In this week’s Tipping’s Tipples, MIKE TIPPING picks wines for slurping on a summer night.

WIMBLEDON tennis is a welcome escape from the real world. The real world of failing economies, striking teachers and tin-pot dictators.

And so is wine. Come summertime, there are few more enjoyable experiences than sitting in a garden in the warmth of the evening sun, quaffing wine.

I’m fussy though and the wine has to be just right. It’s no good serving a monster Aussie shiraz, a blockbuster malbec from Argentina, or an oaky white Burgundy. These would be too weighty for such an occasion.

My choice for summer night sipping would be light, fresh and moreish. I’ve picked three wines that are ideal for slurping on a balmy evening.

Elegant Frog Viognier 2010 fits the summer theme, with white flowers, a hint of perfume and flavours of stone-fruit, a lick of honey and a contrasting pepperiness. This is good, affordable example of the grape from the Languedoc in the sunny sud de France.

The Wine Society has an intriguing Rhône white, Domaine Maby La Fermade Lirac 2010, a bone dry blend of grenache blanc, clairette and picpoul. Fresh and clean tasting, it’s like biting in to a juicy apple, with citrus too, minerals and a hint of white chocolate.

Rosé is an obvious choice in the summer months. New at Waitrose is a user-friendly, Provençal pink, Mirabeau Rosé 2010, made by a Brit, Stephen Cronk.

This is Stephen’s first release and a worthy one too. Dry and crisp, it shows elegance but is full-flavoured at the same time, with ripe cherries and strawberries, seasoned with fennel and lavender.

On Sunday evening, after the men’s singles final has ended, I hope the sun is shining so I can sit outside and enjoy a glass or two.

Such evenings are a rare treat in our climate however, so I am considering building a Centre Court-style closing roof to cover my garden table and chairs.

Wine list

• Elegant Frog Viognier 2010, £7.99 at Sainsbury’s 17/20.

• Domaine Maby La Fermade 2010 Lirac, £8.75 from The Wine Society 17/20.

• Mirabeau Rosé 2010, Côtes de Provence, £8.99 at Waitrose 17/20.