10 of the best summer wines under £50

When it comes to wine, people are easily categorised. There are the oenophiles, who know their Zinfandel from their Grignolino. They can tell you the vintage, the vineyard, the notes and the alcohol content purely with their nose. They can talk about wine until the cows come home… and sometime after that.

Then there are those who think they know all this, but actually have no idea. They’ll waltz into a wine shop, mumble something about the magical 2008 Bordeaux harvest – just out of earshot from the shop manager – and then strut around reaching for the most expensive bottles as his younger girlfriend looks on, before declaring loudly that it doesn’t have enough body for his refined taste. He’ll then settle on a £15 bottle of red, labelling it as drinkable plonk. Or, when at dinner parties, he’ll delicately pinch his serving of Burgundy, swirl it violently in the glass, give it a deep sniff and proclaim to sensing a profound note of wood-chip and hedgerow, with a smattering of cow dung.

And finally there are the rest of us; those who unashamedly know sod all about the art of viticulture, and as a result usually opt for the house wine to save the embarrassment of trying and failing to decipher the wine list. Or, like moths to a flame, are taken hostage by the red DISCOUNT labels on the supermarket shelves.

Those of you in the first bracket won’t need this article – I’m sure your cellar is already crammed to the gunwales. Those in the second bracket may not think you need this article, but you do – although I’m sure you’ll want to read it in private, away from those who may judge you for not already being in the know. And those in the final bracket, stay tuned – we’re here to help.

Here are 10 of the best summer wines under £50, as chosen by Sam Cooledge of Jeroboams Wine Merchants on Walton Street…

RED

07 Chambolle-Musigny “1er Cru- Bornique” from F. Magnien – £45.00, (in store only – slightly different wines/vintages available online, but this is a stunner), Fantastic example of a brilliant Premier Cru that won’t break the bank. It’s elegant, fresh and juicy on the nose; it’s deep, luscious and sexy in the glass. Light; but nowhere near thin, think red berries, a touch of earthiness and a bit of cigar box.

2000 Chateauneuf du Pape, Viex Telegraphe – £49.95, (in store only), Forget the teeth-blackening young Chateauneuf that you had at Christmas. This is the real deal; from an old house known for being one of the most reliable producers in the area. Tannins have softened to great layers of fruit, tobacco and spice. Still lively and with enough structure to stand next to roast lamb on a Sunday. Think Sean Connery; still as manly as ever, but more mature with age.

2013 Pinot Noir Bannockburn Felton Road – £31.95, Known as one of the 1st Growths of NZ, this is a great example of everything that the New World has to offer (and considerably more friendly to your wallet than Old World). This has an abundance of fruit coming off it; blueberry and cherry, alongside those caramely/fresh leather notes from the new oak. A cracking New World Pinot indeed.

Buy here.

2009 Brunello Agostina Pierri – £29.95 (on offer currently £24.95), A Brunello for sub-£30?! Not for long we fear… The only reason this guy is at such a good price is because the producer isn’t very well known, but trust us when we say it’s worth considerably more. It’s certainly well balanced; managing to remain structured and yet not too tannic despite its age, and keeps its fruit without being over extracted. Excellent with the bbq.

2010 La Dame des Malescot, Margaux – £31.95, Well we had to put a decent Bordeaux on here. It can be a challenge to get decent bang for your buck in Bordeaux these days, but Malescot certainly delivers. Classic Margaux style; powerful and yet luscious. Great deep black fruits, and fine smooth velvet mouth-feel. Another one for big grilled meats.

WHITE

2013 Grande Cuvee Comte Lafond – £31.95, Pretty much the millionaire’s house Sauvignon-Blanc. It’s everything you need from a Sancerre – crisp, mineral, laser-like focus; well balanced fruit lifted by perfect acidity. Drink it outside in the sun before dinner, preferably in view of your boat.

Buy here.

2012 Pierro Chardonnay – £39.95, Great Chardy from Australia. This kind of quality from France would have a pretty heavy tag on it. Creamy and rich; almondy/marzipany on first taste, and definitely some vanilla/ crème-brulee on the end.

2008 Meursault 1er Cru Charmes, Dme Darviot-Perrin – £44.95, Meursault = Rich, big, buttery Burgundy. And this is no slouch. Ripe round fruit aromas swagger out of the glass, and turn into sweeping decadent waves in the mouth. Very drinkable; possibly too drinkable.

Buy here.

2013 Vette di San Leonardo – £14.95, Shockingly good Sauvignon Blanc from the North of Italy. It’s ripe (2013 was particularly warm) and rich, but retains a clear minerality from the altitude of the vines in the Dolomites. San Leonardo produce some fantastic reds too, but this Sauvignon is ideal for summer afternoons. Your everyday summer white.

Buy here.

2011 Chateau Talbot, Caillou Blanc – £29.95, Yes this is from the Ch. Talbot but, as with many of the Chtx in Bordeaux, they make an equally good white, but far fewer bottles and it’s not as well known. This is brilliant stuff. Semillon and Sauvignon; supremely dry, complex and layered, a brilliant white for food. (tip; oysters)