A summer guide to wine and dine

Its official, summer is around the corner, which means longer days and more time to spend enjoying good food, good friends and good wine (of course). As we swap the hearty soups and hot meals for lighter fresh seafood, salads and cold foods, it’s time to also stock the fridge with some crisp cool white wines, lighter style reds + icy cold rosé. Not only has Coonawarra winery, Brand’s Laira been hard at work crafting some delicious summer-inspired wines to quench your thirst this summer, they have also created some go-to summer packs so you can host your own Coonawarra wine tasting from home!

White wines

We recommend: 2018 Blockers Chardonnay

This chardonnay is a summer fruit basket to taste, with a hints of ripe melon and stone fruit characters balanced by creamy nutty oak characters with refreshing acidity. Pairs beautifully with a cold pasta salad.

We recommend: 2018 Old Station Riesling

Fresh and brimming with citrus acidity and pear notes, the Old Station Riesling is juicy and naturally sweet with a lingering textural finish. Enjoy with a spicy Thai green curry to really bring out the zesty flavours.

Rosé

We recommend: 2018 Old Station Rosé

A lovely wine characterised by red berry flavours and balanced fresh acidity, this Rose sings of strawberries and cherries with a hint of papaya and citrus. Crack it open during afternoon drinks with the girls.

Red wines

We recommend: 2014 August Tide Red Blend

The perfect slow sipper for balmy summer nights, the August Tide Red Blend is the smooth dry Red that goes down even smoother to the sound of jazz and a backdrop of stars. The palate is rich with powerful tannin structure leading to a long finish with juicy dark fruit flavours.

If you’re in the area this summer, why not drop into the Brand’s Laira cellar door to try some of their award winning Coonawarra wines in the flesh?