BUYING GUIDE

WHITE $20 AND UNDER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CANADA HARPER’S TRAIL FIELD BLEND WHITE 2018, THOMPSON VALLEY ($13.99)

Upfront stone fruit and tropical notes followed by a gently off-dry palate of citrus, peach and grapefruit, with a juicy refreshing note through the close and a touch of minerality. (TP)

MEYER FAMILY VINEYARDS GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2018, OKANAGAN FALLS ($18)

Sustainably farmed according to organic practices (not certified). From 25-yearold vines on a south west facing slope of alluvial and glacial deposits. Lifted notes of rose petal precede fruit and acidity perfectly in balance with a pleasing touch of viscosity through a ginger- and spice-toned close. (TP)

HARPER’S TRAIL PIONEER BLOCK RIESLING 2018, THOMPSON VALLEY ($18.29)

Vibrant upfront citrus, orchard fruits and schist hints lead to a zesty, lively palate of lemon and lime wrapped in juicy acidity with green apple and mineral hints through a generous close. (TP)

INTERSECTION ESTATE WINERY VIOGNIER 2017, SOUTH OKANAGAN ($19)

Upfront orchard, stone fruit and floral notes, followed by a fresh, well-textured palate of apple, nectarine and pear, with extra heft from well-managed, neutral, old French oak, underpinned by a creamy note through the lingering finish with just a touch of acidity. Good value. (TP)

FRANCE LES VIGNES DES BILA-HAUT AC CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON 2017 ($13)

Pale gold. Fairly strong and attractive nose of canned pears and peaches with banana and butter/lipstick overtones. Medium-bodied with slightly thin peach and pear flavours and a nice bitterness on the finish that makes this, like many Rhone whites, a versatile food wine. Drink now. (RL)

GREECE DOMAINE PAPAGIANNAKOS SAVATIANO VIEILLES VIGNES 2018, MARKOPOULO IGP ($17)

Representing the third generation, Vassilis Papagiannakos shows how interesting Savatiano can be when taken seriously. Perfectly adapted to Attica’s extreme hot and dry climate, the indigenous grape thrives without any irrigation. This wine is made from vines averaging 50 years of age. Medium body with pretty aromas of pear and citrus with fresh acid and a nice mouth-coating texture. Outstanding value. Shines with seared scallops, halibut and, of course, grilled octopus. (MB)

SPAIN TORO BRAVO VERDEJO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018, LA MANCHA ($7.95)

Palest lime in colour; lightly smoky, grassy nose of dried grass. Medium-bodied, lemony, green plum and green fig flavours with tangy acidity. Tart but refreshing. A wine for seafood. House-wine worthy. (TA)

TELMO RODRIGUEZ BASA BLANCO RUEDA 2017 ($17.27)

This blend of Verdejo (90%) and Viura (10%) is sourced from gravelly soils, fermented and aged in stainless steel. From a very warm year, the earliest harvest on record. Floral and citrus notes up front lead to a fresh, citrusand mineral-toned dry palate with good mouthfeel wrapped in juicy acidity before a lengthy clean close. (TP) NEW ZEALAND

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018, MARLBOROUGH ($13)

Clear medium-deep yellow. Intense, like it or leave it nose of lime, passionfruit and lanolin/petrol. Medium-bodied, tasting of lime, lemon, gooseberry and pineapple. Drink now. (RL)

RECOMMENDED AUSTRALIA LINDEMAN’S BIN 65 CHARDONNAY 2018, SOUTH-EASTERN AUSTRALIA ($9)

Since 1985, this yeoman has been many people’s introduction to Australian wine — or even wine in general. Medium-deep yellow, with a nose of pineapple and tropical fruits topped with a touch of oak. Light-bodied and light-flavoured, no doubt for the broadest possible appeal, it is easy to quaff, jam-packed with stone fruit and orange flavours, with a touch of lemony acidity. It was nice company for duck chowder, the oak in the wine complementing the smoky bacon in the chowder. Drink now. (RL)

CHILE VILLARD SAUVIGNON BLANC EXPRESSION RESERVE 2015 ($15)

Pale yellow. Strong nose of lime and

gooseberry, more France than New Zealand. Light-bodied, high acidity, gooseberry and citrus fruit a bit thin. Drink now. (RL)*

FRANCE WISH FOR STYLE SAUVIGNON BLANC NV, FRANCE ($11)

Pale silvery yellow. Faint nose of gooseberry, grapefruit, lemon and a hint of fresh oregano. Light-bodied with too-high acidity, thinly tasting of candy apple and marmalade. Drink immediately upon returning from the dépanneur. (RL) ITALY

SCANSANO SCANTIUM VERMENTINO 2015, IGT TOSCANA ($17)

Medium-deep gold. Nose of bruised apple and cut grass, with a tinge of smoke and sulphur. Light-bodied, very dry and soft on the palate, hinting of lemons and limes but not very interesting. Drink up. (RL)*

PORTUGAL MIRANDA BRANCO 2015, DO VINHO VERDE ($15)

Medium-deep gold. Fairly strong aromas of lime, pear drops and mint. On the palate, it is slightly pétillant and shows high acidity with lemon and lime flavours and some citrus peel bitterness on the finish. Drink now. (RL)*

$20.01 TO $35 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CANADA JOIEFARM UN-OAKED CHARDONNAY 2018, OKANAGAN VALLEY ($25)

A pure, fruit-driven and unmasked expression of the variety invites with upfront citrus and tropical notes before a well-structured, creamy palate of citrus, apple and mineral hints through a fresh, clean finish. (TP)

CEDAR CREEK PLATINUM SAUVIGNON BLANC BORDER VISTA 2018, OKANAGAN ($33.70)

Palest lime in colour. Grassy, green fig, grapefruit nose. Medium body, briskly dry with gooseberry and grapefruit flavours and a long lemony finish. (TA)

FRANCE MERLIN MÂCON LA ROCHE VINEUSE 2016, BURGUNDY ($24.50)

This wine attests to Mâcon as a great destination for those seeking delicious Burgundy at an affordable price. Medium body with fresh acid and delicate notes of mushrooms, lemon and butter. A great match for wild mushroom risotto. (MB)

ITALY LA BIANCARA ANGIOLINO MAULE MASIERI, VINO DA TAVOLA ($23.20)

Angiolino Maule, President of the Association Vinnatur, has been crafting natural wines since the birth of his estate in the late 1980s. Made from 90% Garganega and 10% Trebbiano, the grapes come from the volcanic soils of the hills of Sorio di Gambellara. Fresh and zesty yet with an expensive chalky texture with notes of lemon and red apple that are in harmony with a pleasant salty tang and bitterness. Dangerously easy to drink on its own and a great match with pesto pasta. (MB)

RECOMMENDED ARGENTINA TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA TORRONTES 2017, MENDOZA ($22)

Bright and fresh, lightly aromatic with citrus and herbs, a round mid-palate and lifted finish. Herbed chicken, roast pork and whitefish would all be good matches. (GB)

FRANCE DOMAINE CHIROULET TERRES BLANCHES BLANC 2017, CÔTES DE GASCOGNE ($21)

Quite fresh and juicy with bright citrus and stone fruit, slightly honeyed texture, well balanced, and a lingering, delicate finish. A blend of Gros Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc. (GB)

OVER $35 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CANADA PEARL MORISSETTE MÉTIS BLANC VQA 2017, NIAGARA PENINSULA ($40)

Only 989 cases of this wine were made, so buy as much as you can if you find it. A real testament of how brilliant Chardonnay can be in Niagara Peninsula. Full body with a rich mouthfeel balanced by brisk acid with lush notes of lemon completed by well-integrated notes of vanilla and a pleasing salinity on the finish. An impressive wine. Treat yourself and serve it with grilled lobster; tested and approved. (MB)

FRANCE MAISON CHAMPY POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2016, BURGUNDY ($37.25)

Complex notes of vanilla, butter, hazelnut and mushroom are mingling well with the lemon, apricot and pineapple aromas. Full body and richness balanced by searing acidity. Long, lingering finish with pleasant salty tang. A bit tight right now and definitely benefits from decanting. A delicious match with gnocchi butter and sage served with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. (MB)

DOMAINE LAROCHE CHABLIS PREMIER CRU LES MONTMAINS 2016, BURGUNDY ($40)

Piercing chalky and mineral notes on the nose are just as persistent on the palate. Great concentration with precise aromas of green apple, grapefruit, lime and lemon. Tight structure with brisk acidity and a long finish that carries a subtle and pleasant hazelnut touch. Tempting to drink now but will reward the drinker who has the patience to wait 5 to 9 years. Well done! (MB)

RECOMMENDED FRANCE P ET M. JACQUESON LES CORDIÈRES 2015, BOUZERON, BURGUNDY ($55)

Right at your first smell and sip, you taste its place rather than a grape. Good concentration of flavours with tangy acid and bright aromas of lime and lemon with haunting mushroom notes. Vibrant with great tension and energy. If you have any doubts about the virtue of Aligoté, this wine will change your mind. Delicious with salmon gravlax. (MB)