A TOAST TO THE SEASON

Ideal wines for entertaining

As is customary this time of year I like to recommend a small selection of wines that are ideal for entertaining; affordable wines that are delicious but with a low regret factor should a last-minute party invitation pop up or the party decides to come to you on short notice. Opening a bottle with friends and family plays a significant role in the appreciation of wine, but if they are just as happy drinking Periquita, then Periquita it is.

CANELLA DOCG PROSECCO — $ 22

As far as I am concerned a celebration without bubbles of some description is simply an event, and not much of one at that. As much as I love Champagne, there are times when something simpler and much more affordable is called for and Prosecco is always a safe bet. Canella is made in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene sub-zone of the Prosecco region, one of three such areas to receive DOCG status. It is a fairly dry style (many are off-dry), with a lively mousse and lemon/pear tinged fruit.

PERIQUITA 2015 — $ 13

When I first sold this wine — over 30 years ago now — it was $3 a bottle; practically free. Over the years the price has climbed but the wine remains one of the few in this price range that I would not hesitate to serve to people I like. Produced in Portugal’s Setubal Peninsula, it lays claim to being the country’s first commercially sold red wine (that would have been in 1850), a spicy red made from Castelão (also known as Periquita). It has lots of body and personality, two things that are almost non-existent in this price range. It would go well with burgers and most red meats.

NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY 2016 — $ 22

I reviewed the 2015 vintage of this wine a while back and, if anything, the 2016 is even better, a fairly serious Chardonnay produced in the Roussillon region but bottled simply as Sud du France. Twenty per cent of the wine is aged in barrel on Viognier lees, which lends the wine a nice tropical fruit note along with stone fruits and brioche. To date, I have not tasted a better Chardonnay at this price point; try it with roast chicken or oven roasted salmon.

LES COPAINS D’ALORD 2016 GAMAY — $ 22

This juicy, light red is made by Chateau de Corcelles in France’s Beaujolais region. The fact that it is simply bottled as Vin de France likely means that some of the fruit used falls outside of the Beaujolais appellation, but no matter; it is classic Gamay at a good price, a great match with all sorts of appetizers as well as fish and soups.

CONDE VILLAR VINHO VERDE 2016 — $ 15

I recently spent a week in Portugal and I can safely say the country delivers some remarkable bargains and quality is surely on the rise. This simple white makes for a nice aperitif, a crisp, ever-so-slightly off-dry wine blended from three indigenous varietals — Loureiro, Arnita and Treasurer — with a slight effervesce on the finish. It would go well with shellfish or delicate white fish.

BORSAO 2016 ROSÉ — $ 16

Don’t discount rosé now that summer is over; it is a versatile style that goes very well with a wide array of foods, especially turkey, as the bright strawberry notes help offset what can be a drier style of meat. This Spanish example hails from Campo de Borja region and is made from Garnacha, the grape of choice for much of Spain’s rosé production. In addition to the typical strawberry notes, there is a hint of white pepper, a nice match for turkey and other poultry dishes. Looking for wine in Alberta? Go to www.liquorconnect.com