THE LOW DOWN: I love my picks from this release. Four very different whites at an average price of less than $15. Best Muscadet ever and the Verdejo would be perfect with your World Cup Paella party. I’ll be wearing orange but probably cheering for Spain.
Wildass Rosé is almost serious and perfect for any Summer meal. As are my Gamay picks. For something more substantial check out a Niagara treat from Nyarai, and my yummy French or Californian offerings.
WHITES
Wine style: fresh white
MICHEL DELHOMMEAU 08 Muscadet, Loire, France 164624 $12.95
A must try Muscadet. Lemony and loaded with mineral freshness. The perfect hot weather white. Nice price, nice modern label.
Wine style: fresh white
TIEFENBRUNNER 08 Chardonnay, Alto Adige, Italy 746545 $16.95
Tasty and refreshing non-oaked Chardonnay. Teasing, elegant and a joy to sip on a Summer evening. Really delightful stuff.
Wine style: nice & easy white
DI LENARDO 09 Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy 173328 $14.95
Lazy time Pinot Grigio. A little richness, a little creaminess and a whole lot of yummy drinkability.
Wine style: rich white
PAGOS DEL REY 08 Verdejo, “˜Blume’, Rueda, Spain 166736 $12.95
Not for everyone, but if you’re tired of overly fruity whites check out this earthy character. Bold herbaceous flavours, refreshing, and a solid, old fashioned feeling. Lots of character for the price. BBQ’d chicken.
REDS
Wine style: lively red
MALIVOIRE 08 Gamay, VQA Niagara 591313 $17.95
Great vitality. So vibrant. Malivoire has turned the usually mild-mannered Gamay into a rock start. Loud and clear. Great Summer red. Lightly chill and have with grilled salmon or white meats.
Wine style: lively red
GEORGES DUBOEUF 08 Julienas “˜La Trinquee’, Beaujolais, France 177543 $16.95
The bright flavours of Beaujolais with an assured, confident feeling. Shades of a Pinot ““ light, lively and gulpable. Charming too. Bring on the bistro food. Anything really. Lightly chill and get the bottle open.
Wine style: rustic red
NYARAI 07 Cabernet/Merlot, VQA Niagara 179739 $18.00
Solid, gutsy, earthy and invigorating. Feels as if it had some Italian blood. A suggestion of Bordeaux too. Wonderful food wine. Steve Byfield of Nyarai is producing wines with lovely pure flavours. And offering them at reasonable prices.
Wine style: rich red
CH. PESQUIE TERRASSES 08 Cotes du Ventoux, Rhone, France 652313 $13.95
The warm, lush, peppery feeling of wines from the South of France. Very chummy, very tasty. But not overly rich. Great value.
Wine style: rich red
PARDUCCI 07 Petite Sirah, Mendocino, California 75598 $15.95
Parducci makes wines that have an old-style, honest character. Wines for food rather than show. Get some beef or lamb on the BBQ and tuck into this lovely mix of rustic and rich.
ROSÉ
Wine style: rich rosé
STRATUS 08 “˜Wildass’ Rosé, VQA Niagara 71712 $19.95
This is really a light red. With the gamey, peppery flavours found in some Niagara Gamay wines. A bit pricey but an excellent partner for grilled or roasted white meats.
