Eccelsa Vermentino di Sardegna, Sardinia, Italy 2022 (£8.99, until 1 August, Waitrose) Despite the UK’s relatively mild summer, the same cannot be said for southern European winemakers who have endured extreme heat, resulting in wildfires and reduced crop yields. However, certain grape varieties like the vermentino of central Italy and southern France have proven resilient in a heatwave, producing refreshing, floral, and citrusy white wines like Ecclesa in the vibrant Sardinian summer.
Taste the Difference Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain 2021 (£8, Sainsbury’s) Vermentino’s ability to maintain freshness and acidity has made it popular among growers in warm regions worldwide. Another white variety, the assyrtiko from Santorini, Greece, known for its vibrant acidity and mineral quality, has also found success in regions like South Australia and South Africa. These regions are also known for producing berry-juicy reds like Sainsbury’s affordable Spanish garnacha.
Real Companhia Velha Quinta das Carvalhas Tinto, Douro, Portugal 2018 (£18.99, dbmwines.co.uk) With rising temperatures in the growing season, winemakers worldwide are questioning the suitability of their grape varieties. While the UK is excited about successfully ripening Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, regions like Bordeaux are considering the long-term viability of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. This has led to the authorization of new heat-resistant varieties, including Portugal’s touriga nacional, known for its role in Port and the powerful red wines of the Douro Valley. This shift may reshape the taste and style of traditional Bordeaux wines, potentially offering richer alternatives like Quinta das Carvalhas.
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