I tend to drink lighter red wines throughout the year, but they are even more welcome in brighter weather. Gamay, pinot noir and cabernet franc are three of my favourite grapes, so it is not surprising that I have always been a huge fan of the red wines of the Loire. Yet the rise in temperature due to climate change and our growing preference for lighter wines mean that these wines should now be right on trend. In the Loire, it produces lighter ethereal wines with real elegance and fresh red summer fruits. La Petite Perrière Pinot Noir 2024 Vin de FranceLa Petite Perrière Pinot Noir 2024 Vin de France13%, €10 down from €12.79Soft ripe raspberry and red cherry fruits.

Source: The Irish Times March 21, 2026 15:31 UTC