THE LOW DOWN: In whites, I found two lightheared, value-priced wines for summer drinking , a seafood partner, and one of the world’s little gems – ARINTO from one of the oldest regions in Portugal. Pinot Noir and a Sangioveses Rosé would be perfect partners for summer meals or picnics. All my red picks are in the rich style. Buy for the BBQ or winter nourishment.
Slainte. and hope your team wins.
Billy
WHITES
wine style: fresh white
HIDDEN BENCH 08 Riesling, VQA Beamsville Bench 183491 $24.20
Classic Ontario Dry Riesling. Tart with pure flavours. A must buy for Riesling fans.
wine style: fresh white
BODEGAS AGNUSDEI 08 Albarino ‘Terra Firme’, Galicia, Spain 166751 $13.95
Tart, fruity, ctrussy wine from the col northeast of Spain. Frank, fresh aperitif or seafood partner.
wine style: nice & easy white
DOMAINE DU TARIQUET 09 Ugni Blanc/Colomard, Côtes du Gascogne, France 175240 $11.95
Zesty, low alcohol white for alfresco lunches or warm day gulping. Lovely carefree feeling. Ultra modern wine from the Cognac region.
wine style: nice & easy white
CASUSO & MININI ‘Terre di Giumara’ 08 Grecanico, Silicy 174961 $11.95
Another light white with spring day fragrance and freshness. Refreshment meets relaxation. The Grecanico grape is a Sicilian speciality.
wine style: rich white
PROVA REGIA 08 Arinto, Bucelas, Portugal 166587 $14.95
Semi-rich with mineral freshness. Arinto is Portugal’s answer to Chardonnay. It develops huge flavours as it ages…without the help of oak barrels! A natural charmer that’s a must buy for those with a cellar. Give it 3-5 years. But it’s also wonderful now. Could be the bargain of the year in white wine.
ROSÉ
wine style: dry rosé
YULUMBA 09 Sangiovese Rosé, Australia 169425 $15.95
Quite brisk and refreshing. Shades of a light Chianti. The perfect partner for a platter of salumi. Too tart for party time. Delightful label.
wine style: dry rosé
FLATROCK CELLARS 09 Pinot Noir Rosé, VQA Twenty Mile Bench 39974 $14.95
Another tart Rosé that’s best with food. The feel and flavours of a light PInot so think grilled salmon or chicken, or paella.
RED
wine style: rich red
URBAN UCO 08 Malbec/Tempranillo, Mendoza, Argentina 166397 $12.95
Silky smooth, slightly sweet and super-rich. If you enjoy blockbusters, this is a great value.
wine style: rich red
M. CHAPOUTIER 08 ‘Bila-Haut’ Cotes de Roussillon-Villages, France 168716 $15.00
The wild tang of Spain, the silky texture of Grenache and the fruitiness of Corignan. Earthy and soulful – my kind of rich red for today’s BBQ or hearty winter meals.
wine style: rich red
SALCHETO 07 Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany 165357 $14.95
Gutsy, vibrant and earthy – the feeling and flavours of Tuscany. Needs the beef or any hearty meal.
wine style: rich red
CELLAR DE CAPCANES 06 ‘Costers del Gravet’, Montsant, Spain 707059 $16.95
Spain’s Montsant region delivers rich, modern reds that also have characteristics of traditional regions such as Bordeaux and the Rhone. This is a great all-rounder – as vibrant as it’s label.
