ask a sommelier I like the idea of canned wines for the lake, but are any of them good? —Sam Bards Absolutely! There are some really great wines in a can and other small-format choices that are perfect for the cabin or if you just want to have 1 or 2 glasses of wine. My favourite wine in a can is from Union Wine Co. (Oregon) who produces a line called Underwood. Perfectly packaged in 375mL cans (that’s a half a bottle of wine!) you can choose Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Rosé, bubbly, or bubbly rosé! ($11.99). Just crack open and sip!
(and your deck) is typically too warm for reds. Lighter-style reds like Pinot Noir or Valpolicella should be served between 13 and 16°C, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz should be between 16 and 18°C. Since not all of us have perfectly temperaturecontrolled wine fridges, a good rule is to take your white wines out of the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving and put your red wines in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. —Saralyn Mehta
Another favourite small format wine is from Luis Felipe Edwards (Chile) who produces an adorable 4-pack of 187 ml bottles in Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio ($14.99/pk)—each little bottle is one perfect glass of wine. Or, if you have a favourite wine that doesn’t already come in a small format, you can always pour your favourite wine in the amazing Corkcicle stemless cup ($37.99). This travel cup upgrade keeps your whites cold and your reds at the perfect temperature for hours. Enjoy!
I drink my white wines right out of the fridge. Is that the right temperature? —H. Wells
On the flip side, you don’t want to serve your red wines too warm. Just as your fridge temperature is too cold for whites, your home’s room temperature
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For hearty fare and bold flavours such as burgers, lamb, or smoked ribs, think big, bold flavours that can match in intensity. Chilean Carménère (like Veramonte Carménère, $18.99), South African Shiraz (like Heron Ridge’s O-Nine, $19.99) or an American red Zinfandel (like Precision Prototype Zinfandel, $19.99) would all be wonderful options. If you are looking for a great value wine, Botter Doppio Passo Primitivo ($14.99) has all the punch of an American Zinfandel without the price tag. For lighter fare, such as fish or grilled veggie kabobs, don’t get too hung up on rules. There is nothing I love more with a fresh summer BBQ than a glorious dry rosé. Paul Mas Claude Val Rosé ($13.99) is perfect for pleasing a crowd and pleasing the wallet on a hot summer day.
—Jill Kwiatkoski
A typical fridge is approximately 4°C. This is much too cold for most whites, as cold mutes the fruit aromas and flavours in your wine. Lighter whites like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are best between 7 and 10°C, whereas weighty whites like an oaked Chardonnay or Viognier are usually best served at a warmer temperature, up to 13°C—just slightly chilled.
herbs or Uncle Stan’s famous 13-hour smoked brisket? What sauces, rubs, or additional flavourings will be used? Sometimes these have a bigger impact on pairing!
What is a good BBQ wine? —Peter Handley Great question, but the better question may be “What ISN’T a good BBQ wine?” Much like the query, “Which wine goes with chicken?” the possibilities are limitless! Here are some questions that our wine experts will ask you when pairing for your BBQ: What is your protein: are we talking chicken, pork, beef, fish, or vegetarian delights? How will it be prepared: a light grill with fresh
Finally, don’t forget the bubbles! As often as we try to match flavours and intensities of wines, a beautiful pairing can be achieved through contrast. Bubbles are mouth-wateringly fresh and bright and can lift the heavy flavours of BBQ fare. I recommend Azienda Agricola Siro Merotto Extra Dry Prosecco ($21.99)—and don’t be fooled by the name: “Extra Dry” means there is just the slightest touch of sweetness in this easy-drinking bubbly. —Rebecca Lechman Our friend Rebecca passed away suddenly on March 29, 2020, as we were preparing this issue. We are happy to include her contribution here. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR OUR SOMMELIERS, TEXT US BETWEEN 9 AM AND 9 PM AT 204.400.0499 OR FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER @BANVILLEJONES.
