Making the Case

Wines to Grill For… PART II

By TOM FIRTH I 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.

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

Pascual Toso 2019 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina

Granted, we might not think of cabernet sauvignon when we think about Argentina’s red wines, but many of the same factors that work oh-so-well for malbec work here too. From the reserve line at Pascual Toso, a cabernet that leans towards darker fruit, olive and herb notes with a clean pepper spiciness. Tannins are certainly big and chewy, but all the better for that striploin or flank steak. CSPC +238329 $22-25

1884 2019 Estate Grown Malbec Mendoza, Argentina

A consistently good malbec and regular winner at the Alberta Beverage Awards, 1884 manages to show off all the nuance that good malbec has. Densely laden with freshly rinsed berry fruits, a strong floral character and a little of that dusty herbal note called garrigue. Firm tannins and big fruits all come together so well, with appropriate acids which want just a little fat to go with that grilled protein. CSPC +770925 $19-21

Zorzal 2019 Terroir Unico Malbec Tupungato, Argentina

A deftly made malbec balancing those dark plum and berry fruits with a deep, loamy earthiness and that dusty, dried herb aroma great malbec has. A tightly wound, chewy wine on the palate with firm tannins, and a polished, flowery finish. A standout wine that fans of the grape should enjoy. At the table, red meat will of course be best, but this could also work with mushrooms or richer veggie dishes and stews. CSPC +864827 $26-27

Tio Pepe 2020 en Rama Fino, Jerez, Spain

A truly exciting and nearly unheard of sherry that is utterly worth trying. First off, fino sherry is bone dry, lightly fortified, and meant to be served well-chilled. Yes, it’s fortified, but fino is a remarkably delicate, almost fragile wine not meant for aging either. En Rama is essentially a cask-style, unfiltered fino showing off almond, toasty notes with citrus and saline qualities. Stunning with good quality almonds, sushi, or salty snacks. Available in half bottles too for the cautious. CSPC +925016 $29-33

Domaine Houchart 2021 Cotes du Provence Rosé, Provence, France

Simply put, there is no greater place than Provence to enjoy a glass of rosé – of course, other than a garden or wherever else good friends gather. A zesty blend of cinsault, grenache, syrah, and tibouren, this treat is almost an electric pink in the glass, but completely alive with citrus and berry characters and a zippy finish in balance with this very dry expression. Cheese, salads, or salty snacks would be great here. CSPC +738568 $22-25

House of Smith 2019 Substance “Cs” Cabernet Sauvignon Washington, United States

Washington State cabernet? Yes please! Cherry fruits with menthol tobacco, cedar, capsicum, and a mild brininess and smoke on the nose lead into a full-bore, complex, bold cabernet with earthy fruits, a lot of cedar and spicy tones, and some serious, steak friendly acids. Though I will say this is damn good with a nice cheese board and charcuterie. CSPC +782383 $24-27

Mission Hill 2020 Reserve Meritage, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

A Bordeaux-style blend from the quintessential Okanagan producer – Mission Hill, you know this is going to be good. Centred around cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon with merlot and petit verdot, all these varieties are bringing something to the table – namely a smooth and rich blend with top-shelf balance and expression. Very, very tasty, and that intense, floral and herb finish is going to work very well with that fancy, protein-rich meal you have planned. CSPC +808224 $30-34

Les Vins Bonhomme 2016 El Grand Bonhomme Tempranillo, Castilla y Leon, Spain

One of the top offerings we see from the Bonhomme family, El Grand Bonhomme is an excellent representation of the tempranillo grape, in a slightly more fruity, full bodied expression. Lush, ripe fruits of cherry and cassis with a sleek floral aroma, it’s on the palate that it all comes together with abundant spice, earth, and coffee-like tannins. Perhaps a touch young, I’d pair it with flank steak or even homemade steak frites or the like (don’t forget the fries!). CSPC +667394 $33-36

Heimann 2019 SXRD Szekszárd, Hungary

Miles away from the Szeksardi of old, or for those of us that remember the craze for “Bull’s Blood” of Eger, the wines of Hungary have been a-changing for the better in leaps and bounds. A blend of mostly kekfrankos with a smattering of other grapes, it’s surprisingly light in body with abundant spice characters, wild berry fruits, and a pleasing earthiness. A fun wine, and a little off the beaten path, this is going to be a star with smoked meats, good smokies, and ribs. CSPC +863842 $25-28 on most shelves