Domaine du Séminaire, Ravel, 2023

What makes red wine so unappealing in summer? The higher alcohol and fuller body creates a warming, viscous sensation on the palate, which is far from refreshing.

Lighter styles of Cote du Rhone are the answer. Light in body, fruit forward, low tannin, and relatively high acidity. Served slightly chilled, and you have a match made in heaven.

That's the first thing I thought when I tested the Ravel. It's aptly named - where big red wines 'unravel', this stays nicely compact, delivering that red wine flavour without the decadence.

Serve slightly chilled and this will be a surefire crowdpleaser.