Originally published on Wednesday, 13th July 2011

WineChap's weekend wines

Apparently it’s the season of barbecue reds and crisp whites (no jokes about the British summer, please), although when does any one ever really want a custardy, 15% Californian Chardonnay these days?

Drink Out:

Piemonte Cortese, Ca Del Matt: A slightly jealous Gavi (it’s made in the neighbouring hills) but the same Chablis on a Vespa style without the price tag: A quenching lunch white at L'Anima in the city or Ristorante Semplice, off Bond Street.

Drink In:

All about Alentejo.  Try the Alvarino 2010 from Terras d'Alter for a refreshingly drinkable seafood white, otherwise this southern Portuguese estate's Verdelho is excitingly herbal - a nose of cloves and mint on the mid-palate. Both from www.leaandsandeman.co.uk

Bring Round:

Pals are throwing caution to the wind (and rain) and going ahead with their BBQ this weekend, so – keeping with the Portuguese theme – why not try Tons de Duorum.  Straddling the boundary between rustic and sophisticated this is honest, spicy, real wine made in the Douro from Port varietals. Buy online from www.therealwineco.co.uk

WineChap's alternative summer selection (Barolo and Oloroso sherry, etc.) can be seen online on WineChap TV.  Also check out our events schedule for forthcoming tastings in town – and with wedding season up and running, let us choose your wines for the big day and for an alternative wine wedding list.  (How many John Lewis waffle irons do you really need?)

by TH