Summer wines – Summer is a time of year that many people look forward all year long and for good reason. It’s the perfect time for getting together with friends and enjoying some outdoor dining , and wine almost invariably becomes a part of the picture. For those readers that are used to drink bold reds, however, choosing wines that pair well with the heat of summer could be a difficult endeavour
A good summer wine must be able to please without being too much complicated. The key word here is pleasure. For me summertime is all about grilling, patio drinking and drinking by the pool or the lake with friends or loved ones. A good bottle must be able to help you decompress after a long day at the office.
Fortunately, there are a number of reds, whites and roses that fit these criteria that are available at the SAQ. Here are some of my personal recommendations for every summer activity.
While you are grilling..
Château Cambon Beaujolais rose 2017 – SAQ # 12798611 $24.45
One of my favourites roses year after year. The 2017 has an enticing nose that recalls cantaloupe with strawberry. On the mouth, fresh with a good volume and acidity. A lingering finale that recalls pink peppercorns and wild raspberry. Would pair well with bruschetta or Catalan tomato toast.
With your grilled bbq food…
Les Vins de Vienne Les Cranilles 2016 – SAQ # 00722991 $20.70
A hearty red wine, with beautiful layers of red and black fruits. On the mouth quite ample with flavours of black olive tapenade, violets, spices and leather. The 2016 has terrific balance despite the richness of the vintage.A poster child of its appellation Côte du Rhône, perfect companion for your meat barbecues.
Cline Cellars Cashmere 2015 – SAQ # 11091825 $19.70
A hearty California Rhone Blend. Aromas of ripe black cherry, confit raspberry with touches of mocha, leather and oak. On the palate, the wine is rich with a sumptuous structure complemented by thick but refined tannins. Attractive long aftertaste that recalls roasted herbs and plums. Enjoy with grilled pork chops
Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin blanc 2017 – SAQ # 12889409 $22.70
A beautiful South African Chenin Blanc that displays layers of mineral and tropical fruit character. Also delicate undertones of quartz and flint. On the palate, the wine is nicely round with a juicy acidity. Fresh and thirst quenching with an elegant finale. Would pair well with grilled salmon Thai style.
After the 50 km bicycle ride
Ravines Riesling Finger Lakes 2015 – SAQ # 12289534 $27.25
Bone dry with a mouthwatering acidity featuring aromas of tropical citrus fruits. Racy in the palate with intriguing flavours of honey, smoke and wax with a touch of citronella at the end. Enjoy with shrimp vietnamese rolls.
To drink by the poolside:
Château Vignelaure Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence 2017 ( 1.5 L SAQ # 13640293 $50)
A fantastic rose from Coteaux D’Aix en Provence. Aromas of bay leaf, blood orange with fragrant nuances of cherry blossom. On the palate soft spoken with enticing mineral floral and mineral nuances. Drink it with tapas with good company.
Best Rose that you can buy for $20
If you have not had yet a rose wine this summer, Montirius Côtes du Rhône La Muse Papilles 2017 rose ( 13711194, $20) is the way to go.
Domaine Montirius is situated in the southern Rhone valley, in Gigondas and in Vacqueyras. The winery is the project of Christine and Eric Saurel, a young couple who works strictly in biodynamic culture.
Labour-intensive with a rigorous methodology, low yielding old vines on optimal soil yield amazing fruit. Their patient methodology is rewarded with superb expressions of terroir, driven wines described by Christine as `vins lumineux’. At the SAQ, you can find their village Vacqueyras for $22.15 which is absolutely steal for the price paid.
La Muse Papilles is an unpretentious rose just fun that does not try to be a red wine. A blend of Syrah and Cinsault that avoids the heaviness of some Grenache roses. On a yield of 30 hl / ha, only 3,000-4000 bottles are produced per year. It is a very artisanal wine. Get it while you can at the SAQ, it is in limited quantities.