While the weather has been distinctly unsummery, hope springs eternal and hopefully the sun will have returned by the time you read this. An al fresco lunch or dinner with family or friends is one of the best ways to celebrate these warmer days. What could be better than a table laden with platters of tempting mixed cold salads? They can look amazing and showcase the best of summer’s bounty on a plate. a heady mix of fresh locally grown vegetables, herbs and fruit.
This is not the time to bring out your finest wines, but it is worth spending a little more on your wine. You (and your friends) will notice the difference. Keep white and rosé wines well chilled (but not frozen which will kill all flavour) and your red wines cool. Warm, soupy red wine is very unpleasant on warmer days.
If your salads are light and herby with creamy cheeses, goat’s cheese, feta, seafood, tomatoes, or cold pasta then consider a citrusy white wine such as sauvignon blanc, riesling, Soave, Picpoul de Pinet or albariño.
With richer salads featuring chicken, duck or beef, think of a rosé or light red wine such as a pinot noir, gamay or Valpolicella.
Many al fresco lunches or dinners are a mix of all sorts of lighter and more full-bodied salads. You could go for a richer white wine or a lighter red, but given this is summer, and the sun may even make an appearance, the best choice may be to bring a well-chilled rosé. Make sure you serve plenty of iced water, maybe even some flavoured sparkling water to keep everybody hydrated under the occasional summer sun.
