What’s in your fridge this summer

Of the myriad ways to beat the heat, there’s nothing that can relax you as well as some good wine. A low-down on what to drink this summer.

With the temperatures soaring and summer in the country on in full swing, it’s time to bring out the Proseccos. I have definitely chilled mine and been sipping it over the last two weeks. But we’re not talking about the run-of-the-mill sweet fizzy ones here. I like a Prosecco with a backbone — fruity, soft, good body with fine bubbles.

Although, I must confess that I was beginning to get bored with just Prosecco for company. But thankfully, some Dia wines from Sula Vineyards came to my rescue. A white Asti Spumante style, semi-sparkling, is something I really enjoyed. The experience was enhanced as I sipped this light wine in the company of Polina Bosca of Bosca Cellars, Italy, who gave me some interesting insights too.

Another ideal wine for summer is the Sula Riesling — a fruity, fresh and aromatic wine that is also one of Sula’s bestsellers. That doesn’t come as a surprise, as it is instantly refreshing. The aroma is heady, but being light with fruity flavours and low-alcohol content, it appeals to me. When it comes to reds in summer, what works best (for me, at least) are light and fruity reds such as a Pinot Noir. They also have to be clean and fresh wines that are not heavily obscured by oak. From a personal viewpoint, aggressive and bold tannins don’t always work and this is more so in summer. A Sangiovese or a Tempranillo would do as well — but only as long as they are earthy and austere. And if none of these do the trick, how about the long-standing, hugely popular Grover Zampa La Reserve in its new avatar

I recollect having a light wine one summer in London. It was a low-calorie, low-alcohol wine comprising a Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. And what really worked was that it boasted of a full flavour, without compromising on taste or enjoyment. Just the way a good wine should be.

As wine-drinkers in India, our palates have evolved with time and have left our tastes matured. We are starting to experiment more now. We are confident of some of the wine labels, as we know that they will deliver on quality and flavour. And thankfully, many of them do. Many enjoy a light wine over lunch rather than at the dinner table. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. A Viognier or a Chenin blanc sound perfect. Of course the fresh and smooth Rose is hugely popular in summer, especially among ladies. It can be both an aperitif or can be enjoyed with meals. A Rose with a pale pink colour and aromas of strawberries on the nose, are ideal for the palate in this weather.

Personally, I have a weakness for a delicate, citrus-laced blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. That’s something that works well in this season. The tangy finish to such wines is exactly what I find enticing.

Light food and light wines — that should be the practice in summer. But beyond practice and stuffy rules, what really matters is to drink what you are personally comfortable with. But no matter what your personal palate prefers, always have a bubbly in your refrigerator this season. It always comes handy and It’s actually a universal favourite.

Mini Ribeiro is a food writer