THE LOW DOWN: Tuscany is the feature but I found the wines to be too New World and expensive. Welcome to the modern era in Tuscany! Not for me.
My list is short but it contains a candidate for red wine value of the year in Santa Julia Cabernet from Argentina. The style is perfect for summer events. As are my two French Rosé picks. Southbrook Sauvignon is a wonderfully distinctive local expression. And I’m offering a Chablis for anyone up for adventure, if somewhat expensive.
Enjoy!
Billy
RICH ROSÉ
CH. VAL JOANIS 08 Syrah Rosé, Luberon, France 707281 $15.95
The pale and deceptively rich Provence-style dry Rosé. Delicate, pretty flavours and just enough freshness to carry the show. Rosé for a weekend lunch that might run into dinner.
FRESH ROSÉ
PIERRE SPARR Brut Rosé, Cremant d’Alsace, France 39016 $19.95
Bone dry Rosé with two great features. Super refreshing and the perfect partner to cut the richness in seafood. Shrimp or calamari on the deck!
FRESH WHITE
SOUTHBROOK 07 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Triomphe’, VQA Niagara 117556 $18.95
You gotta try this wonderful local expression of Sauvignon. Fresh, pungent and a little more earthy than most. Reminds me of traditional French wine that feels of a place rather than of fruits.Calls for food to complete the picture ““ such as a seafood appetizer or grilled chicken mains.
RICH WHITE
DOM. BERNARD DEFAIX 06 Chablis 1er Cru, Burgundy, France 17541 $36.95
A very pure, delicate and elegant Chablis that will seduce you with French charm. And an opportunity to experience how Chablis differs from most other Chardonnays. And you must read the pretentious wine description in the LCBO catalogue (page 38)…too ridiculous for words.
RUSTIC RED
SANTA JULIA 07 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina 93781 $13.95
Invigorating Cab that hits a middle ground between gutsy and yummy. New World ripe flavours with the refreshing character of a Chianti. The perfect candidate ““ style and price ““ for your house summer BBQ red. Don’t miss this one.
P.S. Produced by the Zuccardi family, the creators of ‘Fuzion’ at regular LCBO stores.
