In this week’s Tipping’s Tipples, MIKE TIPPING turns towards crisp, quaffable whites and reds that will chill.

THE swallows have arrived and everything is beginning to look a bit like summer. Admittedly, the temperatures aren’t acceptable yet, but hopefully it won’t be long before the mercury rises.

When it does, if you are anything like me, your choice of wine is likely to go off at a tangent.

The full-bodied reds will be left to gain dust in the rack and out will come the first of the summer wines.

Crisp, quaffable whites are an essential for sipping in the garden on balmy evenings. Palacio del Marques Macabeo Verdejo 2008, from La Mancha in Spain, is refreshingly dry with citrus flavours, some yeasty notes and white pepper on the finish.

With £2 off this M&S exclusive until the end of the month, it is also very affordable.

If you want a lighter style of red, one that you can chill a little before drinking, then choose a New World pinot noir like De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2008. From the Yarra Valley near Melbourne, it has flavours of cherry, strawberry, rosehip and spices. Match it with tuna and salmon or even cold meats.

I was inspired to listen to my Pink Floyd collection after tasting the rosé in this sunny season selection. You will be relieved to know that the experience didn’t mar my view of the wine.

The intriguingly named Château Miraval Pink Floyd Rosé 2009 is a lovely example of a Provence pink.

Made from the cinsault and grenache, it is delicate, mineral and subtle but alive with lingering flavours, conjuring thoughts of peaches, strawberries, white flowers and lavender.

And if you are wondering about the relevance of the Pink Floyd moniker, there’s a famous studio at Miraval where the group recorded part of their 1979 album, The Wall.

No wonder the band were Comfortably Numb.


• BETTYS in Harrogate is holding two wine tasting and food evenings later in the month, coinciding with a visit by André Darbellay, from Swiss wine producer Charles Bonvin, which supplies the café with its wines.

Join André for some of his wines and a light Swiss supper on Thursday May 20, or indulge in wines and a three-course Swiss dinner, the following Saturday, May 22.

Prices for the events are £21.95 and £42.50, respectively. To make reservations, phone Bettys Harrogate on 01423 814070.


The wines...

• Palacio del Marques Macabeo Verdejo 2008, La Mancha, £4.49 down from £6.49 at M&S 16/20.

• De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2008, £9.99 at Sainsbury’s 17/20.

• Château Miraval Pink Floyd Rosé 2009, Côtes de Provence, £11.99 from The Oxford Wine Company (oxfordwine.co.uk) 18/20.