Summer usually brings to mind lighter whites and roses for the patio along with some heavier reds and whites for the BBQ. Summer wines need to be casual since the warm weather does not help you enjoy your better wine’s subtle aromas. That being said it is not a good call to bring out your most expensive wines.
Your biggest drawbacks to enjoying your wine in the summer are temperature and BBQ food flavours. So, here’s how to get the best from your wine experience while sitting in your rattan chair.
Temperature – Wine that heats up in the sun heats up quickly. Warm wines display harsh tannins, especially red and orange wine. What you must do is chill your sparkling, whites, roses in the fridge for 2-3 hours and reds and oranges for 20 minutes before serving them. When you’re outside, if your wine gets too warm, put it in an ice bucket for 5-10 minutes to keep your reds cool and your sparkling/whites/roses cold.
BBQ marinades/sauces – These could be sweet and spicy, which overshadow the wine’s fruit fruit profile. So, remember that your wine will need to have a bigger structure to stand to your BBQ. Otherwise, the lovely fruit flavours in your glass will seemingly disappear.
Now with a short and quick introduction to summer wines to try:
Villadoria Argo Langhe 2018 – SAQ #12941431 – $16.10
Textbook introduction to Nebbiolo for under $30. Incredible nuances of cherry, raspberry with hints of licorice, nutmeg and flint. On the palate, polished with soft tannins and a snappy acidity. A Nebbiolo for the summer.
Karim Vionnet Beaujolais Villages Le Rawse de Karim 2018 – SAQ # 14419662 – $24.20
Very floral with succulent notes of red berries and cantaloupe. On the palate, soft and very delicate. Retronasal consistent with the nose complemented by subdued minerality. Perfect apero wine.
La Fille Couillaud Lord De La Ragoti̬re Pinot Noir 2018 РSAQ # 13999132 Р$17.65
Juicy blackberry fruit, rhubarb with pleasant vegetable hints that remind me of swiss chard and wood bark. On the palate, medium body, with a soft spoken nature. Very airy with a delicate finale.Served on the Pinot Noir Riedel winewing glass, this wine strikes me with a beautiful acidity and flavours that recall lemon and blueberry undertones.
Otazu Ozu Tempranillo Navarra 2018 – SAQ # 14321761 – $15.80
Sensual notes of black plums, cherry and chorizo spices. Full body with a generous structure and chunky tannis. Great value for the price it commands. A finale reminiscent of roasted herbs as well.
Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda Selection 2018 – SAQ # 14195291 – $17.95
Lots of green tropical fruits with lovely floral nuances as well. Round palate, refreshing with a good acidity and a perfect floral finale. The perfect Mediterranean white under $20.
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