Selecting the perfect summer wine can be challenging, we find ourselves often opting for the classic bottle of chilled white. However, next time you find yourself in the wine aisle deciding on a wine to bring to your summer BBQ, move away from the whites and head toward the reds for a bottle of German Pinot Noir instead.

Whilst known for their iconic white grape varieties such as Riesling, many might be surprised to learn that Germany is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir worldwide. With its cool-to-temperate climate and sun, wine regions such as Ahr, Pflaz, Baden and Rheinhessen are the perfect spots to produce Pinot Noir, known locally as Spätburgunder.

The tasting profile of Spätburgunder is complex and varies widely across regions and soils, however it can be marked by similar characteristics such as its velvety taste with slightly sweet, fruity aromas. German Pinot Noirs typically have softer tannins and are lighter in colour making them delightful chilled.  Legendary for its wide range of compatibility with food Spätburgunder partners wonderfully with classic summer fare such as roasted poultry, meat, grilled or smoked salmon, and cheese.

To help you transform the way you think about summer wine we have provided you with some of our favourite summer Spätburgunders, chosen from our Top of the Crops 2018, and paired them with classic summer dishes to inspire you for your next summer feast.

Pfalz, 2015 Spätburgunder, Hanewald-Schwerdt

Available at: Prohibition Wines, London ; Reserve Wines, Manchester ; Noel Young Wines, Cambridge

Pair with: a summery, oriental duck salad

Rheinhessen, 2013 Spätburgunder, Becker-Landgraf Muschelkalk

Available at: The Winery, Maida Vale

Pair with: classic summer BBQ. Think burgers, lamb kebabs and ribs

Baden, 2013 Spätburgunder, Martin Wassmer Schlatter Maltesergarten QbA

Available at: The Wine Society

Pair with: a sharing platter of charcuterie, with plenty of cold meats and nutty cheeses like gruyere