Try as I might to convert the world to rose or cool red wines, what springs to mind most readily at the thought of a lunch outdoors with friends is a trusty middle of the road white. The shops are piled high with good New World and southern French Chardonnays at prices that continue, summer or not, to send shivers down Burgundians spines. Among them all, Caliterra Estate Chardonnay 1995 (Quinnsworth £5.99) stands out as a star zingy, not overly oaky and packed with citrus and tropical flavours. It's from the Casablanca Valley, the cool climate region that is the scene of so much excitement in the wine world.
Buy a bottle for the price of beach ball and you'll see why.