…CHOOSE crisp, refreshing WHITES

Some lesser-known varietals are earning new fans—such as Aligoté, a long-time Burgundian staple. Niagara’s Château des Charmes produces a lovely Aligoté VQA (LCBO 296848, $15.95), an apple- and pear-scented wine with pleasing flintiness and mouth-watering citrus. In Spain, the Verdejo grape thrives in the hot Rueda region. Marqués de Riscal Rueda (LCBO 36822, $13.45) is a gloriously crisp white with juicy notes of pineapple and peach and just a touch of warm spice.

A food-friendly blend, Grange of Prince Edward Almanac White VQA (LCBO 516575, $16.95) has the scent of wildflowers and the zesty taste of yellow apple. It’s a “field blend” of grapes that thrive in the region’s mineral-rich soil.