Marvellous mixed case delivered for less than $100

This smart six-pack contains three whites, a rosé and two reds

One of my most popular columns since the pandemic struck was “Good news for Ontario wine lovers who are self-isolating.” It ran in early April and recommended a mixed case of delicious wines to buy online with free shipping anywhere in Ontario. Ever since, readers have been asking me to write similar columns.

I’ve done so — including two columns on outstanding Ontario wines to buy online. But my last mixed case of international finds ran in early June, so it’s time for another curated case.

This week’s smart six-pack contains three whites, a rosé and two reds, each of which offers excellent value for the money. The mixed case costs $92 including tax and delivery, and is only available online at LiffordWine.com. So it’s a good deal for wine lovers.

For the door of the fridge is the 2019 Alario Sauvignon Blanc from the Central Valley in Chile (LCBO 638239 $8.95). This sassy white by the respected producer Vina Carmen delivers a juicy hit of pink grapefruit while fluttering delicately with lime, snow pea and a touch of elderflower that persists on the finish. Score: 92

This dry, medium-bodied wine is a fabulous choice to serve with a plate of chicken empanadas at happy hour to channel Chile. Or add a tossed salad and make it a meal.

Of course, it’s hard to beat a brilliant white Burgundy. So a bottle of the 2018 Saint Mar

tin Chablis from Domaine

Laroche in France (LCBO 289124 $26) is tucked inside. This pure Chardonnay offers the beautiful fragrance of wet stones and lemon zest before arresting the senses with glossy-cool flavours of sliced lemons, green apples and sea salt. After the initial attack, toasted meringue, chalk and almond flavours emerge and linger. Great value for money. Score: 92

Uncork this bottle to elevate any fish dish or a niçoise salad. It’s also a marvellous match for oysters in the half shell, poached prawns or pan-fried cod.

Also inside is a Riesling from the Mosel region of Germany, which is one of most underrated wine styles in the world. The bottle is the 2017 Clean Slate Riesling ( LCBO 286237 $13), which starts with cool granite, white peach and a touch of candied lime peel on the nose. Then the entry is off-dry and crisp with tingling acidity that seems to electrify the generous flavours of grapefruit, peach and lime. Great purity and freshness here along with the low level of alcohol for which Riesling is known — this bottle clocks just 10.5 per cent ABV. Score: 90

Pour this wine with spicy Thai dishes such as mango salad, pad kee mao or tom kha gai. The wine cools the palate and complements the flavours of these dishes.

Since most wine lovers — me included — like to keep dry rosé on hand in the summer, this case includes the 2019 Ogier Ventoux Rosé from the Rhone Valley of France (LCBO 134916 $13.05 till Aug. 15, reg. $14.55). It’s a shatteringly fresh charmer with a quiet perfume of apricot and pomegranate that bathes the palate in what feels like soft light as it unspools with strawberry and stone fruit and a hint of nougat. This is a crisp, wispy wine with a certain romanticism about it. Score: 91

Enjoy this pale, French rosé on its own in the setting sun with a bowl of salted almonds or some olive tapenade and toast.

Of course, grilling season is upon us. So find inside a bottle of the 2017 Pepperwood Grove Old Vine Zinfandel from California (LCBO 308163 $15). It packs an eruption of dark, robust flavour that starts with dark cherry and melting chocolate then shifts to reveal subtler notes of cherry cola, blackberry jam, blueberry and a light lift of raspberry. Lots going on in this dry-tasting, saturated red with a polished mouth feel. Score: 90

Let this Californian Zin inspire you to grill some pork ribs with a sticky-smoky sauce. Also works well with grilled veggie dogs.

Also good with grilled meat — especially burgers — is the 2017 Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon from California (LCBO 55517 $16). This classic-tasting Cabernet starts with aromas of muddled berries and cassis, then drenches the palate with mouth-filling fruit. Lots of bright red cherryrhubarb flavours make this a crisp, refreshing style of Cabernet with undertones of black plum and white pepper. Score: 89

Six wines for summer. And they’re only a click away.