Hosting a summer party? These are the best wines under £8 to serve
What makes a decent wine for a big summer party? Good acidity, for a start. I want my party wine, whatever its colour, to be refreshing, and to get that it must have a streak of mouthwatering acidity – which should be in balance and not too sour, of course.
Then there’s the question of oak. I don’t especially want the extra heft and tannins, spice and toastiness that comes with cask-ageing at my summer bash. Instead I want the wine to major on juicy fruit flavours – never mind the slight lack of complexity. And do look for youthful wines, bright and vivacious, rather than mellow and mature.
Good candidates include Italian whites, especially those from the cooler north of the country, which tend to be crisp and elegant, and juicy unoaked New World wines such as South African chenin blanc. As for reds, pinot noir comes into its own around now. Tangy, relatively simple, quaffable pinots, never too rich or hearty, are soft enough to be chilled, if you like. Or if you’re serving food, make it a lighter-than-most South American malbec.
Rosé-hunters should veer away from the bone-dry, very pale Provence style for parties (it’s a bit austere for the occasion) and seek out something a bit more bright and fun. Finally, I think we all want our big bash booze to be well-priced, especially this year. Below are five that will please a crowd. Happily, each comes in at under £8.
Try these...
Taste the Difference pinot grigio 2021
Trentino, Italy (12.5%, Sainsbury’s, £7 down to £6 until 19 July)
A cut above the average pinot grigio, this comes from the cool, north-east region of Trentino. There’s 15 per cent chardonnay blended in, which gives more character. The result is an elegant, aromatic PG with appealing lime and grapefruit, and a refreshingly dry finish. Super summer party white and great value.
The Weather Station chenin blanc/pinot grigio 2021
Western Cape, South Africa (12.5%, Marks & Spencer, £7, down to £6 until 18 July)
This Cape blend of two key grapes is easy-going and neatly balanced, with yellow apples and pears at its core. There’s no oak and the alcohol level is restrained for a New World wine. It will stand up well to light pastry canapes and other simple party nibbles.
Incanta pinot noir 2020
Romania (12.5%, Majestic, £7.99 or £6.49 as part of mixed six)
Incanta means ‘delight’ in Romanian, and this soft and likeable pinot noir is indeed rather delightful at the price. A smooth crowd-pleaser, it majors on black cherries and brambles, with no oak, and could be chilled lightly for warm weather parties. Made in a collaboration between Majestic and Romanian winery Cramele Recas.
Mabis La Carezza pinot nero rosé 2021
Veneto, Italy (12%, Waitrose, £10.99 down to £7.99 until 12 July)
A juicy and vivacious Italian rosé, made from 100 per cent pinot nero (aka pinot noir) close to the Euganean Hills near Padua. There’s plenty of red berry notes, especially strawberry, and a dab of light creaminess. Finishes dry and mouthwatering.
Irresistible Bio Bio Valley malbec 2021
Chile (14%, Co-op, £8 down to £7 until 16 August)
Here’s a nice long offer on a succulent young malbec, part of the Co-op’s own-label Irresistible wine range. It’s bursting with juicy red plums and black cherries, isn’t oaky or remotely heavy, so could be enjoyed on its own or paired with cold meats or cheeses at a party.
