MAKING THE CASE
Wines to Grill For… PART II I
By TOM FIRTH
was reminded this very morning how great it is in the summer months in Calgary (like it or not, I am in Calgary and most of my mornings start here). The clouds are typically few, the sun is shining, and a gentle breeze is usually bringing the scents and sounds of nature to my backyard. Why on earth would I spend more time than I have to inside when I can be out? The same holds true in the evenings, and I would much rather enjoy a meal, a drink, or some company outside knowing that in a few short months, it’s not going to be so great for this simple pleasure that recharges the soul – though I can do without the pollen. Once again, these summer months, I want to share more wines that simply put – taste much better outside. Whether it’s for a backyard barbecue, a little take out, or even just a bowl of chips and a nice glass or two. Wine, no matter how seriously you take it, is really just about a moment in time, one that encapsulates the harvest, the vintage, the soul of its place, and ideally, brings us together in a memorable moment. Get out there – 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.
Umberto Cesari 2021 Costa di Rose Sangiovese Rosé, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
The sort of rosé that almost demands to be assigned a single word to describe it, and that word is “elegant”, soft and expressive with strawberries on the vine, citrus and floral aromas, while on the palate, a pinch of sweetness and mild candied notes balance out the fruit. Overall, a completely smashable, summerfriendly glass or two to enjoy outside. Serve chilled, but not too cold. CSPC +843945 $25-27
Salentein 2019 Reserve Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina
A long time favourite malbec producer of mine, making a wine that checks off all the boxes for good malbec, but at the same time more of a dark, plum fruit, and even better is a strong and layered floral component offset by some lovely dried herb character. Big, really big on the palate with tannins to match, I’d be just as likely to match this against a homemade bacon cheeseburger as I would a prime rib. CSPC +755804 $28-32
Undurraga 2019 Terroir Hunter Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo, Chile
Not that long ago, Chile made a bold play to start making some of the best cabernet sauvignon in the world and they managed it quite well. Excellent site selection, high altitude vineyards, and yes, the talent is a big part, all come together here in the Terroir Hunter Series. Cassis and cherry fruits dominate, with lilac blossoms, cola, spice and some silky, refined acids. An exceptional bottle of very well priced cabernet. CSPC +546333 $28-31
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.
38 Culinaire | July/August 2022
Gil Family 2018 Atteca Old Vine Garnacha, Calatayud, Spain
Grenache (or garnacha as it’s known in Spain) is one of the greats, and is best known in Spain and parts of France for polished, spicy reds that aren’t too heavy on the palate. Here, deep raspberry fruits with subtle strawberry characters, dried herb and a touch of jamminess on the nose move into an intense, fruit driven, but spicy and not too tannic flavour profile. Loving the acids, and balance, and this would really shine with pork sausage, cured meats, or ribs – saucy, beautiful ribs. CSPC +729032 $25-29
