Thanks UK Weather, you got me stoked by the prospect of a long hot summer and then ruined it by sending me a cold front accompanied by rain. Oh, well, nothing you can do about the weather, you just have to adapt. And by that I mean, keeping the cork in those pale Provencal roses, not unscrewing that bottle of NZ savvy and for God's sake, don't buy a six pack of lager and sit in the park, now is not the time. Instead, head to your local wine merchant and find a bottle of white Alsatian wine, preferably a Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris. These wines, from the north east of France, deliver lots of lush fruit, ripe and full. Quite often they have a hint of sweetness, which makes them perfect to drink as you stare out at grey skies and falling rain. The Autumnal sunshine bursts through with these wines, the grapes having been left on the vine far longer than is usual in other regions of the world, they develop a lovely textural openness, interesting flavours and a sensual tongue play (Hubba hubba), taste one and you'll see what I mean. These wines don't have to be served super chilled, if fact try not to chill them too much. As an unfashionable style (however that occurs?) these wines are really good value at the moment, so grab your umbrella and anorak and go search for some!
Tescos Finest Alsace Pinot Gris 2005 (appox £6). Gorgeous straw-gold colour, like fields of wheat in late summer. Delicate nose of honey, wax, pear drops and vinyl. The palate is rich and fullsome. The acidity keeps this wine fresh and a touch of ripe fruit sweetness with some grape skin phenolics keep the balance. This wine will bring out the warmth even if the BBQ's full of water and the rain's bouncing off the windows. Good value and something different, please, go out and try a wine with difference! Oh, and spread the Spokengrape message between your friends>
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