Hark, was that the sun? Why not celebrate with this sparkling rosé (ironically with the word 'Cloudy' in the title)

WHOA, wait a minute, did summer actually turn up the other day, brightening up these relatively dreary months?

In case it pops back again in the next few weeks, it might be worth checking out a summery rosé or two with which to sit outside and toast the actual existence of the sun.

Come to think of it, why not make it a celebration, in which case have a look at a Pelorus Rosé from those New Zealand sparkling wine masters Cloudy Bay.

A relatively new addition to the Pelorus range - all named after Pelorus Jack, a dolphin which supposedly guided ships through treacherous waters in the Cook Strait between 1888 and 1912 (true story!) - it’s 80 per cent pinot noir, all hidden behind a pale pink colour.

It does indeed sparkle, too, with fine bubbles adding to an explosive palate with hints of summer fruits.

Frankly, this is a versatile beauty and, what's more, it's currently on offer at Majestic - one bottle is £26.99 but down to £17.99 when you buy two or more until August 31.

(There must be irony somewhere in drinking anything called 'Cloudy' on a nice day in this average summer, especially if it sparkles.)

On another note, the annual Virgin Wines Live tasting day comes to this neck of the woods soon.

With the mantra ‘life’s too short for boring wines’, the event at Aspire on Infirmary Street, Leeds, on Saturday, September 5 is meant to be anything but stuffy and pompous - hurrah to that.

“Relaxed, fun and informal is the only way to describe our tastings”, says Jay Wright, CEO of Virgin Wines.

“It doesn’t matter how much you know about wine, we just want people to have a great day and discover some amazing gems. This year will be bigger than ever and we are certain guests will have a fantastic time whether this is their first time joining us, or their fifth. The atmosphere is always amazing.”

There will be more than 150 wines from Virgin's boutique range, plus at least 13 different winemakers and suppliers from around the world.

Tickets are £20 per person for the afternoon (noon till 4.30pm), and anyone placing an order on the day will have their ticket refunded against their purchase and receive a free bottle. Tickets can be bought at www.virginwines.co.uk/leedstasting.