In the heat of the moment chill your wine

July, 2009

There is nothing like a spell of hot weather such as we had recently to draw attention to two very important issues. Firstly how am I going to refresh myself and is my wine too warm. 

Although temperatures have dipped back down this week and there is widespread rain due, the Bureau of Meteorology has promised more heat on the way in this the “BBQ Summer”. 

When the mercury soars, humidity is high and the cooling languid breeze gives up the ghost it is vital that a truly refreshing beverage is close at hand. 

For me nothing beats a quality ice cold lager after manual exertion, however a gin and tonic with a slice of lemon or the classic Pimms made properly with all the trimmings will always give you that real “shower on the inside” feeling. 

Here in the UK I note that Pimms is generally made with lemonade whereas in Australia we tended to use half lemonade and half dry ginger ale. I have fond memories of my father, when my parents were entertaining on hot summer days, fastidiously slicing fruit, picking mint and pouring Pimms, lemonade and dry ginger as well as trays of ice into a great stainless steel bucket, stirring it with a ladle, then tasting the elixir to see if perhaps any additions were required to achieve Pimms nirvana. 

But there is nothing worse than drinking wine that is too warm on a hot day. You instantly feel dehydrated, get a headache, say inappropriate things, have foul breath and then fall asleep. Not much fun for anyone. And in the heat there is no need to take wine too seriously because comfort and survival are far more important. 

Best thing is a glass of incredibly chilled white wine such as a Sauvignon, Riesling, Chablis or Albarino and don’t be afraid to drop some ice cubes in the glass or add a splash of cold soda water as you need to rehydrate anyway in hot weather. Rosé of course is the climate change wine. 

Another occasional favourite of mine is what we call a Hock, Lime and Lemon. This drink was very popular in Australia in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. A tall glass with ice, half filled with basic but flavoursome dry white wine (this is the Hock), dash of lime juice cordial and topped up with lemonade and a slice of lemon. Still has its followers and very refreshing. 

Even in the heat we all feel like a red sometimes so if you can serve them at between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius (57 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit) that should be perfect. However if you don’t have a cellar that keeps bottles at that temperature throw them in the fridge for awhile depending on how warm they are and you are. 

Obviously it is more appealing to most to have a lighter red wine than a huge Shiraz or a tannic Bordeaux so go for Beaujolais, Pinot Noir or even lighter Rhone style wines. 

Vital for summer enjoyment and outdoor imbibing is a decent wine cooler to keep your wine at the required temperature.     

A far as storing your wine is concerned the ideal temperature is between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius but more important is not to have too much fluctuation in temperature. Thus if you have a relatively cool corner of your house where it doesn’t get too hot or cold that would do the job. The bottom of a linen closet or under the stairs can be pretty good a long as it is away from hot pipes. 

So lets all raise our glasses to a warm to hot summer and a good close Ashes contest.