Duncan Murray’s
al fresco wine tips
Published on May 8, 2012
Here are Duncan Murray’s tips to accompany your al fresco dining this summer…
RED
Wine: Quinta do Correio Dao
Grapes: Jaen, Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz
Duncan says: From Portugal, this is a joyously juicy example of a Dao red. It’s a great wine for a picnic as its combination of ripe dark fruits and refreshing edge make it a versatile, food-friendly wine – as well as drinking really well on its own. With its blackberry and raspberry fruit and that lovely mineral quality you get with Dao wines it’ll provide a delightful partner to your cheese, chutney, cold meats and pork pie.
Price: £8.99
WHITE
Wine: Ciconia Branco
Grapes: Anton Vaz, Viognier, Verdelho
Flavour: This thoroughly enjoyable, easy-going, ‘sunny’ white from Portugal is a great wine for picnics as its mix of tropical and lime fruit flavours and nutty notes will slip down a treat with all kinds of food. If your picnic has an Indian theme, it’ll stand up to spicy samosas and chutneys as well as providing a great wine accompaniment to cold meats, salads, pork pie and cheese.
Price: £8.99
ROSE
Wine: Domaine le Bosquet Rosé
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah
Flavour: Just looking at this delicate salmon pink rosé transports us to sunny days and al fresco living, so it’s a great addition to your picnic basket. However, this southern French Rosé is not simply a feast for the eyes as it delivers concentrated flavours of red fruits, strawberries, spice and cream making it a wonderful companion to cold meats (particularly ham and pork), fruity chutneys and summery salads.
Price: £7.99
