Making the Case

Wines to Grill For… PART 1

By TOM FIRTH Me? I’m absolutely a creature of habit. While I do change things up from time to time, when the nice – uhh- nicer weather is upon us, I’d much rather spend my time out of doors, whether it’s cooking, socializing, enjoying a nice book, or a nice glass or two. Plus, there is more than enough activity to get some fresh air through the system including a little yard work, getting a quick peddle in, or just strolling around town.

Wine-wise, this time of year, I want to see and enjoy wines that match up perfectly with enjoying the outdoors, and this often involves being near the barbecue, or enjoying lighter fare that suits the day. We know in

Alberta that we can just as easily enjoy a +30º day in the sunshine that might be hovering around 10-12º C when the sun dips. For wine picks, these are all great, well-priced bottles that are all-stars around an outdoor entertaining menu. Naturally, we have a few Argentine wines which fit the bill perfectly, but a smattering of American and French wines, Australian and Canadian bottles which contribute nicely to a fine evening in the backyard. 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.

Chartron et Trebuchet 2019 Pouilly-Fuisse Burgundy, France

A complete stunner of a French chardonnay showing off the very best of the fruit and some fantastic balance from start to finish. Clean, creamy fruits with plenty of tropical and apple presence but with a tightly wound acidity that complements those fruits, and a fine mineral tone. Completely at home on its own, but would be fantastic with poultry, lighter seafood dishes, or even a little charcuterie. CSPC +264945 $34-38

Tom has been waxing on (and on) about wine, beer, and spirits for more than 25 years and freelances, consults, and judges on beverages all year long. He is the Managing Editor for Culinaire Magazine, and the Competition Director for the Alberta Beverage Awards.

Chartron et Trebuchet 2019 Cremant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, France

It’s hard to share how much I enjoyed trying this wine without being overly effusive, or excessive in my praise, but this was exactly the sort of well-crafted, well-priced sparkler that breaks our tendency to only think about sparkling wine for special occasions. Completely alive with bright fruits, mild toastiness, and gentle nuttiness on the nose and palate. A subtle, enjoyable wine for any day of the week. CSPC +804981 $24-28

Cantina Girlan Fass Nr.9 2020 Vernatsch Südtirol Alto Adige, Italy

Completely new to me, the grape here is vernatsch and almost completely unknown outside Alto Adige but that might be changing in the years to come. All around, this is a totally tasty and versatile wine that shows off plump and clean berry fruits, a finely expressed cocoa and earthy/spice back palate, and smooth and mild tannins. Fun to drink and a new experience, this will handle roast beef or game, and a wide variety of meaty sauces – even pizza! CSPC +853961 $27-30

Catena 2019 Malbec Mendoza, Argentina

One of the best-known Argentinean producers we see around these parts and for good reason. The wines always deliver! Classically malbec on the nose with a clean and almost dominant floral aroma to go with those black fruits. On the palate, a very well-balanced wine with harmony between the fruit, herb, and an almost chocolatey finish. A fine choice for bringing to the barbecue, it will work well with those rich proteins, but also would stand up to top quality pork sausage or smokies. CSPC +478727 $24-28

La Posta 2020 Pizzella Malbec Mendoza, Argentina

A wonderfully reasonable purchase for malbec lovers, La Posta is a barbecue star that punches above its weight. Deep plummy and cocoa style aromas with a pinch of dried herbs lead into a clean, fruit-driven palate with some nice and chewy tannins, and some lovely acids. An easy going (for malbec) bottle that would be an all-star at your next meat-centric barbecue – but also great with pizza or some hard cheese. CSPC +923789 $22-24

La Crema 2019 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, California

I’ve been seeing a lot of people in my social circles rediscovering this gem, and it’s an easy one to recommend for having great quality and a very reasonable price. Aromas are bright and fruit driven, with only a subtle oak or yeasty character, but on the palate a rich and creamy expression with well integrated lees notes, some prominent oak, and a long finish. A fine white that would be excellent with creamy dishes, but also that big steak you have planned. CSPC +366948 $29-33

Murphy Goode 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Cabernet is a grape that often takes itself too seriously, but this is certainly one of the easiest and most approachable examples I’ve seen recently. Good varietal expression with cherry and cassis fruits, a clean spiciness, a little bell pepper and liquorice, and some fairly soft tannins for cabernet sauvignon. A crowd-pleasing example that would be just at home with a brisket as it would with some thick homemade burgers. CSPC +739671 $22-24

Colomé 2019 Estate Malbec Calchaqui Valley, Argentina

Malbec lovers take note, this is one of my favourite Argentinean producers, and a top shelf malbec for enthusiastic fans of this wonderful grape. Very dark in the glass with a deep, earthy aroma of dried herbal characters, smoke and rich loamy soil, but also a ripe black plum fruitiness. Lush and full of berry fruits on the palate with a huge tannin presence. A nice glass on its own, but better with that big, protein-rich dinner or special occasion meal. CSPC +956896 $31-35

Bodegas Atalaya 2020 Almansa Laya, Spain

A blend of garnacha and monastrell, two grapes that are firmly part of the fabric of Spanish wine, the 2020 Laya is a fine choice for those that love great barbecue-friendly wines. Bursting on the nose with brambly berry fruits but also a peppery spice and a light dried woodiness, the palate is alive with flavour and some slightly gritty tannins that nearly beg for those bigger dishes. Would handle flavourful pork dishes with ease, but also gooey, saucy ribs too. CSPC +742414 $20-24

Bench 1775 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Okanagan Valley

There is a soft spot in my heart for several wines made by Bench 1775, and the cabernet merlot is making its way there too. Clean, expressive fruits lead off on the nose with an exceedingly mild bell pepper and olive aroma over just a whiff of smokiness. Big, chewy tannins with tight acids offset abundant fruits with graphite and cola undercurrents. A touch young to enjoy now, but this would be a treat to enjoy with good quality steaks or tender, saucy ribs. CSPC +483529 $27-30

Calliope 2019 Figure 8 Cabernet Merlot British Columbia

A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot, at a heck of a price too, Calliope’s Figure 8 is a gem. Cherry and blackberry fruits on the nose with a clean, herbaceous perfume, it’s on the palate where things really come together. Generous, almost jammy fruits with a wild brambly fruit character for added depth, tied together with firm, meat-friendly tannins. Very accessible to drink and would be a fine choice with smoked meats, ribs, or a nice selection of hard cheese. CSPC +175976 $27-30

Tenuta di Castellaro 2018 L’Ottava Isola Etna, Italy

Some of the most interesting and exciting to drink wines coming from Italy these days are coming from volcanic soils and vineyards and this is no exception. Made from the awesome variety nerello mascalese (and nerello cappuccio) which is a little lighter in the glass and in many ways similar in body to pinot noir. Authentic in the glass, this terroir laden bottle shows off savoury herbs, dry cherry and tobacco flavours and completely impeccable balance. Will blow minds with a homemade ragu or Bolognese sauce. CSPS +793795 $30-34

Wirra Wirra 2019 Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot McLaren Vale, Australia

Australia might just be the global leader in barbecue (though Argentina, Alberta, and some parts of the States might give them a run), and the Church Block is blending together three of the best grapes for a summertime grilling. In the end, it’s a full flavoured, slightly fruit forward red with a herbaceous and earthy expression too. An easy-going red that will work with dishes from the smoker or gas grill (but my money is on gourmet-style cheeseburgers!). CSPC +19380 $22-25