I don’t know about you, but I feel rather as though our summer was all but stolen from us this year.  As I sit writing this we are looking out on a miserable, cold, wet afternoon that feels rather autumnal, to say the least!

I’m really hoping that September and early October will be kind enough to provide us with a lovely Indian summer.   With this in mind, here are a few products that will make late summer barbecues and picnics even more enjoyable.

Sicily’s Finest Olive Oil

There’s nothing better than a really good olive oil, and Sicily’s finest is now available in the UK.

Tenuta Lamiotte Olive Oil is seriously delicious, adding a peppery spice, with a hint of fruity depth, to salads, pasta or dipping breads. 

It’s extracted from Nocellara olives, a vibrant green Sicilian olive with a thousand-year history, whose organoleptic characteristics make it one of the most prized cultivars in the world.

The olives are harvested by hand, between October and November in Sicily, in the Belice Valley, cultivated and produced using only natural substances, ensuring full respect for the environment and resources.  Extracted mechanically at low temperatures, it preserves the natural richness and robust taste.

Available to buy nationwide via the UK’s leading online purveyors of the finest foods – King’s Fine Food at £25 for 750ml. 

Not cheap, I know, but believe me, it’s worth it.

A Top Wine: One with a Cause

Altano Rewilding is the result of a collaboration between Symington Family Estates, one of the top Portugese wine producers, and Rewilding Portugal, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting natural conservation through rewilding measures in northern Portugal.

Every bottle sold contributes direct financial support to Rewilding Portugal’s pioneering projects, which are restoring natural processes and encouraging the return of keystone species (pictured on the bottle) on a 120,000-hectare wildlife corridor in the Greater Côa Valley.  

A CELEBRATION OF THE DOURO: The wine is produced in the Douro Valley, backed by six generations of winemaking knowledge and regional experience. It is made exclusively with three indigenous grape varieties, making it an authentic celebration of the Douro: 

    • Touriga Franca, for its fresh, floral aromatics
    • Tinta Roriz, for its bright, rich red fruit flavours
    • Tinta Barroca, for structure, substance and vigour

A CROWD-PLEASING RED: Partially sourced from higher altitude vineyards, Altano Rewilding is fresh, elegant and fruit-driven. It’s great with food, but equally delicious enjoyed by itself, offering vibrant, ripe red fruit flavours balanced by crisp acidity and spicy tannins.

It’s a vibrant, easy-drinking red, and it’s around £10.50 a bottle from Tesco

Snack Boxing from Bodega

Something to keep in the fridge with a view to popping into your backpack or packed lunch are these great new snack boxes from Bodega. These delicious, low calorie, high protein snack boxes are the perfect alternative to sandwiches. 

There are two to choose from: Chorizo or Salami and each includes a selection of continental meat, mature cheddar slices and crispy toasts, to give a complete snack that the whole family can enjoy.

They provide a treat that’s high in protein, a good source of calcium and under 250 calories a pack. 

Bodega snack boxes are available from Sainsbury’s, WHSmith, Spar and selected motorway service stations at under £3. For more information visit www.mybodega.co.uk

Another Winner: Not Just for BBQs

New from Tracklements is Special Edition Zingy Burger Sauce,  a chef-standard burger sauce approved by famed restaurateur, Mark Hix.

With lemon juice, mustard, turmeric, black pepper, allspice and chillies. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy (and vegan and gluten free to boot). 

Serve on a juicy burger, banger or a kebab but, with a few dollops, it takes a grilled halloumi wrap and flame-grilled veg to another flavour level.

Available at around £4.10 for 290g, available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk.