THE LOW DOWN: Dry Rosé is the feature and I’m recommending five wines including a great-value local from Tawse Estate. My picks are novel whites from Greece and Austria, and a lone Aussie red.
WHITES
style: RICH WHITE
RABL 06 Grüner Veltliner ‘G’, Kamptal, Austria 117390 $29.95
This is one of those pricey wine experiences worth paying for. While Grüner is usually an expression of freshness, this guy will also hit you with wonderful concentrated flavous and richness. Think Sauv Blanc on steroids. Sip with an herbed chicken – or just sip.
style: NICE/RICH WHITE
PAPAGIANNAKOS 07 ‘Ktima’, Attica, Greece 107110 $19.95
Upscale traditonal Greek white – feels like something you should be drinking with seafood by the water on a hot summer day. Authentic, but iwth a little glamour. Will take you places.
DRY ROSÉ
style: FRESH ROSÉ
TAWSE 08 Rosé ‘Sketches of Niagara’, VQA Niagara 130245 $12.50
Refreshing, fruity, frank and fun. My kind of Rosé. One of the best local and at a reasonable price.
style: NICE ROSÉ
DOMAINE HOUHART 08 Côtes de Provence, France 118653 $14.95
Lighthearted and lovely. Simple and charming. Perfect for lazy summer days – lounging, snacking and snoozing.
style: RICH ROSÉ
NAVARRO CORREAS 08 Rosado, Mendoza, Argentina 120261 $14.95
The richness and elusive character of Provence Rosé. Understated, but lush and sexy. Bring it on.
style: RICHROSÉ
CH. la TOUR de l’ÉVÊQUE 08 Rosé, Provence, France 319392 $18.95
Pale, but rich and full of sweet kisses. Over-priced but the stylish bottle is very appealing – and very French.
RED
style: RICH RED
WYNDHAM Estate 06 Shiraz/Cabernet ‘Founders Reserve’, Limestone Coast, Australia 107913 $23.95
Solid, gutsy and super-rich. The bottle for times when you splurge on primo steaks or lamb chops. Did you know that George Wyndham produced the first Aussie Shiraz? Something to toss out as you’re pouring!
P.S. ROSEWOOD ESTATES
A very good first showing from this Beamsville winery. Lovely pure flavour and local expression. My favourite is the 06 Riesling (112698 $17.95) – dry, citrussy palate teasing and just beginning to enter the ‘otherworld’ of mature Riesling.
