Bring In The Sunshine With Summer Sipping From Simply Woman

With the weather fluctuations we pondered on the pertinence of this review. But here at Simply Woman the sun is always shining, and we’re sure once you sip the following, you’ll find sunshine in your hearts (and glasses) too!

Picnic time!

Pimm’s Special Edition Blackberry And Elderflower 20.0% abv 70cl  We loved the inflections of blackberry and elderflower, two British fruits that give this a very English feel – think grassy hills in the countryside. Shake with mixers for a long light tipple. Be sure to accompany with friends and lots of laughter. RRP £15.49 from Asda and high street off licences

From Aldi www.aldi.co.uk Austin’s Classic Summer Punch 21.9% abv 70cl  Keeping it quintessentially English is Austin’s Classic Summer Punch. Simply add lemonade, ice, mint leaves and fresh fruit slices for the ultimate summer refreshment – £5.99

Oscar’s Peach Schnapps 20.0% abv 70cl  This popular spirit never fails to please. Savour the intense peach nose and palette that is slightly syrupy. Throw in rocks,  leave to melt, and enjoy – £5.49

From Virgin wines www.virginwines.com

Groovy bottles, eh?

Araldica Brachetto D’Acqui 2011 5.0% abv  A lightly sparkling red from the Brachetto grape, believed native to the Piedmont region of Italy. With lots of fruit the sweetness is reminiscent of Lambrusco or Asti. Great for a lazy afternoon – £10.99

Araldica Moscata D’Asti 2011 Italy 5.0% abv  Hand harvesting preserves the delicate and fresh flavours of this moscato grape that grows on hills between 300-400 m above sea level. A little syrupy, the sweetness in this sparkling white is balanced with a crisp acidity. We found a long finished with apricots and honey overtones in the mix.  Drink young – £9.99

From Morrisons supermarket and www.morrisonscellar.com

Banrock Station needs no introduction. This 5.5% abv Australian Light is only 60 calories per 125ml glass yet still delivers all the flavour you’d expect form this great brand. Shiraz grapes effuse a red berry nose and palate. Described as vibrant and fruity – £4.99

Cienna 2009 5.0% abv  Brown Brothers (Aussie producers also known for their sumptuous dry muscat) bring us this refreshing light-hearted red that’s bursting with dark cherries and juicy berries. Because of its sparkle and delicate palette we enjoyed it neat, but there’s no reason why this can’t accompany a light salad – £7.49

J.C Le Roux Naturally Lively White 7.5% abv  This South African offering is made to a ‘naturally sparkling wine process’. A sweet wine resulting from blending the Muscadel grape and sauvignon – that’s honeydew and gooseberry flavours to you! A pleasure to drink alone or with fish dishes – £7.49

From Laithwaites Wine www.laithwaites.co.uk

Shiraz Durif 2012 14.5% abv Both Barrels delivers this wine which we’d describe as heavy on the palette – just right for the current weather! The short finish is compensated by intense blackcurrant fruit – £9.99

Le Citronnier Colombard Sauvignon Blanc 2012 11.5% abv       This French concoction combines all the richness of Chardonnay with the Colombard grape. Find heavy infusions of grapefruit and lemons on the palate. But where does the grassy nose come from? We’ll have another sip and tell you later! £9.99

Abbesse De Loire Sauvignon Blanc Half bottle 12% abv  Everybody loves a good sauvignon blanc, and what better way to enjoy in moderation than with this half bottle from Laithwaites. A sophisticated palate with lemon hints. Perfect with fish and pasta – £4.79

During this season please drink responsibly. See www.drinkaware.co.uk for guidance.