• The following wine was made by Laurent Miquel, an 8th generation winemaker in this family estate; his family has made wines in the Languedoc since 1791.
Laurent Miquel ‘Pere et Fils’ Chardonnay 2014
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $12.95 (157909) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of tropical fruit, honeydew melon and lemony citrus introduce this light-medium bodied, nicely textured, unoaked Chardonnay. Ripe fruit flavours of nectarine, grilled pineapple and lemon curd bathe the palate, balanced and beautiful. There’s exceptional value in this and it’s versatile at the table—pour on its own, with seafood or chicken. (Vic Harradine)
Villa Sandi Pinot Grigio 2014
IGT Veneto, Italy $10.95 (580324) 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of orchard fruit and mineral notes mingle with honey and wildflowers on the nose of this light-on-its-feet Grigio. Easy-going flavours of apple, pear and tart lemon wash over the palate infusing the crisp, clean and refreshing aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour with lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
Ironstone ‘Obsession’ Symphony 2014
California $14.95 (295931) 12.0% alcohol
The Symphony grape resulted from a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. This highly aromatic wine bursts from the glass with aromas of rosewater, tropical fruit, exotic spice and flowers. Off-dry and light-mid weight, the tropical fruit flavours and floral notes replay on the palate balanced by fine acidity with notions of spice adding zest to the long fruity finish. Serve this value-packed gem with East Asian cuisine. (Susan Desjardins)
Villa Sandi ‘Il Fresco’ Prosecco Non-Vintage
DOC Treviso $14.45 (394387) 11.0% alcohol
This is a terrific value. Frothy and fruity, showing hints of citrus and tree fruit, mineral and just a whiff of yeast, this refreshing off-dry sparkling wine is simply delightful. Lively acidity accents flavours of lemon, lime, pear and apple skin while the light, fine-beaded mousse is persistent and refreshing through the finish. It’s a lovely sipper for a warm summer’s day. (Susan Desjardins)
Boschendal ‘The Pavillon’ Chenin Blanc 2015
WO Western Cape $10.90 (281311) 13.5% alcohol
You can enjoy a lovely al fresco picnic beside the Pavillon at Boschendal, one of South Africa’s oldest wineries. You could choose a well-chilled bottle of this classic Chenin with its subtle aromas of white flowers, melon and stone fruit, flint and smoke. It’s off-dry and light-medium bodied with peach and melon flavours replaying on the palate underpinned by clean acidity and mineral notes accented with traces of citrus pith, spice and white pepper. Tasty and easy going, it pairs well with seafood, fish or chicken salad. (Susan Desjardins)
Charles Smith ‘Kung Fu Girl’ Riesling 2014
Washington State $18.95 (394759) 12.0% alcohol
Piquant spice, mineral notes and citrus aromas introduce a gorgeous surge of sweet and tang—grilled pineapple, nectarine and lemon pie filling. It’s absolutely delicious. Medium bodied and very nicely textured, this slightly off-dry gem sips well on its own and pours particularly well with spicy Asian dishes. (Vic Harradine)