Perfect match
According to Almert, who has worked as a sommelier at the renowned Baur au Lac in Zurich since 2017, a summer wine should fulfil several criteria. In addition to freshness, fruit and ease of drinking, a summer wine should also have "a certain lightness". "It should go well with summer dishes (salads, cold and grilled food, fish, etc.)," says Almert, adding with a wink: "In the best case, it should also be easy on the budget, because convivial rounds on a sun terrace often require more than one bottle."
Marc Almert reveals his favourite wines for this summer in keeping with his five themes.
For a barbecue: this wine goes well with steak and sausages
Rioja La Vendimia 2021, DOC Rioja – Bodega Palacios Remondo
A Rioja that is a joy to drink. Lots of fruit thanks to the Garnacha content, but also enough tannin from the Tempranillo to stand up to the delicacies cooked on the grill. All from the hand of winemaking legend Alvaro Palacios.
Sparkling & refreshing
Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blanc brut – AC, Domaine Laurent Perrachon et Fils
I love sparkling wines! And this Crémant from the Perrachon family is the ideal summer aperitif for me, as it has lots of apple fruit, a taut acidity and a beguiling sweetness – but also depth courtesy of yeast ageing and its terroir.
Holiday feeling with exotic aromas
Torrontés Crios 2021 – Salta, Susana Balbo Wines
Torrontés is one of the grape varieties you are happy to taste in a blind tasting. Few other wines in the world exude such a firework of aromas, such a potpourri of exotic fruits, and also have such a great drinking flow. Even a Sauvignon Blanc pales next to it!
Rosé – all day
Artazuri rosado 2021 – DO Navarra, Artazu
When it comes to rosé, it doesn't always have to be Provence! This rosé is grown biodynamically in Navarra and has an enormous amount of raspberry fruit. We served it at Baur au Lac, both at the open air cinema and the city festival and the guests were thrilled every time.
Bella Italia: popular holiday destination in a glass
Friulano 2021 – DOC, Rosa Bosco
Italy can also do white! Too often people only talk about the reds, forgetting Italy's exciting autochthonous white wine varieties. Friulano has a terrific balance of fruit and minerality, with a salty finish. Ideal with seafood, served hot or cold.
