The Last Of The Summer Wines
As the sun graces us once more, it's the perfect reminder to get out and bask in the warmth and embrace the chance to dine outdoors, paired with a fantastic bottle of wine. Here are our top picks to help you celebrate the final days of summer.
2022 Moscato D'Asti, Ceretto
The Ceretto winery in Piedmont, Italy, was founded in the 1930's by Riccardo Ceretto and initially produced wine from purchased grapes. The turning point came when his sons, Bruno and Marcello, joined the business and took inspiration from the viticulture in Burgundy. In the 1960's, they began mapping and buying the best vineyards in the Langhe region, transforming their approach. Ceretto's projects reflect their values, from award-winning gastronomy to art installations. UNESCO designated the vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero as a World Heritage Site in 2014. In 1976, in Santo Stefano Belbo, a group of wine growers, alongside Bruno and Marcello Ceretto sought to revive the quality of Moscato wine. Over time, they expanded to 37 hectares in Santo Stefano, Calosso, and Canelli. The families now produce top-quality Moscato, embracing organic practices since 2017 and introducing eco-friendly bottle packaging.
Ceretto's Moscato d'Asti DOCG balances sweetness and freshness with slight effervescence, featuring notes of white peach, apricot, citrus, and white flowers. Perfect as an aperitif or with fruit-based desserts.
FOOD PAIRING: Sally Clarke's Soft Pistachio Meringue
Gevrey-Chambertin is in the Côte de Nuits region of Burgundy and is renowned as one of the top eight wine villages along the Côte-d'Or. This area is particularly celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir, a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Domaine Alain Burguet was founded in 1976 by Alain, though the estate is now run by his sons, brothers Jean Luc and Eric. With 9.5 hectares of vineyard, the brothers have a strong focus on sustainable viticulture with biodynamic practices, allowing the terroir to sing through the wines, with minimal intervention. Alain's wines have evolved over the years, from rich and chunky to more sophisticated and opulent, which is a direct result of choosing to harvest later, when the tannins are softer and sweeter, the brothers also ensure they sort the highest quality fruits for optimal results.
The 2017 is a rich, powerful and seductive Gevrey. Made from approximately 30 small parcels of vines of 70–100 years of age, situated in seven different lieux-dits (named vineyards). 20 months’ maturation in barrels softens the tannins until they are sweet and round. Approachable and delicious now but will only get better in the cellar over the coming years.
FOOD PAIRING: James Martin's Chicken and Tarragon Pie
On the rocky Mediterranean island of Porquerolles, fresh coastal breezes nurture exceptional wines crafted under the expert guidance of Chanel's Bordeaux winemaker, Nicolas Audebert. Growing up in nearby Toulon, Nicolas has a special bond with Porquerolles, describing it as “one island with four elements: blessed by water, bathed in light, anchored in earth, and windswept." Despite the challenging terrain, the ideal conditions and terroir produce wines with unique character and intrigue.
Domaine de L’Ile Porquerolles 2023 is the fifth vintage since famous fashion house Chanel became the estate custodians. Just as one might expect from a rosé produced just a stone’s throw away from Provence, this pale, rose-gold gem of a wine is exceptional. The fresh and lively blend, with notes of barley sugar, white flowers and juicy melon, makes for the perfect summer’s day tipple.
FOOD PAIRING: Smoked Salmon Gratin Dauphinoise
In 2016, Oenologist Jérémy Arnaud established his own Domaine in the heart of Chablis. Son of a winemaker, he made the bold decision to launch his wine making career alone. He settled in the town of Beine and bought a small parcel of vines with a plot of Chablis Premier Cru and another plot of Petit Chablis. Jérémy endeavors to allow the vines to express their true provenance. In the cellar, Arnaud tries to limit intervention to what is strictly necessary.
Considered to be one of Burgundies ‘rising stars,’ his wines are elegant and refined, The Bourgogne Tonnerre is made from grapes that come from the northernmost vineyards in the Yonne, Arnaud limits yields and produces his wine in limited editions. On the palate, this wine is taut with mineral notes, with hints of sour apple and peach, accompanied by a lovely freshness and a salty finish. It is delicious to drink.
FOOD PAIRING: Marco Pierre White, Asparagus with Truffle
£24.99