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Summer wines are an intrinsic part of summer. Their occasion is emotional at the best of times and their drinking requires a number of essential ingredients (including the wine of course).

The first is cloudless blue sky. The second a lovely, warm, bright sun. The third is a group of fun friends, the fourth is an area to imbibe and enjoy the succulent aromas and juices at hand - under a shade umbrella, on your sun swept deck or at the beach lolling on loungers and soaking up the rays.

You'll need your sense of humor, loads of water and some one to drive you home.

Typically Rose is a wine spiced with the nuances of strawberries, and as you sip, exploding into your mouth with lusting vibrancy! It will simply take your mouth by storm and give way to tingling euphoria. Beware the male host, he will pour yours first and not wait for an invite to knock the rest of the bottle back. Ensure their is an extra bottle as backup!

Match your Rose with a French inspired salad, we Kiwis call it "eats, roots and leaves": two big red onions (sliced into half rings), a bag of rocket leaves, 6 slices mixed grain bread plus any left over french stick, ciabatta or pane de casa (sliced into 1cm chunks), combine in a serving bowl. In a seperate jug, mix up a generous tablespoon of your favourite olive oil, 2 tabs of balsmic vinegar and loads of salt and pepper. Pour into the serving bowl and mix with big serving spoons. serve immediately.

Make sure you have more than one bottle of Rose. Choose from the brands Villa Maria (of Marlborough), Akarua (of Central Otago) New Zealand; Choose French, californian etc.

Reisling is a white german grape of impressive pedigree. It can disappoint with its kerosene taste, but the younger the wine the better as you can taste its full delightful potential. We in New Zealand talk about the wines from Pegasus Bay, you may choose something from France or Germany!

Ideally suited to this dish: Seared Scollops with lime dressing. Heat up your BBQ, drop on a dozen scollops, turn after a minute, take off after one more and then drizzle with lime. Salt and pepper to taste. You'll need a couple of bottles of Reisling just to savour the taste of every scollop.

The main reason to enjoy summer wines is not just the midday brunch/lunch but the gathering of friends to share the occassion with. Enjoy!

Learn more about this author, Robert Grant.
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