Making The Case

For SummerFriendly Wines

By TOM FIRTH

Let’s be pretty honest. Summer in Alberta is usually pretty awesome. It’s rarely cold or rainy, and most days are filled with sunshine and blue skies too. While many of us are hanging out a little closer to home than we’d prefer, it’s a great time to relax on the deck or chill on the patio if you can, or at the very least, open all the windows and let the fresh air in.

We do see Father’s Day in June, and while not everyone makes a big fuss about this day, it’s likely still a fine day to have a tiny get-together and fire up that grill.

While you are doing that, I would love to recommend some wonderful, summerfriendly wines that are very easy to enjoy at home.

Find these wines by searching the CSPC code at Liquorconnect.com; your local liquor store can also use this code to order it for you. Prices are approximate.

De Fournier 2019 Sauvignon Blanc France

French sauvignon blanc tends to be a little more… restrained than the New Zealand style, but in no way inferior. Bright lemony fruits with abundant melon notes, and a rather juicy fruit presence evoking passionfruit and mango on the palate, but still lots of food friendly acids. A lovely quaffer, will go very well with appetizer-style foods or grilled poultry. CSPC 832671 $21-24

Tom is a freelance wine writer, wine consultant, and wine judge. He is the Managing Editor for Culinaire Magazine, and the Competition Director for the Alberta Beverage Awards. Follow him on twitter @cowtownwine, email tom@culinairemagazine.ca

Tarapaca 2018 Gran Reserva Carmenère Maipo, Chile

A relatively uncommon variety, carmenère is often recognized by aromas of pencil lead, dill, and pepper spice. Abundant fruit presence on the nose and palate, with clean flavours and a decidedly spicy bell pepper character (think cooler climate cabernet). Should pair well with richer pasta sauces or even some more robust grilled seafood. CSPC +894253 $20-24

Luce 2017 Lucente, Tuscany, Italy

A blend of merlot and sangiovese, made in a very much fruit driven style, with loads of berry from start to finish and a supporting cast of spice and woodsy tones. Rather prominent tannins and a good core of acids will make this sing with meatier dishes like roasts or beef dishes from the smoker, but also thick crust meaty pizzas if it’s a night to order in. Drinking very well now, but can handle a few years in the cellar too. CSPC +519421 $36-40

Tenuta Viglione 2019 Primitivo Puglia, Italy

Looking for a good, organic primitivo - or zinfandel for that matter? Look no further than Viglione’s from Puglia. Peppery, spicy plums, blueberry and strawberry, with bright and clean floral tones, lead the nose with a slightly jammy, fruit driven palate. Quite the weeknight crushable wine and a great price zinfandel/primitivo, it will go stunningly with good pizza, baked pasta dishes, or even burgers. CSPC +813494 $18-21

UMAMU 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Margaret River, Western Australia

Yes, this is the current vintage of this sauvignon blanc, and yes, it’s still a tightly wound and fresh bottle. Lemongrass, honey, and hazelnuts, lead off the nose with good support from aging sur lie for 10 months and plenty of barrel aging. In the end, it’s a crisp and balanced sauvignon blanc that is more than a few steps from ordinary. CSPC +829499 $40-44

Poplar Grove 2020 Pinot Gris Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Limited to about eleven thousand cases, and only a small amount of that makes it to Alberta, this is a wine well worth seeking out and buying a few for the summer months. Ripe and clean with nectarines, peaches, apple skins and hints of honey on the nose and palate – a pleasure to sip and enjoy, and a stunning glass of wine. CSPC +733118 About $24-27

Spier 2018 Merlot, Stellenbosch South Africa

Absolutely jam-packed with plum and berry fruits on the nose, this is a great tipple to have on the deck or patio. On the palate, fruits are bright and generous, with a touch of smokiness and herb towards the finish. Plenty of tannins make this nimble at the dinner table. I’d pair this with homemade burgers, or a gourmet pizza, or just enjoy this gem on its own. CSPC +819611 About $20

L’Amarante 2019 Rosé Côtes du Rhône, France

While of course we should be able to enjoy good rosé any time of year, they just taste best when enjoyed outside. Now that the weather is getting good, this grenache-based gem is fitting the bill. Slightly tart fruits, a little citrus, and a zesty finish – pleasantly dry too, this is priced right to be an everyday quaffer on the deck or patio. Try pairing with seafood or lightly salted appetizers. CSPC +837339 $19-22

Burrowing Owl 2016 Meritage Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

A robust and sturdy meritage blend centered on cabernet sauvignon, which takes centre stage as well. Deep cherry fruits, with floral characters of lilac and lavender, and a touch of bell pepper to the tannins. Not to fear, the merlot brings a little plumminess, and nearly a quarter of cabernet franc delivers the ripeness and spice. Will cellar well if desired, but otherwise, bring on the beef. CSPC +1081131 $62-67

De Fournier 2018 Pinot Noir, France

There is something calming about a clean, well-made pinot noir at a great price. De Fournier showcases excellent varietal character but with an easy, silken mouthfeel with good weight, fruit presence, and slightly edgy tannins towards the finish. I’d happily match this with lamb dishes or a nice charcuterie board, though a wine like this is the epitome of versatility at the table. Enjoy! CSPC +832670 $19-22

Smidge 2018 Houdini Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia

McLaren Vale is one of the undisputable, iconic homes of shiraz. The Houdini was brand new to me, but very happy to try it. A shiraz that makes no effort to apologize for being in the Australian style, it positively shouts from the rooftops that it’s full of juicy, jammy black fruits, earthy spices and tannin. Pair with what else? Barbecued beef all the way, but nothing too lean, as a little fat will really bring it all together. Very nice. CSPC +829409 $37-41

UMAMU 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River, Western Australia

Holding up exceptionally well (with about ten years already behind it) and made in a cooler climate, a more traditional style of cabernet sauvignon. Abundant cedar and bell pepper aromas with tealeaf, cocoa, and cherry/cassis fruits, with a palate that has all the same centred around big tannins and acids. Excellent harmony though and should be very versatile with a menu that is going to involve grilled or smoked red meat. CSPC +829501 $65-70

Black Angus 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Victoria, Australia

From the same people behind the popular Angus the Bull, comes Black Angus - a totally new flagship cabernet sauvignon. Limited to about 600 cases, it’s also a testament to how good cabernet sauvignon can be from the right spots in Australia. Not made every year, the 2017 is a riper, more generous style of cabernet (but not a fruit bomb), with cedar cherries, plum, and blackberries on the palate. Certainly can cellar well, but it’s damn good now. CSPC +843720 About $50