I’ve Found The Unique Wine To Drink This Summer
It can be hard to keep track of what the ‘it’ drink of the summer can be. A non-exhaustive list of drinks that have all had their (literal) moments in the sun: Aperol Spritz, Vinho Verde (specifically Chin Chin), Orange Wine, martinis, Chicken wine, Guinness, and, most recently, chilled red wine. But I’m here to argue the case that mango wine should be on your radar in summer 2025.
It’s time to fully embrace mango season. The one I’ve been drinking is the Alphonso Mango Wine from Maharaja Drinks, an Indian based winery in Pune, and I’m obsessed since a friend randomly introduced it to me. Semi-sweet but not overwhelmingly, it marries some of the best mangos in the world with the smoothness of wine, and just a hint of tartness in the finish.
For those who haven’t had Alphonso mangoes: the difference in taste between them and the regular fair you might get at the supermarket is like the difference between watching a film in the cinema and on the back of a chair on a plane.
Semi-sweet but not overwhelmingly, it samples some of the best mangos in the world
Pair it with an Indian feast
Unsurprisingly, this Indian wine really works well with Indian food. Wine is not generally considered an ideal match, but that’s an old myth we need to do away with. Whether you’re getting a takeaway or heading to one of London’s great BYOB curry houses (we’re particularly fond of Tayyabs), adding this wine is a great bit of diversification from Cobra beer.
Wine is not generally considered an ideal match for Indian food, but that’s an old myth we need to do away with
Verdict
So, should you try it? If you fear excessive sweetness, verging into dessert wine territory, you don’t have to. The mango is very much a flavour enhanced here, it never dominates, but instead adds an extra taste profile not usually found with wine.
Summer drinks edit
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