There’s a certain kind of Sunday that asks for nothing more than good company, a table in the garden and a slow parade of food and wine. Summer is the time for such get togethers, where the hours tick by unnoticed and the bottles seem to open themselves in succession until suddenly someone notices how dark its gone and you hustle inside for a night cap!
There's a little planning involved with such occasions, firstly who to invite and the food considerations, but everything else should be easy breezy so that you, the host, can enjoy the moments as much as your guests.
So let us assist and take the thinking out of the wine choices at least..
Start with sparkles — we think a rosé fizz fits the summertime remit, pale pink and joyfully effervescent. It’s the kind of wine that feels like a celebration without the need for a reason. Emiliana Organic Sparkling Rosé is brilliant as both an aperitif or with a range of lighter dishes. Pair it with citrus-dressed summer salads, grilled prawn skewers, or goat cheese crostini. The bubbles lift the flavours and the acidity keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
It's not Summer without a rosé and Provençal is the best. Vie en R... from Val de Gilly is a stalwart favourite, with ripe berry notes but a clean n=mineral zesty finish it is a super versatile foody wine. Remember it 'goes where it grows', so think Niçoise salads, grilled vegetables, or even a peach and burrata starter. It’s the wine of sun-drenched terraces, olive groves and a distant whisper of the sea, and it never overpowers — it simply complements.
As the main dishes arrive, pour a super-chilled Sicilian Grillo, such as the amazing Feudo Macari Olli Grillo. Zesty and mineral yet with weight and complexity, it sings with grilled sea bass, lemony couscous, or ricotta-stuffed ravioli. just grab your Stanley Tucci cookbook and away you go!
And for those who crave a red, Pinot Noir is the answer. We love the vibrancy and depth of the Volets Pinot Noir for it's light cherry charm, surprising depth and lightly savoury quality. it pairs beautifully with anything from roast chicken, mushroom tarts, or even grilled salmon. And the you could even bring out the cheese!
A long Sunday lunch isn’t just about food and wine — it’s about slowing down, savouring the moment, and letting the flavours tell their stories. And with wines like these, the story is always delicious.
