Take a trip without getting on a plane

Time for a vacay? OK. Travel to the vineyards of Spain, Italy, Chile and California without getting on a plane with smart wines from all those places. To make that happen, I’ve curated an exclusive six pack with you in mind including a few thrilling bottles that aren’t actually available at the LCBO.

The box of goodies is only available online. It costs $104.65 including tax, fees and delivery. And it can be purchased at azureau.com/carolyns-picks/. Here’s what’s inside.

Since a bottle of bubbly on hand means you’re always just moments away from celebrating something — anything really, you’ll find bubbles in the box. The wine is the NV Emendis Can XA D.O. Brut Cava ($17.95) — a gorgeously sophisticated-tasting sparkler from the Penedes region of Spain not available at the LCBO.

This traditional Spanish wine is lean, dry, and elegant. Made from Xarello, Macabeo and Parallada grapes with their earthy-mineral characteristics, each glass delivers a beautiful, restrained wash of vinosity threaded with delicate effervescence. It’s impeccably balanced, quietly complex, and goes with almost anything you care to pair with it. Each sip starts with gentle aromas of dried citrus peel, bitter orange and crushed stone before rushing in with more of the same on the palate. This wine is quenching, understated, and bone-dry — so it won’t tire the palate. Score: 92

Also inside is the most popular Chilean white wine in Vintages — 2019 Casas del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Vintages Essential 974717 $14.95). Made from fruit grown in the cool Casablanca Valley — a microterroir known for its affinity to Sauvignon Blanc — this wine holds immediate appeal. And it hovers somewhere between the fullthrottle style of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Marlborough region and the restrained version from France’s Loire Valley.

Expect poached pear and damp herb aromas followed by a flourish of fruit-forward flavour. The swell of fruit is round yet dignified thanks to incising acidity hemming in the broad, round centre. And subtle notes of lime, jalapeno and sea salt add interest too and linger on the finish. This wine works with all kinds of cuisine, but I particularly like it with Spanish and Mexican fare. Score: 92

Fans of classical Italian whites will appreciate the bottle of 2019 Casa Lunardi Pinot Grigio from the Veneto region by Cantine Riondo — a $12.95 wonder not available at the LCBO. Each sip tastes smooth and cool, sliding in glass-like then breaking like a wave across the palate. This light and lively white shifts with suggestions of salted lemons and wet stones underpinned by grapefruit pith and chalk. Then, it tapers to surprisingly long salt and white pepper finish. Fabulous value for money and superbly versatile. Score: 93

You’ll also find a bottle of the 2019 Paco & Lola Albarino from D.O. Rias Baixas D.O., Spain (Vintages Essential 350041 $20.95) — a wine that appeals to newbies and connoisseurs alike. From the scent of homemade lime curd slathered on oven-fresh bread to the bright, crisp attack, this wine is a pure pick-me-up. The brisk hit of lime laced with salinity with shimmering acidity is tightly wound and actually rather serious. Indeed, this bottle can actually age nicely for up to five years when properly cellared. Pour a glass with spicy fare or enjoy it cocktailstyle with a handful of salted corn chips. Score: 92

Red lovers looking for something special will like the 2019 Duca di Saragnano Governo

IGT from Tuscany, which is not available at the LCBO and is a bargain at $19.95. Governo is a winemaking technique practised in Tuscany for centuries. It involves adding a batch of pressed, dried grapes to a young wine and letting it ferment again, which adds depth, power and body to the final vino.

The 2019 Duca di Saragnano Governo starts with heady stewed cherry aromas then thunders in with bold flavours of roasted plums and cherries again before alluding to coffee, black earth, black olive, peppercorn and rubbed oregano. Meanwhile, a bright thread of zippy redcurrant lifts the rich sip to keep the wine juicytasting. Pour this bottle with a plate of simple Italian cheeses or a braised beef dish. Score: 91

A velvety Californian red rounds out the six pack. It’s the 2018 Bar Dog Cabernet Sauvignon, which is available at the LCBO (LCBO 10882 $17.95). This classic, plush red swirls with cassis and macerated berries as well as vanilla, toasted almond and melting milk chocolate. It’s a sure bet for grilled portobello mushrooms, steak and Caesar salad, or even burgers. Score: 91.