£17.25, Yapp Brothers
Alsace is renowned for aromatic whites and sparkling wines, but its Pinot Noir reds are also worth keeping tabs on. In cooler years – and we're getting fewer of those – they're better used in the sparkling Crémants (white and rosé) but, in a summer like 2015, producers of the calibre of Léon Beyer make compelling red wines. The Réserve Personelle is very pale, as only Pinot Noir can be, and has delicate but mouthwatering ripe red fruit and hedgerow berry aromas. It's relatively light bodied, but perfectly proportioned, with Pinot's classic silky smoothness and sweet earthiness enhancing the alluring fruit. The taste lingers too – always a sign of quality. It's an ideal red for fish, although I'd steer clear of mackerel, sardines and shellfish (unless cooked with bacon), and a good wine for bresaola, other charcuterie, carpaccio, roast chicken, and vegetables that have natural sweetness. 13% abv. And if you want a white to go with it, the Réserve Personnelle Pinot Gris 2016 (£17.25) is equally delicious.
Léon Beyer Réserve Personnelle Pinot Noir 2015, Alsace, France
£17.25, Yapp Brothers