This week we dive into some of my favourites that are perfect for the last week of summer. As we head to the barbecue, entertain with friends and enjoy golden hour sunsets, these bottles are the ideal companion to outdoor picnics, poolside afternoons and weekend gatherings. Remember to sip, savour and share!
Expert Picks: Top 6 wines available at the LCBO right now
M de Minuty Rosé 2021
One of the best-selling pink wines hails from Cote de Provence, France. Château Minuty is run by the Matton-Farnet family for over 85 years on the Saint-Tropez peninsula in the south of France overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The bottle design was updated in 2014 but was invented and designed in the 60s by Monique Farnet, Jean-Etienne and François Matton’s mother. in 2022 Anne-Victoire Matton joined her father Jean-Etienne and Uncle François in the running of this Provençal gem. The vines are cultivated using sustainable methods and Minuty is one of the last estates in the Côtes de Provence where the grapes are harvested entirely by hand. primarily use Grenache for its elegant aromas, Cinsault for its freshness, Syrah for its complexity and a dash of seafront Tibouren for its delicate white fruit aromas. This gorgeous wine has notes of soft berry, peach, melon and even garrigue/lavender.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Even though Sauvignon Blanc Day is every May, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is a fan choice bottle to be enjoyed all year round! New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc captures the senses with lush passion fruit, tropical, citrus and gooseberry characters and even fresh cut grass, tomato stalks, grapefruit and lime. An ideal food and wine adventure with this wine is a picnic where there is a fine cheese board and freshly shucked oysters, a perfect moment for both your palate and Instagram!
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Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
Santa Margherita was founded in 1935 by Gaetano Marzotto with the intention to produce wine using a union of nature, technology and human innovation. In fact, all Santa Margherita wines are named after his wife. This PG is a wonderful bottle perfect for summer sipping with a true ethos of #givingback. All pinot grigio bottles that are destined for Canada are certified “carbon zero”, which means every gram of CO2 that is generated has to be compensated by an equivalent reduction in emissions or offset through targeted environmental initiatives. SMW Contributes to the Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project (NEFCP). This project promotes and maintains the function and diversity of ecosystems along Ontario’s Niagara escarpment and maintains forest cover, and ecosystem function, as well as establishing tree growth and enhancing biodiversity. This incredible project also contributes to the protection of rare species, biodiversity, and geological features in their natural condition, which encourages sustainable low-impact recreation, and protection of featured species such as Pileated Woodpecker, Painted Turtle, and Great Grey Owl. This wine is filled with light citrus, crisp and refreshing and easy to pair food with! Whether it’s grilled chicken or a sunny afternoon, this bottle is ideally paired with summer entertaining!
Jose Pariente Verdejo Fermentado en Barrica 2020
I drink a lot of wines from Rueda, Spain and many are light,crisp and fresh. This bottle however is one of the very few wines from the region that is aged in barrels. This gives the wine texture, weight and body. Not only is this wine unique to the region, but likely the taste will be unique to you as well. Made with the Verdejo grape, this wine will impress any wine enthusiast and is a fun bottle to play around with food pairings. Try partnering this bottle with seafood paella or grilled pork tenderloin.
J. Lebegue Lussac St-Emilion
Founded by two cousins, J.Lebegue wines are impressive and worth stocking up on. With its recognizable red ribbon labels, this range is a tribute to the architectural heritage of Bordeaux, this is a modern style Bordeaux that is fresh, Merlot driven and remarkably drinkable even in its youth! Grapevines used in this wine are on average 30 years old and the wine is aged in stainless steel with no time in oak or barrel at all. This modern approach to Bordeaux winemaking makes the wine fruit forward yet serious. Made by a female winemaker, Elodie Bonnot this wine is built for a new generation of Bordeaux drinkers. The price is also attractive – worth stocking up on.
Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2019
Peter Lehmann the man was an icon of the Barossa Valley in Australia and has relationships with growers who span decades. This Shiraz is powerful, lush and elegant and a great pairing with barbecue entertaining. Full of dark berries and spice, it is a full bodied red wine that can be decanted and also aged. Have fun and share this bottle with friends and family at the cottage!
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