As we edge ever closer to the end of summer, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy a glass or two of good wine and soak up a few more rays of sunshine. We’ve tried a selection of late summer wine options, from radiant rosés to an audacious orange wine, with choices to suit all budgets.
Horsmonden Dry 2023
£18.25
Horsmonden Dry is the flagship wine of the Davenport range. Made using a variety of grapes from across its Kent vineyards, including Bacchus, Ortega, Faber, Siegerrebe and Huxelrebe, this white is stunningly fragrant and highly drinkable.
Horsmonden Dry is naturally fermented using the wild yeasts that are found on the skins of the grapes. Around 10% is matured in traditional Alsatian oak casks, which produce a soft, rounded texture without imparting strong oak wood notes.
On the nose, you’ll find light, bright aromas of citrus and elderflower, wth white stone fruits lingering in the background. There’s a hint of baked brioche there, too, thanks to the natural fermentation process. On the palate, delicate notes of orchard fruit come through, with a touch of acidity that balances things nicely. The finish is soft and creamy, with just a little minerality.
Horsmonden Dry pairs beautifully with creamy cheese, late-summer salads, and pasta dishes.
Limney Rosé 2022
£29.50
A sparkling rosé is always something to look forward to, and this option, made using the traditional method, is no exception.
Made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes from Davenport’s Redmoors vineyard, this wine’s rose-pink hue makes it a wonderful accompaniment for a late summer evening. It’s full of delicate, creamy bubbles, thanks to the 2 years of ageing on the lees, with subtle spiced notes that emphasise the complexity.
Not only does it look the part, but the aromas of strawberries, red currants, and rose blossom, along with hints of warm baked sweet bread, pull you in further. On the palate, juicy red fruits enhance the flavour, with a little citrus zest to balance it out. The finish is long, crisp, dry and refreshing, with a little minerality which keeps you salivating.
Limney Rosé would be an excellent pairing for a fruity dessert, or just a lovely late summer wine to celebrate the last throws of the season.
Calvet AOP Sancerre Rosé
£18
Maison Calvet has been producing wines in the Loire region since 1818, and this rather pleasing rosé is a versatile wine that suits summer well.
This Pinot Noir-based rosé has a delicate pink rose hue which catches the summer light well. On the nose, it’s complex and indulgent, and bursting with juicy red berries. On the palate, the red berries flow, with a little sweetness and just a touch of acidity. It’s well-rounded and smooth, with a minerality which makes it incredibly drinkable. The finish is long and balanced, with summer flavours that will make you smile.
Perfect for picnics or just enjoying in the sunshine, sip it well chilled and savour each mouthful.
La P’tite Pierre Rosé
£7.50
La P’tite Pierre Rosé is a great value rosé that is very easy to drink as you enjoy those last few weeks of summer. The apricot-pink hue is inviting, and the aromas of strawberries and raspberries as you open the bottle are compelling.
On the palate, it’s light and crisp, with plenty of soft fruits and summer flavours. Hints of floral herbs round out the flavour, and the dry finish invites you back for another mouthful.
Fresh and fruity, this bottle offers value for money with flavour to match.
Vin de France Cruset Rosé
£8.50
This delicate pink rosé is rife with strawberries and raspberries, with sweet summer peaches mingling in to greet you on the nose. Once on the palate, the fruit flavours are fresh and lively, with a hint of acidity that keeps things crisp. The finish is long and quite dry, but very drinkable.
Don’t let the modest price tag put you off. This rosé offers great flavour at a budget-friendly cost, making it a winner at any time of the year.
Orange Wine, Ancre Hill Estates
£23
If you’ve not come across it before, orange wine is a type of white wine produced using techniques usually reserved for red wine. The juice of white grapes is fermented while in contact with the grape skins and seeds, producing a unique flavour profile and colour ranging from amber to deep orange.
Orange Wine from Ancre Hill Estates in Monmouthshire, Wales, has a distinctive look enhanced by the references to A Clockwork Orange on the label, mixed with an almost homemade aesthetic.
Made from a blend of Albariño, Chardonnay, Solaris, and Ortega grape varieties, the fruit and stems undergo carbonic maceration for 30 to 50 days, then age on the lees for at least 10 months. This unique process creates a slightly cloudy wine, which you’ll either love or hate.
On the nose, you’ll find pears and orchard fruits with deep savoury, yeasty notes. On the palate, tangerines and apples mix, with a slight herbal hint that cuts through. There’s plenty of acidity, too, bordering on sourness, which plays into the savoury flavours. The finish is long and dry.
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