Wine For A Perfect Picnic
Brits go a bit crazy in the summer. We burn perfectly good meat to a crisp and burn ourselves bright pink! One thing we don’t burn, and do with some dignity, is a picnic. Laden with tupperware and that hamper that weighs more than the children, we retreat to a field full of ants, nettles and unexpected lumps, where we unload our treasures and tuck in!
Picnic wine is pretty straightforward so don't over-think it. If you have a favourite wine, then take it, as picnics are a chance to escape all the formalities of wine and food – as well as comfort! Choosing wine that will appeal widely is quite easy.
The key is to pair the food and wine in terms of how intense the flavours are. Picnic food is mainly light and cold, so lighter wines work well, especially if you can serve them chilled. Going near a lake, stream or reservoir? Why not take some string and lower your bottle in - you'll be surprised how cool it will get in half an hour. Just clean the top carefully to avoid bacteria!
I always think strawberries typify a summer picnic best, just as hot dogs or burgers typify barbecues. With their delicate flavour they are a real treat, so here’s a suggestion for enjoying strawberries and wine together on a picnic. Delicious as a cocktail style drink (look up the Rossini cocktail if you enjoy this) or even as a dessert, strawberries in wine are a uniquely summer treat.
Proportions are a matter of taste, but this is so simple you'll get it right instinctively. Halve your strawberries so they absorb the wine and put them in a bowl. Dust them liberally with sugar and then cover them with wine - white, sparkling or light rosé will do very well. Refrigerate the mix for a couple of hours and then to serve later, simply spoon it into a glass. I also like to stick a strawberry on the rim of the glass to serve. If your strawberries aren't quite ripe, just add a little more sugar. The 'syrup' is delicious, the strawberries refreshing, and you can always add little extras such as a squirt of chantilly cream for show. Remember the best results are from wine that is crisp, light and low in alcohol.
Of course, some of you will want red wine. Good options are wines that are naturally lighter in style - pinot noir, gamay and cabernet franc are grapes to look for. Sparkling fans might enjoy Asti (very light in alcohol with distinct sweetness) and white wine enthusiasts could consider riesling (Dr Loosen does a terrific range) or sauvignon blanc for full flavours (Sancerre is hard to beat) or light pinot grigio.
Dave Anning