WORDS BY EMILY SPRUCE

I’m Emily. You may have caught me hosting at Summer Camp this year.

I’ve always worked in hospitality, and for the last decade have managed various wine-focussed restaurants. Alongside the usual sommelier qualifications, I’m really into the science of wine and proud to hold a Masters in Viticulture and Oenology.

I holiday as much as I can in France with my chef-husband and family, so I’ll often give French wine recommendations based on real life experiences.

At the moment, you can find me hosting bespoke at-home tastings around North Wales and Chester (@winebyemily).

Cheers!

#1. Txakoli

My number one summer wine. This light, bright, spritzy number is served all across the tapas bars of San Sebastián. The best for snacks, seafood and summer heat. Try Txomin Extaniz Txakoli, a wine that’s been produced by the family since 1649 - available on Ocado.

#2. Lambrusco

No trip to Bologna is complete without vast quantities of cured meats and Lambrusco. Locals keep the best for themselves but there’s been a huge push towards quality in exports over last few decades. Red berries, violets, and a gentle froth make this a super quaffable option. And is so on trend in the world of sommeliers. You heard it here first.

#3. Bandol Rosé

Move over Provence, it’s not all about you. Although I love a good pale rose, the vast majority just don't deliver. A trip south towards the French coast is Bandol, known for its prized Mourvedre. Low yields give a powerful aroma but delivered with a delicate touch. Domaine Tempier is possibly the peak performer; this is a cult wine for a reason - available at The Good Wine Shop.

#4. Chablis

I am a cliché. My instagram is full of France and so is my wine cellar. Chablis is my peak chic because it’s subtle, elegant and restrained. If you like fruit, it’s not for you. Be warned though, affordable and Chablis are never in the same sentence. Eleni and Edouard Vocoret vinify all their parcels within Chablis separately, meaning you can taste the difference between vineyard sites. Find their wines on Shrine to the Vine.

#5. Garnacha

When it comes to chilled reds in summer, I love a Grenache, or Garnacha. It’s a super aromatic variety with great freshness and delicacy. One area producing great Garnacha is Gredos in Spain. Try the 4 Monos, Tierra de Luna. Raspberries, cherries, black olives and heather, combined with super crunchy freshness. Just watch out for the abv, it doesn’t feel like a 14% wine at all - available at Hennings Wine.

#6. English Sparkling

There’s always occasions, always celebrations, always anniversaries, so it feels rude not to include something extra special. Danbury Ridge Solstice is exactly that. This isn't a light option, this is a serious wine. It’s big and bold and very opulent, almost like Krug - available at Hedonism.

#7. Portuguese Whites: Encruzado, Alvarinho, Loureiro

Portugal delivers on so many levels. The country is blessed with mountains, breezes and a gorgeous coastline - all great things for grapes. For me, I often gravitate towards the variety Encruzado. It’s a great dinner wine to enjoy with lighter vegetable dishes and salads, a great thing to have in your fridge - available in the found range from Marks and Spencer

#8. A Good Muscadet

Oyster wine. This wine is salty pebbles on the beach. Subtle lemon, mineral, saline. Chateau du Coing de Saint Fiacre, Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie is always a safe bet - available at Difford’s Shop.

#9. Mencia

Another Spanish red, this time from Galicia in the northwest. Mencia is beautiful and delicate like Pinot noir. It’s incredibly juicy and herbal with lots of red fruits. My go to is produced by Envinate - try Lousas from The Sourcing Table.

#10. Xinomavro

And finally, let’s head off to Greece for some sunshine. Xinomavro is a red variety indigenous to northern, mountainous Greece. It works great with smoky, herbal, meats so it would be beautiful with BBQ lamb. It has lightness, but with power and structure, often with an inviting smell of thyme and tomato leaf. I spend far too much time drinking Thymiopoulos ‘Earth and Sky’ - available at Shrine to The Vine.

My Top 10 Summer Wines