2 summer reds to enjoy in the sun

When the sun is out and the mercury rises, most of us reach for a chilled, crisp white or a cool, floral rosé, but reds have a place in our summer line-up too, especially the lighter, fresher styles, some of which work well chilled. And with Pinot Noir Day falling on August 18, it’s the perfect excuse to explore a couple of red wines from France that really shine in the sunshine. 

La Belle Angèle Pinot Noir 2023, Vin de France 

This approachable, fruit forward Pinot Noir hails from the sun-soaked Languedoc, where grapes are sourced from two distinct zones – the coastal plains of Hérault, near Béziers and Valras-Plage, and the inland Minervois. Aged in vats for six to eight months, the result is a supple, delicately structured red with aromas of ripe cherries, wild herbs and a subtle hint of spice from the region’s garrigue vegetation. 

Named after a famed Belle Époque muse often immortalised by Impressionist painters, La Belle Angèle combines a rich sense of French art de vivre with real drinkability. It’s a wine that balances depth and freshness, making it ideal for grilled lamb, moussaka or vegetable antipasti on a warm evening. And it takes well to being lightly chilled. 

£9 (£8 mix six) from Majestic 

Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Fleurie 2023 

From the fifth-generation Burgundian winemaker Laurent Delaunay comes this elegant new Fleurie, part of the Les Grappillages collection. The name refers to the medieval custom of grappillage, or hand-picking grapes from the best vineyard parcels. 

Made from 100% Gamay grown on pink granite slopes in the Fleurie appellation, this wine captures everything you’d expect from a top Beaujolais cru: freshness, perfume, and finesse. Vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel and matured in wooden vats, the wine retains its vibrant character while gaining a gentle, rounded structure. 

Expect rose and violet on the nose, followed by blackberry, fig and a whisper of mineral lift on the palate. Silky tannins and a smooth, lingering finish make it an excellent match for barbecued lamb, soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert or a mushroom risotto. And if you’re curious about the current trend of chilling reds, this is the perfect bottle to try it with. 

The label features a Toile de Jouy–inspired design – a subtle nod to the wine’s blend of tradition and contemporary flair. 

£12 from Morrisons 

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