By James Viner
Austin’s Summer Punch, England (£6.99, Aldi, 1l) – Bargain, gin-based, citrusy lookalike rival to Pimm’s
If you like Pimm’s, you’ll love this – plus it’s in a litre format and great value for money. Based on a quintessentially British recipe, this blend is the perfect drink for Wimbledon. Game, set and match! Serve the traditional way with ice-cold lemonade, chopped cucumber, strawberries, oranges and a sprig of mint.
Muscat Carte Or Beaumes de Venise NV, France (£7.99, Waitrose) – French muscat for strawberries with cream
If you’re looking for a treat to enhance a fruit dessert (or blue cheese), consider this luscious, floral, fruity and finely-tuned Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes that have undergone a slow and cool fermentation. This stylish vin doux naturel displays a delightful grape-like freshness and orange-blossom lift, and would also play a very happy Wimbledon doubles match with a bowl of strawberries and cream.
Veuve Clicquot White Label Demi-Sec Champagne, France (£42.42, The Drink Shop; £44.50, Ocado) –
A sensational seasonal sparkler
What to drink with strawberries if served plain and unadorned? A lovely glass of Champagne. Displaying all the hallmarks of their classic Brut Yellow Label, but with a higher dosage, which softens the natural acidity, this is a magnificent match for fruity desserts, especially strawberries without cream. Presenting a mouthwatering mix of candied peach, honey and brioche flavours, this refreshing bubbly has a crisp, fresh finish.
Moscato d’Asti Elio Perrone 2016 DOCG, Italy (£8.25, The Wine Society) – Chic, gently fizzy and lightly sweet Italian dessert nectar
For easy sipping on languid summer mid-afternoons and early evenings, a glass of this classy, gently sweet, gently fizzy, low-alcohol Moscato d’Asti is a budget alternative to demi-sec Champagne. With its teasing, prickling fizz and vivid summer meadow, peach, floral and lustrous grapey aromatics and flavours, this invigorating Piedmontese take on muscat would happily handle a fruit salad or bowl of strawberries served plain with a little sugar.
Follow James Viner on Twitter @QuixoticWine
