Making The Case

MAKING THE CASE For Backyard Wines

By TOM FIRTH

While Alberta’s “Open for Summer” plan is underway, it’s hard to guess exactly what that will look like or how successfully we’ll navigate the changes over the summer months.

In that light, it’s fair to say that aside from some dine-in or patio visits, many of us might be entertaining or chilling out in our backyards. Whether supporting our specialty grocers, getting take out, or even ordering some of those yummy prepare-at-home options, there are plenty of great options for wetting your whistle – wine style. With some versatile, barbecuefriendly whites and reds from around the world, I’ve also found a few lovely, and reasonably priced sparkling wines that can help beat the heat in style. Enjoy!

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.

Domaine Giraud 2019 M&F, France

A blend of syrah and cinsault, with a smattering of a few other grapes, this is exactly the sort of wine that works so well at a backyard barbecue when you don’t quite know what’s on the menu. Slightly smoky and herbal characters support deep fruits and a lengthy, savoury finish. This would really rock some ribs or a nice cheese plate. CSPC 836993 About $24-26

Bottega NV Petalo Il Vino dell’Amore Moscato Dolce, Italy

Moscato is often described as being “summer in a glass” and while perhaps a bit overused, it’s a fitting description. Densely packed with fresh, tropical fruit flavours and more than a little sweetness and less alcohol, this is the sort of wine that is a perfect alternative to soda on a warm day. Pro tip: moscato always tastes better when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping. CSPC +775712 Around $17-20

Faust 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, United States

I’ve had this wine several times in the past, but tasting it now was the first time I had ever known it was in Canada (so I guess I need to get out more). Napa is, of course, one of the global, marquee homes of cabernet sauvignon, so this is bound to impress enthusiasts of the grape. Densely laden with black fruits, cola, and pepperyherb aromas, the palate is a showstopper with classic varietal character but earthy, tarry tannins to balance the fruit. Cellar or drink, but either way, have the decanter close to hand for this treasure. CSPC +769210 About $115-120

De Fournier 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé, Loire Valley, France

While pinot noir makes some of the finest red wines on the planet, in the right hands a fine rosé can also take shape. Aromas are both subtle and summery with bright pink blossom tones and a pinch of candy cigarette (remember those?). Quite dry, but with some noticeable sweetness, the palate is well balanced by zesty acids and a mild tartness to the fruit. Serve cool to cold, and like most rosés, it tastes better outside. CSPC +842914 $21-24

Cune NV Brut Cava, Spain

Quite simply, this is a sparkling wine that punches well over its weight. A blend of traditional grapes often found in Spain’s sparkling wine, the nose beckons with biscuit toastiness while the fruits are well positioned and well balanced too. Perhaps best of all, the finish is so smooth and creamy – you find yourself pouring another glass before you know it. CSPC +812216 $19-21

Louis Bouillot NV Cremant de Bourgogne Rosé, Burgundy, France

One of my favourite sparkling wines from the Burgundy region of France, and positively bursting with fresh, toasty characters coupled with expressive, summery berry fruits. This is exactly the sort of sparkling wine that reminds one why they should be drinking more bubbly. And the price is fantastic too! Pair with anything really, but my vote would be a little fresh fruit and cheese. CSPC +745430 $29-32

Anno Domini N/V Brut Bio, Veneto, Italy

Brand new to our market, and an organic prosecco to boot, look for expressive and beautiful flavours of lime and lemon drops, tart apple fruits, and lush tropical notes of pineapple and a bit of gooseberry (yes, gooseberry!) on the nose and palate, with a slightly creamy approach making for a refreshing glass or two. Juicy, fresh, and delicious too. CSPC +844006 $25-28

Zsirai 2017 Tokaji Furmint, Hungary

Furmint is one of the great, unheard-of white grapes, and almost entirely found in Hungary. Floral aromas dominate the nose with a slightly resinous, almost evergreen character. Clean and dry on the palate with plenty of layered flavours and a slightly spicy finish. Interesting, tasty, and would really go well with scallops or grilled fish. CSPC +836710 About $26

13th Street Winery 2018 Burger Blend Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

The name says it all. From the Niagara Peninsula comes a gamay pinot noir blend designed from the ground up to pair with burgers. Rather lighter in body with a softer approach to the tannins, but still generous fruits leaning towards cranberries and strawberries with a lifted, zesty acidity which will really hum along with homemade, gourmet-style bacon (optional) cheeseburgers. CSPC +812773 About $21

Faber 2018 Riche Shiraz, Swan Valley Western Australia

Swan Valley is very well suited to making some lovely varieties that favour a warmer climate, like the lush, fruity Australian shiraz so many people love, and what makes it so good at a get-together. Here, the fruits are very generous with a lifted, but still subtle violet character that really makes this sing from start to finish. Would be a fine treat with barbecued meats, or a nice charcuterie board. CSPC +832692 $40-44

Quin 2017 Shiraz, Eden Valley South Australia

Only available in our market in smaller quantities, Quin is yet another expression of shiraz, but from the Eden Valley. Plump fruits on the nose support a wild berry, and herbal tone, leading into a very easy going, but complex shiraz expression on the palate. Bloody good from start to finish, and each sip brings out a little more to think on or discuss. Cellar if you wish, but a rather smashable wine that should be a bit of an all-star for summer grilling. CSPC +824522 $64-68

Faber 2017 Reserve Shiraz Swan Valley, Western Australia

This was the first-time tasting wine from the Swan Valley in Australia, and it’s easy to see why it might be worth the effort to find these. The reserve shiraz is deep and earthy, distinctively Australian in style with some of those bigger fruits on the nose and palate, but also showing off tons of floral and nuance under that fruit. A big, serious shiraz, with a wonderfully long finish, that should be a treat from the cellar or something special to pull out at a backyard meal.

Clos de Luz 2018 Arao Rapel Valley, Chile

Carmenère is a grape I continually forget about, but with the added bonus that I am often pleasantly surprised by well made ones. A blend with about 8 percent cabernet sauvignon and 7 percent syrah, it’s right on the cusp of being able to be labeled as a straight variety. Plummy and spicy, with peppers and graphite followed by a bright, garden-fresh finish, this will sing with burgers, hanger steaks, or even good pizza.