GOING coastal and taking the plunge with some pretty patio wines from picture postcard locations in the Mediterranean is a marvellous way to toast the first glimmers of summer.

The grapes aren’t always clear cut, but making a move outdoors with a drop of sunshine from fiercely hot coasts can be a passport to pleasure for adventurous drinkers – especially if you fancy going adrift of familiar names such as sauvignon blanc or merlot.

Provence in the south of France is famous for its fine roses and this gorgeous pale pink captures all the sun, sand and glitz in a glass.

Picpoul, the local plonk produced in the beautiful, sun-drenched Languedoc region, is perfect for al fresco dining. For a bright white that’s de rigueur with a plate of fruits de mer or moules mariniere, try Tesco Finest Picpoul de Pinet 2010 (£7.29, Tesco) and you can almost picture the seafront. Fresh and fruity with a nice lemon zip to it, there’s a hint of saltiness that makes it extremely pleasant for hot, sunny days.

Red wine lovers won’t be left in the shade with a glass of Corbieres Gerard Bertrand 2008 (£6.99, Marks & Spencer). Another fair-weather drinker from the same region, it’s rich and tightly packed with dark berry fruits and a spicy kick on the finish.

Towing the line to Spain and you can't go wrong with a classic Catalunyan white such as Torres Vina Sol 2010 (£4.60, Asda). The fruit salad flavours of pineapple, honeydew and apple make it a great match with calamari.