Warm-weather wines

Beaujolais is traditionally served like this in France. Trade up from standard Beaujolais and pay a little bit more to try some of the wines from the villages in the region entitled to use their own name. I can recommend the Morgon Les Charmes, Domaine Brisson (£6.49 from Co-Op) and Fleurie Louis Jossé 1999 (£6.99 from Tesco). Made from the juicy Gamay grape, these are great served on their own or with beef, chicken, pork or barbecued vegetables.

One of the best boxed reds I have tasted recently that can also be served chilled is Stowells Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc (£13.99 from Threshers, Bottoms Up and Wine Rack, equivalent to £3.50 a bottle). If you mix this half-and-half with sparkling water, it makes a great base for a red-wine spritzer.

If you’ve got any questions for Alice, suggestions for other iVillagers about great wines, or warnings about grim drinking experiences, visit our wine message board, Let’s Talk about Food and Drink.