The discerning drinker: BBQ Wines
The early autumn heatwave shows no sign of breaking: London is temporarily transformed into the sun-bathed playground that it should have been over the summer.
I intend to barbecue this weekend even if I end up hunched over the grill in a woolly hat as evening draws in. These wines will go with grill action admirably.
Joya del Limarí Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Limarí Valley (M&S, £9.49)
I have praised wines from Chile's cool, northern Limarí valley before: this one from leading producer Maycas del Limarí is a perfect example of why. Bright, tropical fruit with brisk acidity and good definition - very good.
Sainsbury's Côtes-du-Rhône
Rosé 2010 (£4.99)
Cheap and cheerful it may be, but this majority-grenache rosé does just about everything you want a cheap Indian summer pink to do: fresh, dry, spicy, perfectly gluggable. Made by the big but
solid Enclave des Papes co-operative in Valréas.
Château Aigues Vives Cuvée
Exception 2007, Corbières (Majestic, £9.99, or £6.99 each when you buy two)
This spicy, robust Languedoc red is
given more interest and length than average by 12 months in oak and a bit of bottle age.
Domaine Chapoton "Silex Rouge" 2009, Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Massif d'Uchaux (Berry Brothers,
3 St James's Street, SW1 or bbr.com £12.45)
A classy red from one of the more obscure named Côtes-du-Rhône enclaves: this grenache/mourvèdre/syrah blend brims with ripe fruit, serious structure and lovely minerality.
Fox Gordon Eight Uncles Shiraz 2009, South Australia (Theatre of Wine, Greenwich and Tuffnell Park, £15)
A serious Aussie shiraz from a respected producer, its quality justifying the price tag: big, sweet, grapy fruit, supple tannins, lovely focus.
