Drink

John Wilson: Two Marks & Spencer wines that are perfect for outdoor summer dining

Wines for the Weekend: A delicious Corsican rosé and a smooth Portuguese red

Wines for the weekend: Cintu rosé and Lisboa Bonita, both from Marks & Spencer

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John Wilson
Fri Jul 2 2021 - 11:00

This week two wines from Marks & Spencer, both perfect for outdoor summer dining.

Cintu rosé 2020, Winemaker's Selection, IGP Île de Beauté, Corsica, €15
Île de Beauté must be the best name of any wine region. It covers the entire island of Corsica. Although we may not see them often in Ireland, Corsican wines can be seriously good. Despite being part of France, the grape varieties here are more Italian, the three most important being Nielluccio, Sciacarello and Vermentino. This delicious, crisp, elegant, summery rosé is made from the first two grapes. Enjoy well chilled with a salade niçoise, grilled chicken or salmon, and Asian seafood or chicken dishes.

Lisboa Bonita 2019, VR Lisboa, Casa Santos Lima, Portugal, €13.30
The Portuguese have always been rightly proud of their own grape varieties. This wine, from the Lisboa region, around Lisbon, is a medium- to full-bodied wine with rich dark fruits overlaid with vanilla, with a smooth, rounded finish. Perfect with all manner of grilled and barbecued red meats. Try it with a gourmet burger or pulled pork.