Whether you're a green goddess, visionary with your vinaigrette, or prefer to keep things simple with classic combos, nothing dials up a salad more than a delicious glass of vino on the side.

Salads really come into their own at this time of year, and expectations invariably run higher with the promise of a fun, casual wine to take your fresh seafood or crisp, leafy concoctions to another level.

Here's eight wines that'll pimp up your salad plates and bring a little joie de vivre to lockdown lunches and #stayathome suppers...

1. M&S This Is Chenin Blanc 2019, South Africa (£5, Marks & Spencer stores) Marks & Spencer's new 'This Is' wine range features 15 bottles, with 'bright, helpful labels showing exactly what kind of wine is on the inside', according to the brand. We've plucked their chenin blanc for its straightforward fruity, freshness to top a tuna tartare and avocado salad - and it's bang on the money for your next essentials trip.

Bournemouth Echo: Marks and Spencer This Is Chenin Blanc - PA Photo/Marks and SpencerMarks and Spencer This Is Chenin Blanc - PA Photo/Marks and Spencer

 

 

2. The Original Dark Horse Chardonnay 2017, California, USA (£8.50, Tesco) Caesar salad is a firm favourite - but how to enliven the classic combo of romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, shavings of Parmesan and creamy, tangy dressing? A gorgeous glass of chardonnay will do the trick. Offering a beam of Californian sunshine at a reasonable price, this wine exhibits an appealing mix of apple, pear and honeydew melon, complemented by hints of creamy vanilla and a juicy burst of acidity.

Bournemouth Echo: The Original Dark Horse Chardonnay - PA Photo/Dark HorseThe Original Dark Horse Chardonnay - PA Photo/Dark Horse

3. Brio Pinot Grigio 2019, Veneto, Italy (£10.99, Virgin Wines) A northern Italian pinot that's far from neutral, here we have Brio by name and 'brio' by taste (translating to vivacity), a wine with lots of get-up-and-go. Lively flavours of ripe pear and red apples are at the core, framed by fresh orchard fruits, with a fine line of citrusy freshness closing the finish. A salad saviour, enjoy with carpaccio, prosciutto, mozzarella and tomato, and quite frankly anything you fancy.

Bournemouth Echo: Brio Pinot Grigio - PA Photo/Virgin WinesBrio Pinot Grigio - PA Photo/Virgin Wines

4. Studio by Miraval 2018, South of France (£12, Co-op stores) On hot sunny days, pretty Provencal pinks deserve their place next to salad nicoise. The combination of tuna, eggs, new potatoes, green beans and black olives, washed down with the engaging freshness of a glass of rose (with enough mineral acidity to manage the vinaigrette) is the bees knees - and will make you want to stroll among the lavender fields after a long, lazy lunch. Going alfresco with Studio, the more affordable rose from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Chateau Miraval will bring you one step further to a Riviera lifestyle in lockdown.

Bournemouth Echo: Studio by Miraval - PA Photo/Co-opStudio by Miraval - PA Photo/Co-op

5. Mirabeau La Folie Sparkling Rose Brut, South of France (£14.99, Waitrose) A powerhouse for the prettiest (and most drinkable) roses, award-winning producer Mirabeau know how to show off ballerina pinks to a T, and their red berry fruited fizz is right on point. With wild strawberry, zesty raspberry and an enticing dried herbal note balanced by citrusy accents, the graceful stream of bubbles tastes like summer in a glass - and chimes with crusty French bread and a simple goats cheese salad.

Bournemouth Echo: Mirabeau La Folie Rose - PA Photo/MirabeauMirabeau La Folie Rose - PA Photo/Mirabeau