VINTAGES RECOMMENDATIONS

July 5

June 21

June 7

May 24

May 10

April 26

April 12

March 29

March 15

March 1

Twice a month I taste over 100 Vintages wines and make my selections based on a mixture of good value and not-to-be missed stars. While Vintages is best known for its deluxe wines, my focus is the mid-price range wines that can be a real blast for the average wine drinker. As you know, most stores carry Vintages Corners and 8 carry all Vintages selections. If you live in Ontario, but not Toronto or Ottawa, you can request your local LCBO to order in Vintages wines five days ahead of the release date. A percentage of the stock is set aside for customers outside the Metropolitan areas. There's no guarantee you'll get the wine, but it's worth trying.

Sláinte,
BILLY MUNNELLY

NOTE: Billy's Best Bottles Wines for 2008 is the perfect complement to all my Vintages picks. My book features over 200 great wine buys from Vintages Essentials and the General List, all available at your local LCBO. In book stores for only $21.95 – and cheaper if you buy multiple copies from me. More details here.

VINTAGES July 5, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: Not a lot of good wines but there's an opportunity to do some exploring with Manzanilla, Torrontes, Viognier and a white from Croatia. Fans of rich Chardonnay should not miss out on the great value from KWV. Portugal has a pair of very satisfying reds and Argentina in out to conquer the world with its Malbec. The south of France scares again with a rich red and a delicious Rosé.
P.S. The July 19 release is the best yet this year. Make a note to check this site a few days ahead.

FRESH WHITE Vintages July 5
BODEGAS ARGUESO 'San Leon' Manzanilla, Spain
703066 $14.95
Here's an adventure. Manzanilla is the driest, lightest, most refreshing style of Sherry. It combines the kick of vodka with the zesty wine character of Sauvignon Blanc. Not for the timid. I suggest a well chilled small glass to start your evening – or to partner with BBQ'd shrimp. Repeat the next days and so on 'till the bottle is done.

EVERYDAY NICE WHITE Vintages July 5
ALTA VISTA 07 Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina
37127 $13.90
You must try this huge blast of citrus zest and exotic Muscat flavours. Over the top stuff to have on a hot evening on the patio. Would be a great wine and mood match with an eggy brunch.

EVERYDAY NICE WHITE Vintages July 5
KATUNAR ZLAHTINA 07, Croatia
75044 $16.95
Just for fun why not get a bottle of this pleasant, Pinot-Grigio-like white from an island off Croatia. A simple sipper, but when did you last have a wine from the island of Krk!

EVERYDAY NICE WHITE Vintages July 5
ANAKENA 07 Viognier, Chile
45138 $13.95
Viognier is a leader in the pretty wine league and here's one of its best. Shades of the cheerleaders at the ball game. Serve at nice events – for nice people.

RICH WHITE Vintages July 5
KWV 05 Cathedral Cellars Chardonnay, South Africa
328559 $14.95
Here's the world's best value in super-rich Chardonnay. There's a lemony zest too. Great stuff for a summer evening with BBQ'd, spicy chicken or pork kebabs. Or anytime you're in the mood for over-the-top wine.

DRY ROSÉ Vintages July 5
PERRIN RESERVE 07 Rosé, Côtes du Rhône, France
719062 $14.95
Perrin once again delivers a very good edition of south of France Rosé – fruity, herbaceous, rich and ready for dinner. And it's a reasonable price.

RICH RED Vintages July 5
HERDADE do PERDIGAO 05 Alentejano 'Vinha do Almo', Portugal
81752 $18.95
Super-rich Portuguese red that falls somewhere between a Rhône and a Zinfandel. Wonderful bright flavours and a lively, gulp-me character. BBQ'd anything.

RICH RED Vintages July 5
CABRIZ 04 Reserva Dao, Portugal
21410 $18.95
Another recommendation from Portugal. Richness meets an earthy, hearty quality. Plummy, Port-like flavours. Portugal's answer to Shiraz or Merlot. For BBQ'd red meats.

RICH RED Vintages July 5
FINCA SOPHENIA 06 Reserve Malbec, Argentina
66837 $16.95
Bright flavours, charm and moderate proportions are unusual in Argentina reds, but here's one. A Malbec showing its feminine side. Very seductive, Spanish-style red that's perfect for summer evenings around the campfire.

RICH RED Vintages July 5
BODEGA SEPTIMA 06 Malbec, Argentina
686113 $15.95
If you like Aussie Shiraz, you'll love this rich, smooth Malbec. Could not be more crowd-pleasing.

RICH RED Vintages July 5
CHATEAU PECH-LATT 06 Corbieres, France
76513 $17.95
Super-rich, juicy, spicy, lively red with a very appetizing edge. The best of all worlds. France beats the New World! A grea BBQ red, and it's organic too.

VINTAGES June 21, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: Not a great one but as usual, there's a few distinctive wines. In whites, there's good stuff for summer events – local Riesling, and Italian refresher and an exotic Grüner. In red, the Rustic red category rules and it includes an interesting pair from Spain. My crowd-pleasing red picks are from France and Portugal, and the best buy of the release is a delicious Italian Rosé.

FRESH WHITE Vintages June 21
JACKSON-TRIGGS 'Delaine Vineyard' 06 Riesling, Niagara
17509 $19.95
A must for Riesling fans. Razor-edged and already developing your favourite petrol character. Just about everything from the Delaine Vineyard has been topnotch.

FRESH WHITE Vintages June 21
CAVALCHINA 06 Pinot Bianco 'La Prendina', Veneto, Italy
66373 $13.95
This was one of my favourite wineries at the recent Italian wine fair. Check out this simple but good-everyday refresher. Tons of energy and a sprightly, fun personality.

EVERYDAY NICE WHITE Vintages June 21
CA'BOLANI 06 Tocai Friulano, Friuli, Italy
72413 $16.95
The Italian grape, Tocai Fuilano, produces white wine that I like to describe as upscale Pinot Grigio. Zesty with generous flavour and personality. This well made edition has a lovely happy summer day feeling. Get some!

RICH WHITE Vintages June 21
RABL 06 Grüner Veltliner, Austria
78642 $19.95
Unusually rich Grüner with wonderful spicy/fruity flavours. Perfect for a hot-n-spicy BBQ'd chicken or pork dish.

DRY ROSÉ Vintages June 21
ZENATO 07 Bardolino Chiaretto, Veneto, Italy
45203 $12.95
Lovely, lovely fruitiness and charm. Gentle Rosé to sip with a patio lunch or whenever. A must-have to celebrate the season.

RUSTIC RED Vintages June 21
ONTANON 05 Rioja, Spain
976910 $14.95
At last a lively Rioja with bright flavours. A Spanish red that's alive. Would be a gutsy partner for the BBQ.

RUSTIC RED Vintages June 21
DOM. DE LA NOBLAIE 05 Chinon, Loire, France
76646 $19.95
Austere and invigorating. Forget the Shiraz and crank up your sense with this live wire. An early evening red. Lightly chill.

RUSTIC RED Vintages June 21
'LOS 800' 03 Priorat, Spain
75150 $19.95
There's a little richness but the main show here is Beaujolais-style colour and fun. Plus the charm of Pinot and a little Italian vigour. Tempting eh! Lightly chill and let the party begin. BBQ'd salmon would be nice with the second bottle.

RICH RED Vintages June 21
CH. MIRAUSSE 06 Minervois 'Le Grand Penchant', France 61267 $18.95
QUINTA DOES QUATRO VENTOS 05 Douro, Portugal 902742 $19.95
Here's my crowd-pleaser picks. The Minervois is France's answer to Aussie Shiraz - dark and deep. The Douro is plummy, lush, hefty and ready to take on any Merlot in the world.

FRESH WHITE Vintages June 8
CH. des CHARMES 06 Estate Riesling, Niagara
277228 $16.95
World class! I'm serious. Wonderful purity, sharpness and citrus flavours – super-refreshing. A must for the summer cocktail hour, or for alfresco lunches.

FRESH WHITE Vintages June 8
ANAKENA 06 Sauvignon Blanc 'Ona', Chile
59501 $16.95
A wonderful exuberant, live wire with a little richness. Savy to quench summer thirsts, or to wash down the final crop of local asparagus. Or just to drink.

FRESH WHITE CHAMPAGNE Vintages June 8
LOUIS RODERER BRUT CHAMPAGNE, France
268771 $67.95
It's not something I often talk about but Roderer is one of my favourite Champagnes. It's head and shoulders about the dozen other offerings in this release – more poised and flavourful and with that 'certain something' that we call elegance.
P.S. Roderer is part of Vintages Essentials and therefore always available at major LCBOs.

EVERYDAY NICE Vintages June 8
ORMOZ 06 Pinot Gris 'Jeruzalem', Slovenia
73247 $13.95
Here's a Chardonnay alternative for summer BBQ's. Lots of flavour. Semi-rich and very friendly. Something different.

DRY ROSÉ Vintages June 8
MALIVOIRE 07 'Ladybug' Rosé, Niagara
559088 $16.00
Malivoire is one of Ontario's best Rosé producers. The 07 is flavourful and rich in the Provençe-style. Perfect for any summer meal.

RUSTIC RED Vintages June 8
CH. HAUT-COLOMBIER 05 Premieres Côtes de Blaye, Bordeaux
43802 $17.95
Mid-weight Bordeaux with lots of vigour and vitality. Perfect for summer. A classic bistro red.

RICH RED Vintages June 8
CONO SUR 07 Pinot Noir 'Vision', Chile
689992 $15.95
Gutsy and hearty at first. Delicious Pinot sweetness and charm kicks in later. Quite rich but there's a rustic Italian personality too. What more could you want!

RICH RED Vintages June 8
QUINTA do VALLADO 05 Douro, Portugal
694992 $17.75
Portugal's Douro region is the home of Port but recenlty it's branched out into red table wine. Expect the wonderful ripe flavours of Port along with an appetizing bite. Old World meets New World in style. Try this with steaks off the BBQ.

RICH RED Vintages June 8
LIBERTY SCHOOL 05 Syrah, California
942383 $16.95
My crowd-pleaser pick. Rich, jammy sweet and quite seductive. The warm hug feeling. Have with spicy ribs and call your neighbours.

VINTAGES May 24, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: The south of France winery MAS des BRESSADES is the hero of the release for its amazing value white and hearty red. Their Rosé is always one of my faves and it will out next month.

Meanwhile, check out my three Rosé selections below – especailly the Honda! No relation to my car.

A zesty Grüner, a live wire Viognier, a raunchy Riesling and a refreshing Chardonnay are interesting characters for your summer chiller. If you're up for being really daring, get some old FINO SHERRY – a walk on the wild side.

New Zealand is the featuee and I found one value in Pinot. Other recommended reds are an honest Chianti, a stylish Portuguese and a lush Gigondas. Something for everyone, I hope.

P.S. Also recommended: Cave Spring Estate Gewurtztraminer.

APERITIF Vintages May 24
DON JOSE MARICA Very Old Fino Sherry, Spain
70342 $19.95
Old Fino is an amazing experience that could be likened to having old Riesling. Weird and wonderful – if you like that sort of thing. Austere, tangy, raunchy, earthy and invigorating. There's no better partner for BBQ'd shrimp appetizers. Serve chilled in 2 ounce measures.

FRESH WHITE Vintages May 24
SAL'MON 07 Grüner Veltliner, Austria
669606 $12.95
Grüner with the zest of Sauv Blanc and the drinkability of Pinot Grigio. Something to consider for summer house wine. Friendly price and comes with a handy screw cap.

FRESH WHITE Vintages May 24
HEATH 05 Riesling Reserve 'Southern Sisters', Clare Valley, Australia
58487 $19.95
Here's a must buy for Riesling fans. Has developed petrol flavours and is feeling very raunchy. You'll also get tangy dryness and the other uplifting characteristics of dry Riesling. Drink this with other Riesling freaks as you'll diss on all other whites. Johnny Cash playing in the background.

FRESH WHITE Vintages May 24
DOMAINE BELOT 06 Viognier, VDP d'oc, France
65938 $16.95
Are you up for something different in white wine? This is not the usual pretty edition of Viognier – it has a wild, more herbaceous character that could have been Sauv Blanc in a previous life. Would be fab with local asparagus. Good summer refreshment.

FRESH WHITE Vintages May 24
PENMARA 06 Reserve Chardonnay, Australia
912790 $16.95
A great Summer Chardonnay with lots of lemony freshness. To start the evening or have with BBQ'd shrimp. A waterside setting would complete the picture.

FRESH ROSÉ Vintages May 24
CABRIZ 07 Rosé, Dao, Portugal
30445 $13.95
Tart, brisk, with a great hit of refreshment. Rosé for your summer hot flushes. Apres gardening, apres sports, apres work, apres anything.

FRESH ROSÉ Vintages May 24 Vintages May 24
VINA HONDA 07 Monastrell Rosé, Jumilla, Spain
71431 $13.95
Simple at first, then a little frutiness, then a little richness, then a 'let's have a picnic' feeling. Quite the charmer. Similar to the Provençe-style but better priced. It's the Honda way!

FRESH ROSÉ Vintages May 24 Vintages May 24
PETER LEHMANN 07 Rosé, Barossa, Australia
34298 $15.95
Frank and fresh at first, then it evolves into a very light edition of Côtes du Rhône. (Produced from the same grapes.) Put food with this and everyone will be happy. Low in alcohol so gulp away.

RICH WHITE Vintages May 24
MAS des BRESSADES 07 Costières de Nimes, France
701094 $12.95
This estate consistently delivers some of the best value white wines in the world. While it's produced from humble local grapes, you get the lushness of Chardonnay, the herbaceous character of Sauv Blanc and the seductive spiciness and charm of Muscat. This complete circus for only $12.95! BBQ'd white meats with a shot of spicy heat. Or sip this charmer late evening.

RUSTIC RED Vintages May 24
WILD ROCK 06 Pinot Noir 'Cupids Arrow', New Zealand
61242 $22.95
My pick of the New Zealand stash because it delivers a solid Pinot expression at a reasonable price. With some of the tartness and barnyard character of Burgundy – classic bistro wine. Needs food.

RUSTIC RED Vintages May 24
LASOROA 06 Chianti. Italy
74526 $15.95
Bone-dry, gutsy Chianti – tangy, bright flavours and a 'gulp me' feeling. I could have this every night! At last a sports star gets it right in the wine world.

RUSTIC RED Vintages May 24
QUINTA DO ENCONTRO 04 Bairrada 'Preto Branco', Portugal
67025 $19.95
Portgual steps up into the Bordeaux league. This is classic – dry, austere, formal-style wine for beefy dinners. Buy for fall or winter.

RICH RED Vintages May 24
MAS des BRESSADES 06 Costières de Nimes, France
708750 $17.95
Hearty, spicy, rich – lots of gusto. The flavours of the south of France. Needs rich foods. Another red for winter.

RICH RED Vintages May 24
DOM de FONT-SANE 05 Gigondas, Rhône, France
735779 $24.95
Here's a smoothie for fans of richness and smoothness. Super high alcohol and out to seduce. Hit the couch wine.

FRESH WHITE/SPARKLING Vintages May 10
HENRY of PELHAM Cuveé Catharine Brut, Niagara
616441 $29.95
Henry's sparkling is nudging its way into Champagne territory. Wine with the classic black dress or starched shirt feeling – dead simple but wonderfully elegant. Austere but sexy. The power of suggestion. Works on your imagination.

EVERYDAY NICE WHITE Vintages May 10
GRAF V. SCHÖNBORN 06 Silvaner Kabinett Trocken, Fraken, Germany
70953 $19.95
Looking for something different in white wine? Silvaner wine from the Franken region comes close in style ot the whites of Alsace – dry with a feeling of richness and slight sweetness. The fullness of Chardonnay without the perfume of oak. A good wine to add some flavour to BBQ'd white meats.

EVERYDAY NICE WHITE Vintages May 10
WEINGUT EUGEN WEHRHEIM 06 Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen, Germany
71019 $16.95
Almost dry Riesling with a wonderful mix of spicy/fruitiness, refreshment and something earthy. And my favourite wine characteristic – a little mystery that invites you back for more. Open on a summer evening and see where it takes you. Or have with Sunday brunch.

EVERYDAY NICE WHITE Vintages May 10
GANTON & LARSEN Prospect Winery 06 Pinot Blanc 'Birch Canoe', Okanagan Valley, B.C.
70706 $17.95
Pinot Blanc is the great middle-child wine. Not as glamorous as Chardonnay and not as live wire as Riesling. When well made it can be a great all-purpose white. This leans towards the rich and would be a wonderful, all-evening white. From B.C.'s Mission Hill winery.

LIGHT RED & ROSÉ Vintages May 10
TOMMASI 07 Bardolino Chiaretto, Italy
685057 $12.95
Fruity, fun Rosé for the summer season – lunches, afternoon on the deck and of course, all your parties.

LIGHT RED & ROSÉ Vintages May 10
SAN PIETRO 06 Pinot Noir, Alto Adige, Italy
66381 $15.95
Very light Pinot with a refreshing tartness. Shades of Beaujolais. A summer red for lunches, picnics and early evening gulping. Lightly chill.

SEMI-RICH RED & ROSÉ Vintages May 10
CH. VAL JOANIS 06 Côtes du Luberon Rosé, France
707281 $11.95
Very rich Rosé in the south of France style. Wonderful herbaceous, Mediterranean flavours and a glamorous feeling. Could be the world's best buy in rich Rosé.

SEMI-RICH RED & ROSÉ Vintages May 10
PASO HONDO 07 Pinot Noir 'Alta Seleccion', Chile
685925 $14.95
Pinot that feels both sexy and earthy. Seductive and grounded. Fab BBQ stuff for beef or lamb.

MORANDÉ 06 Pinot Noir Reserva, Chile
59428 $13.95
Here's a Pinot with no class. A broad! It's juicy, fruity, spicy and all smiles. Yummy stuff. Perfect for patio parties and evenings with spicy foods. Lightly chill.

RICH RED & ROSÉ Vintages May 10
TORRES 06 Pinot Noir 'Mas Borras', Penedes, Spain
673483 $25.95
Hearty Pinot that combines the appetizing bite of Old World with bright, yummy, New World flavours. BBQ Pinot in a bottle heavy enough to anchor your patio umbrella.

VINTAGES April 26, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: The theme of this release is California but for me France steals the show with four fab mid-teen priced reds and a charming Rosé. Italy and Spain also deliver good summer drinks and a highlight is Step Road Sparkling Rosé from Australia. What a deal! My pick of the Californian's is a classy Pinot Noir from Beringer. Lovely stuff.

FRESH WHITE Vintages April 26
TIEFENBRUNNER 07 Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy
954024 $16.95
Always the prince of Grigios. Bone dry with the starched shirt, Chablis feeling. Aperitif or hot day refresher. Now in a handy screw cap.

FRESH ROSÉ Vintages April 26
JULIAN CHIVITE 07 Gran Feudo Rosado, Navarra, Spain
256149 $11.95
More flavourful than the previous few vintages. Zesty with a brillian florescent pink colour. Good house Rosé.

FRESH SPARKLING Vintages April 26
STEP ROAD N/V Sparkling Rosé 'Black Wing', South Australia
57422 $16.95
Austere, super-refreshing classic Champagne-style sparkler at a bargain price. Get a case for summer. Aperitif or party starter.

LIVELY RED Vintages April 26
FONTANAFREDDA 06 Barbera 'Briccotondo', Piedmont, Italy
72348 $15.95
Gutsy, tart, vibrant, juicy Barbera – the way it should be. Italian vitality in a glass. There's a friendly quality too which adds even more appeal. Might be my summer house red.

LIVELY RED Vintages April 26
FREDERIC MABILEAU 06 St-Nicolas De Bourgueil 'Les Graviers', Loire, France
70029 $17.95
Cab Franc crafted in a fruity, juicy gulping style. Shades of Beaujolais. Great for summer. Lightly chill.

LIVELY RED Vintages April 26
CH. PESQUIÉ 05 Côtes du Ventoux 'Terrasses', France
652313 $14.95
Juicy, lively, yummy red for the patio season. Charming with a fun feeling, but watch out - this is not a lightweight. You'll love the seductive, Pinot Noir character in this wine.

RUSTIC RICH RED Vintages April 26
CH. d'OR et de GUEULES 05 'Les Cimels', Costières de Nîmes, France
597104 $15.95
Another charmer from the south of France. But this is a more hearty, solid character. Both rustic and rich. The wine you remember from your trip to France – generous and a little mysterious. This need big time food.

RUSTIC RED Vintages April 26
WILLI OPTIZ 05 Cuvee Red, Austria
71266 $18.95
This is neither a value nor a crowdpleaser but it is interesting in its likeness to rustic Ontario reds. Produced from a blend of Zweigelt, Blaufrankirsch and Cabernet it has the earthy, gutsy character that I enjoy in many locals. I like the frank, honest feeling and the vigour. Wine for your burger.

EVERYDAY NICE ROSÉ Vintages April 26
DOM DES PEIRECEDES 07 Rosé Côtes de Provence, France
950733 $13.95
Very pale, very delicate, very charming Rosé to get you in the summer mood. Lunch or lazying in the garden wine.

RICH RED Vintages April 26
CAVE de RASTEAU 'PRESTIGE' 05 Côtes du Rhônes Villages, France
985929 $19.95
Shades of Chateauneuf. The yummy, spicy richness of the Rhône with a solid, serious side. Fun meets classical. Wine that nourishes and stimulates –for drinking and thinking. One of the most exciting $20 reds I've tasted this year. Should develop well over the next few years. Best with grilled meats.

RICH RED Vintages April 26
BERINGER 06 Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley, California
718668 $27.95
Rich, spicy/sweet with just enough earthiness to make it feel real. Lively too. No fluffy Californian cuteness here – this is a gorgeous Pinot with traditional wine character.

VINTAGES April 12, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: Not a huge wow but an opportunity to grab some really good, mid-teen-priced French and Italian reds. Real wine. and there's three lovely sweet sweet wines. And be sure to pick up the catalogue – gorgeous sunny, summer photos.

FRESH WHITE Vintages April 12
ELIO FILIPPINO 06 Arneis, Piedmont, Italy
60848 $18.95
This ancient Italian grape produces bone dry wines with a bold tang. Low on flavour but big on refreshment. Summer evening around six.

RICH WHITE Vintages April 12
SANTA BARBARA 06 Chardonnay, California
989152 $17.95
Chardonnay with a good mix of zest and glam. Stylish. Nice hit of California at a reasonable price.

SWEETISH, LOW ALCOHOL WHITE Vintages April 12
DARTING 06 Riesling Spatlese, Pfalz, Germany
963207 $19.95
Gorgeous, gorgeous med-sweet Riesling for summer sipping. In the garden or late evening on the cottage deck. Wine to complement, or create a happy heart.

SWEETISH, LOW ALCOHOL WHITE Vintages April 12
BAVA 07 Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy
712547 $15.95
Sweetish, spritzy, low alcohol wine for life's lighthearted moments such as any summer day. Think picnics, afternoons on the beach, brunch – wherever.

FRESH WHITE Vintages April 12
ALMOST A RECOMMENDATION
KWV CATHEDRAL CELLAR 06/07 Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa
662718 $9.95
Two vintages of the same wine. The 07 is refreshing but quite green and the 06 is fruity but flat. The price might tempt you – if so, buy both and make a blend!

RUSTIC RED Vintages April 12
FONTANAFREDDA 05 'Duale' Rosso, Piedmont, Italy
616284 $16.95
Gutsy, rustic and very Italian. Traditional red wine that invigorates and stimulates your palate. Gets you going. Better with a bird than beef.

RUSTIC RED Vintages April 12
MONTE ANTICO 04 Toscana, Italy
69377 $14.95
Very lively, very brisk, very light – shades of old-fashioned Chianti. Fun time wine for tomato sauce pasta.

RUSTIC RED Vintages April 12
SAN JACOPO DA VICCHIOMAGGIO 06 Chianti Classico, Italy
710194 $17.95
Wonderful traditional Chianti – lots of earthy realness. Briskness meets a warmhearted feeling. Soulful stuff. The real deal. Best with grilled meats and friends who are not hooked on Shiraz.

RUSTIC RED Vintages April 12
CH. CALISSANNE 05 Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France
61283 $15.95
A lighthearted red that works because it's lively and suggests lazy summer days and casual meals. Love the simplicity and charm.

RUSTIC RED Vintages April 12
PERRIN & FILS 05 Vinsobres, Côtes du Rhônes Villages, France
566844 $17.95
Bright, juicy, delish red that invites serious gulping. Characterful wine meets fun and charm. Hard to imagine a summer meal that this would not flatter. If you like Pinot you'll love this bargain.

RUSTIC RED Vintages April 12
MEGALOMANIAC 06 Merlot 'Big Mouth', Niagara
67645 $24.95
A combination of plummy Merlot fruitiness and austerity. Very Bordeaux-ish. Best with a roast beef dinner in a semi-formal setting. Impose your Megalomanic.

SWEET – PORT Vintages April 12
QUINTA de VENTOZELO LBV 98 Port, Portugal
660159 $21.95
Lovely, lovely, rich with some of the mellow sweetness and sexy character of Tawny Port. Lightly chill and sip after supper. Great value.

VINTAGES March 29, 2008
THE LOW DOWN: This continues the pattern of the past few releases – lots of interesting wines to buy for the patio and BBQ season. In whites, you'll find all the summer essentials: good, medium-priced Riesling, Sauv Blanc, Grüner and Chenin Blanc.

France steals the show in reds with three very reasonably priced organic wines. Even a Bordeaux! If you enjoyed my recent South African recommendations from Robertson and Lammershoek you'll be pleased to see more blockbusters from these wineries. Spain and Portugal provide more opportunities for experiencing something different, while Chile rounds out the list as my crowdpleaser of the release.

FRESH WHITE Vintages March 29
WYNNS 05 Coonawarra Estate Riesling, Australia
528216 $14.95
Dry Riesling in the friendly, lime/lemon Aussie style. Refreshing and fun to gulp on a hot day. Stock up on this.

FRESH WHITE Vintages March 29
LAURENZ V 06 Grüner Veltliner 'Friendly', Austria
66225 $17.95
Classic zesty, spicy, mineral-flavoured Grüner offered in a lighthearted package. Needs a hot afternoon by the lake, with lighthearted company.

FRESH WHITE Vintages March 29
MORGENHOF ESTATE 07 Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa
18507 $12.95
Are you paying too much for Sauvignon? South Africa to the rescue – they're producing the best for the price. A live wire for sure.

FRESH WHITE Vintages March 29
ANGELS GATE 06 Riesling, Niagara
58859 $13.95 (from March 15 release)
Classic minerally, dry, sharp-edged Niagara Riesling. A great low-alcohol summer aperitif or afternoon refresher. Riesling fans should age a few bottles.

LIVELY RED Vintages March 29
CARMELA ESTATES 06 'Conversation Red', Ontario
73379 $14.95
A super-light (10% alcohol), super-tart, super-refreshing red. Chill and gulp – daytime in July and August. Not for the Shiraz drinker.

LIVELY RED Vintages March 29
DOM. LAURENT MABILEAU 06 Bourgueil, Loire, France
69666 $13.95
Tart, rustic, light red form the Cab Franc grape. Super-refreshing summer red for those not afraid of an edge.

RUSTIC RED Vintages March 29
CH. CHAVRIGNAC 05 Bordeaux, France (organic) 2436 $15.95
Rustic French wine at its best. Gutsy, flavourful, with a sense of soil and place. Bravo! A Merlot/Cab bland that should be the role model for Ontario reds.

RUSTIC RED Vintages March 29
QUINTA DA GIESTA 05 Dao, Portugal
67496 $15.95
Dao reds are often similar to Burgundy. Tart, rustic, lightish but interesting. Really good at getting the senses going. This one could also be likened to Barbera or Baco. Wine for hearty, everyday meals. The mood for gusto. Burgers for sure, or put in a fancy decanter and sip with cheese.

RUSTIC RED Vintages March 29
CH. ROUBIA 05 Minervois, France (organic)
705632 $12.95
Here's another rustic, gutsy French red. The wine that you think is heavenly when in France but which often disappoints once back home. The solution? Recreate the food and atmosphere and it will work for you. Real French wine at an everyday price.

RICH RED Vintages March 29
PERRIN 05 Côtes du Rhône 'Nature', France (organic)
948059 $16.95
Very rich and ripe – almost New World. Pair with organically raised beef for a evening of bliss.

RICH RED Vintages March 29
BUIL & GINÉ 05 'Giné Giné', Priorat, Spain
67843 $20.95
Priorat is a lot like the Rhône. Arid and rocky vineyards produce reds with deep, earthy flavours – they feel nourishing and a bit old-fashioned. And exciting step out of today's world of Merlot, Cab and Shiraz. Plus you gotta love the name.

RICH RED Vintages March 29
EMILIANA 05 Carmenere 'Natura', Chile (organic)
56887 $16.95
My crowd-pleaser pick is this plummy, Merlot-style red. Rich, luscious and ready for steak.

RICH RED Vintages March 29
ROBERTSON WINERY 05 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Prospect Hill', South Africa
687814 $18.95
Cabernet in a warm-hearted, Rhône style. Mature, mellow feeling. Could be a $50 wine. Put in a decanter and feel like a king or queen.

RICH RED Vintages March 29
LAMMERSHOEK 05 Pinotage, Swartland, South Africa
954594 $18.95
My third Vintages recommendation from this winery. Pinotage is South Africa's contribution to the world of hearty, gutsy reds. Rich and nourishing with an edge. Quite earthy. Have with red meat, or late at night. I'm stocking up for the BBQ season.

SWEET PORT Vintages March 29
QUINTA DO INFANTADO Ruby Port, Portugal
979898 $15.95
Very, very concentrated and less sweet than most Ruby Ports. Best enjoyed after dinner because it's close to Vintage in character. Great value.

VINTAGES March15, 2008
Plan for summer with a delicious zesty Greek refresher, TSELEPOS 06 Moschofilero, Mantinia, Greece (#724583 $15.95), one of the best dry Rosés ever made in Ontario, HUFF ESTATES 06 Rosé, Ontario (#63982 $14.95), a very classy Sparkling Rosé GRAHAM BECK 05 Brut Rosé, South Africa (#4085 $21.95), and finally, a great value sweet Muscat PELLEGRINO PASSITO di PANTELLERIA, Sicily (#585703 $16.95).

FRESH SPARKLING Vintages March 1
DUFOULEUR PÈRE & FILS Cremant de Bourgogne Brut 04, France
47241 $19.95
Classic yeasty, austere Champagne-style bubbly for less than half the price. Aperitif wine for a fancy dinner.

RICH WHITE Vintages March 1
PAUL & MALLORY TALMARD 06 Macon-Uchizy, Burgundy, France
66639 $15.95
Rich, lush, exotic Chardonnay for $15.95. And it comes with a medieval French label so it looks li