6 WINES FOR SUMMER FUN AND FARE!
Summer is finally well and truly here, my friends! HOORAY!
I don’t know what this means to you but in my world., summer equates to a lot more dining outdoors and cooking on the grill or in our Traeger smoker. It also means more time with friends outdoors. And for me, all of this calls for good wine! :)
So dear friends, this edition of wine recommendations is focused on six wines that I think are perfect for enjoying in the summer heat, with typical summer fare, and without breaking the bank (for the most part!). I’ve picked two sparkling wines, one white wine and two red wines and there should be something to suit just about everyone’s palate and budget.
I hope you find something you like. Enjoy!
NOTE - If you’re located in Ontario and shopping at the LCBO, I’ve provided links to help you out below. Just remember that product availability will vary from location to location, and not all products last very long. Click the links below to check availability at your preferred store, or online.
All images of wine bottles below are taken from the LCBO website.
6 WINES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR ENJOYING THIS SUMMER!
Chandon Blanc de Pinot Noir Sparkling $32.95 Product #100693
No doubt the name “Chandon” is familiar to you, seeing as how it is one half of the powerhouse french luxury brand, Moet & Chandon. However, this Chandon is not the same - it comes from the brand’s investment in California, which made them the first French Champagne house to own a winery in the Sunshine State.
I love this sparkling wine for the quality that it offers, at an affordable price tag. Definitely a big brand name and large scale production, this sparkler nonetheless still delivers the goods.
Made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, you can expect this sparkling wine to be more earthy than typical Champagne that contains some amount of Chardonnay. Some might also find it a bit more fruity, which I think makes it a good match for summer salads that contain fruit, as well as chicken with peach or mango salsa.
Labrusca Lini 910 Reggiano Lambrusco Rosso Secco Product #632208
If you’re not into Lambrusco yet, or have misgivings about it being a sticky-sweet drink, my advice is to get over that quickly!
Lambrusco is well loved in Italy and for good reason. It is easy going but can be complex, not expensive (generally) and pairs well with a lot of food. It also comes in a rich range of styles. So what’s not to love?
This particular example is a perennial favourite in my home - we always have it on hand. It’s seriously the perfect sipper and presents with an intense ruby hue in the glass. Pair with salumi, lasagne or beef sausages off the grill.
2020 Chateau La Tour de l’Eveque Rose $19.95 Product #319392
If you’re looking for a sturdy but bright and zesty rose, this is the wine for you! Hailing from Provence, this wine is richer in colour and profile than some of its cousins from the same region because of the blend of grapes (Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Ugni Blanc and Rolle) that goes into it.
A well known perennial favourite, this wine is a perfect match for just about anything off the grill, whilst also being pleasant enough to accompany salads and a range of vegetarian fare.
2018 Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Chardonnay $28.95 Product #16988
I’m very excited about what is going on at Sokol Blosser. Taken over by the second generation, and a brother-sister duo, this winery is interested in both quality and keeping up with the times.
Dundee Hills, Oregon also happens to be a stellar AVA and Oregon, with its cool climate, does Chardonnay well.
This wine, fermented in both new and used barrels as well as a concrete egg, is sure to be smooth and classy. Enjoy it with chicken kebabs and greek salad whilst taking in a warm summer evening in your backyard!
2019 Zuccardi Q Malbec $19.95 Product #723478
Let me state my bias upfront - I LOVE Zuccardi wines, especially the Zuccardi Q series and especially the Zuccardi Q Malbec. There I said it - it’s true :)
I don’t think you can get a better value priced Malbec than this one. Fermented in both oak and concrete, and made from fruit from a range of micro-plots and climates in the Uco Valley, this high altitude Malbec really shines with pure fruit expression and ripe mouthwatering acidity. It’s a worthy investment for any wine lover who doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a quality wine.
Enjoy this wine with cured meats, aged cheese, hamburgers or lamb kebabs and I don’t think that you won’t be disappointed!
2018 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape $93.95 Product #711317 **CELLAR SELECTION**
Though this one is not entirely in keeping with the theme of this round up of wine recommendations, I had to include it.
Why is it not aligned with the theme, you ask? Well, this is not a “drink now” wine - to drink it right away would be a mistake! But it’s a fantastic cellar selection, one to put away and try in a few years (think 5-10!) with your summer fare!
Truly a wonderful and eponymous wine for anyone who is building a cellar or is a serious wine enthusiast.
And there you have it - my top picks to enjoy with your summer fun in the sun! Please be sure to let me know if you decide to try one of these wines!
Wishing you good health and treasured memories…..Cheers!
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WINE TASTING NOTE: 2019 Lungarotti Rubesco Rosso di Torgiano