WINE

SWAP YOUR FAVOURITE SUMMER VARIETALS FOR SOMETHING NEW—WHETHER A SIMILAR WINE OR A NEW LABEL WITHIN YOUR GO-TO STYLE.

SUMMER SAMPLING

By Charlene Rooke

Name your favourite summer varietal and we’ll suggest a similar one you’re bound to enjoy—plus new labels to try in your go-to style.

“There are well over 10,000 grapes from which wine can be made… and we only drink about 10 of them,” cracks David Stansfield, the sommelier for Earls, which has five Ontario restaurants, including its top-wine-selling spot in Toronto. “That’s so boring! If you step outside your comfort zone you might find a new favourite.” His top tip is to emulate your preferred wine’s body and style when considering alternatives. “Style is less about flavour and more about our physical experience of tasting wine: whether the body is light, medium or full, and for red wine the bitterness or tannins.” Find your personal wine style, then use these recommendations to help match yourself with a new summer love.