with apricot and lime fruit and a salty dab on the finish. A star with seafood. Available from The Wine Society (£17.50).
Triplica Greco di Tufo DOCG 2021, Campania, Italy 13%
A fine white filled with orchard fruit, especially ripe yellow pears. It’s made from the greco grape growing around the town of Tufo in Italy’s southern region of Campania. Drink it with cream pasta dishes or grilled prawns. Available from Majestic (£11.99).
Our favourite non-alcoholic bottle for summer
Saicho Jasmine Sparkling Tea, London 0%
Sparkling teas are popular this summer, and this is an excellent example, refreshing and delicate with a clean grassy flavour, some citrus and a light floral note. Made with green tea from the Fujian province of China. Available from The Whisky Exchange (£15.75).