Red wines in the middle of Summer

With the continuing low temperatures I have turned to red wines for summer vino pleasure, with a couple here that you ought to try this weekend.

Chiroubles 2010, Georges Duboeuf, abv 12.5%, Beaujolais, France. Stockist: Waitrose £9.49

Beaujolais unfairly remains in a lowly position as the easy drinking red choice for many people, yet there are plenty of good wines made from the Gamay grape in this region like Georges Duboeuf’s Chiroubles, which is soft and fruity, with flavours of cherries and raspberries, a little spice and low tannins. The perfect early evening summer tipple.

Syrah  2009, Oldenburg Vineyards, abv 14.0%, Stellenbosch, South Africa £22.60. Stockist: www.bbr.com

This serious, refined, complex red is ideal for a cooler evening, with powerful spicy varietal character, dark fruits, well managed oak and balanced tannins this was absolutely delicious with sausage casserole.  A wine that benefits from being decanted.

Have a good weekend.