THE PERFECT SIPS FOR SUMMER MOMENTS
Some bottles are so delicious and well suited to the occasion that they just disappear. You open a bottle and next thing you know, it’s gone. It’s magic. To set you up for summer, I’m revealing bottles that do the trick amazingly well at these five classic height-of-the-season moments. The dolled-up dinner 2017 La Vieille Ferme Blanc, Cotes du Luberon AOC, France (AB: Various locations; BC: BC Liquor Stores 298505 $11.99 until July 28, reg. $12.99; NS: NSLC 1000561 $13.99; ON: LCBO 298505 $12.75)
In summertime, the dolled-up dinner doesn’t have to be all formal and stuffy. It can be al fresco and chill, all tanned skin and windswept hair. So dress the table in good linens, skip the fancy-schmancy wines, and channel the south of France with this blend of Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino. Instantly charming, it refreshes with barely-there flavours of yellow plum, white flowers, nectarine and mixed citrus that taper to a long finish of cool minerals and sea spray. Pour it under patio lanterns with anything at all.
Score: 92
The weekend brunch NV Fresita Sparkling Wine, Chile (AB: Various locations; BC: BC Liquor Stores 299404 $15.99; NS: NSLC 1008226 $15.48; ON: LCBO 383901 $14.95)
Infused with hand-picked Patagonian strawberries — no artificial flavours or colours added — this sparkling wine tastes amazing. In fact, it’s so full of berries, a fine pulp settles in the glass as you drink it. If summer had a flavour, this would be it — all sunlit and pure with the perfect balance of lusciousness and mouth-watering zip to draw you back sip after sip. Pour it with any brunch item — savoury or sweet — including but not limited to eggs benny, bagels and lox, or chicken and waffles.
Score: 93
The all-Canadian barbecue 2016 Luccarelli Negroamaro IGT, Puglia, Italy (AB: Various locations; BC: BC Liquor Stores 295287 $13.99; NS: NSLC 1019055 $15.99; ON: LCBO 380972 $9.40)
This sumptuous red is deeply undervalued and perfect for the all-Canadian barbecue. It’s made from Negroamaro, an indigenous grape variety from Puglia, and exudes warm aromas and flavours of smoked plum and macerated berries layered with espresso, bitter chocolate, smoke, dried plum, tar and fig. Then, notes of iron and granite emerge on the finish lending a certain gravitas to this muscular, brawny red. Ideal for grill-marked ribs, steak or burgers and you just can’t beat the price. Score: 95
The backyard hang 2016 Relax Riesling, Schmitt Sohne, Mosel, Germany (AB: Various locations; BC: independent merchants only; NS: NSLC 1007888 $13.49; ON: LCBO 621888 $13.20)
Taste this wine and experience for yourself why it’s the bestselling imported Riesling in Canada. Gentle sea salt and lemon blossom aromas lead to a bright bolt of juicy peach, lime squirt and apple flavour. Lively, mouth-watering acidity offsets the kiss of sweetness. And the low 9 per cent alcohol makes it a sensible choice to quaff in the sun. All that to say, Relax Riesling is the perfect pour for the backyard hang, especially with a handful of salted, roasted cashews.
Score: 89
The patio perch 2016 Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio IGT, Veneto, Italy (AB: Various locations; BC: BC Liquor Stores 102764 $14.99; NS: NSLC 1017420 $12.99; ON: LCBO 589101 $11.95 until July 22, reg. $13.95)
When you’re perching on the patio, you want something that’s quenching but not shrill, flavourful but not fruity, and of course, well-priced. For that moment, this is your bottle. From its pretty lime blossom and talc scents to its silky, understated flavours of lemon curd, crushed stones and raw almond, this wine tastes like easy elegance. And its long, salted-lemon finish seasons the palate beautifully for that nibble of cheese, avocado toast or casual summer salad.
Score: 89