Angel’s Gate ‘Archangel’ Chardonnay Sparkling Brut 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (227009) 12.0% alcohol
Leesy, toasty and spun sugar on the nose, this leads with an energetic mousse redolent with lemon-lime, mineral notes and tangy white grapefruit. This is made in the Traditional Method—second fermentation in this bottle—and if Champagne, would be labeled ‘Blanc de Blancs’—all Chardonnay and usually the most delicate of wines. This is mid weight with a crisp, refreshing aftertaste of citrus and pit fruit. (Vic Harradine)
Beni di Batasiolo ‘Bosc DLA REI’ Moscato d’Asti 2011
DOCG Moscato d’Asti, Italy $14.95 (277194) 5.5% alcohol
This is fun, fresh and fizzy. Made from Moscato Bianco and kept to an abbreviated fermentation—hence the low alcohol and ripe fruit taste—this delivers a boatload of summer in a glass. Distinctive grape-like aromas curl around ripe orange and exotic spice heralding a refreshing river of sweet, fruit flavour—ripe pineapple, candied orange and spiced, ripe yellow peach. Delicious on its own, it also works with fruit flan and white cheesecake. (Vic Harradine)
Cono Sur ‘Sparkling Wine’ Non Vintage
DO Bio-Bio Valley, Chile $13.95 (215079) 12.0% alcohol
A blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, the nose dishes up an array of aromas—citrus, a touch of mineral and floral nuances. It hustles from the glass with loads of ripe fruit—apple pear and peach—riding a wave of zesty bubbles. This is light-mid weight with good definition on the leesy, racy, mouth-watering finish. Well paced and well priced. (Vic Harradine)
Mionetto ‘MO’ Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Non-vintage
DOC Treviso, Italy $16.95 (266023) 11.0% alcohol
This could easily be your new ‘house’ sparkling wine even if you don’t own a restaurant—it’s crisp and refreshing, value packed and simply lip-smacking good. Ripe apple and mineral-soaked pear aromas herald a profusion of bubbles on the palate with white peach and honeyed pear to the fore. It’s light-medium weight with a lengthy mouth-watering finish of citrus and spice. This is a perfect welcoming wine, aperitif or dealing with a deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
California: Red Wine
Smoking Loon ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2009
California $14.95 (272393) 13.9% alcohol
Black plum compote, menthol and spice mingle with tobacco aromas before unleashing a palate-coating wash of stewed prunes, figs and ripe, black cherry tart on the palate. It’s mid-full bodied, warm and brimming with sweet, ripe fruit throughout. There are dashes of Petit Syrah and Syrah adding structure and wisps of tannin. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs brushed with spicy BBQ sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Chile: White Wine
Viña Maipo ‘Vitral’ Chardonnay 2011
DO Valle de Casablanca $13.95 (270009) 13.5% alcohol
Baked apple, toast and oaky aromas herald a generous wash of spice-infused apple and yellow plum mingling with tropical fruit and toasty notes on the palate. Medium bodied and well textured, it finishes with a mid-length aftertaste of tangy citrus and wisps of oak. Pour alongside rotisserie chicken with grilled root veggies. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
Albert Bichot ‘C’est la Vie’ Pinot Noir / Syrah 2010
Vin de Pays d’Oc $11.95 (166934) 13.0% alcohol
Charry wood smoke, spice and dark berry fruit aromas herald a lively wash of sour cherry, cranberry and herbaceous notes on the palate. It’s light-medium bodied and nicely textured with hints of black currant interwoven with green herbs on the drying aftertaste. Best poured with pasta in tomato sauce or red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Georges Vigoroux ‘Pigmentum’ Malbec 2011
AOC Cahors $13.80 (255182) 13.5% alcohol
Historically pre-dating and beating the pants off most Argentine Malbec at this price, it delivers lifted aromas of berry fruit, cedar and spiced herbs before coating the palate with a peddle-to-the-metal rush of succulent black currant, spiced black plum and mocha on the palate. It’s mid-full weight and nicely textured cruising home with a lip-smacking-dry, red cherry aftertaste. ‘Pigmentum’ refers to the deep colour of Malbec—this is a must-try gem. (Vic Harradine)
Germany: White Wine
Clean Slate Riesling 2011
Mosel $12.95 (286237) 10.5% alcohol
Peach and honeysuckle on the nose, it dishes up a delicious mouthful of lemon drop candy and lip-smacking lime cordial mingling with sweetened white grapefruit. It’s all nicely balanced with good mouth feel on a light-weight frame with a crisp, refreshing aftertaste. It sports just the sweet and tang, yin and yang you need with spicy Asian cuisine—perfect with pad Thai or spicy Vietnamese noodle dishes. This is great value, give it a go. (Vic Harradine)
Italy: Red Wine
Rocca delle Macie ‘Campo Maccione’ 2008
DOCG Morellino di Scansano $12.95 (253831) 14.0% alcohol
Sandalwood, fennel and toasty aromas set up a lip-smacking wash of red and black currant and cranberry mingling with herbaceous notes on the palate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a dry, balanced finish showcasing succulent black, juicy cherry. Pour alongside pasta Bolognese or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: White Wine
Freixenet ‘Mía’ Blanco 2011
Vino de Mesa $11.95 (269605) 11.0% alcohol
Freixenet lovers, and there are legions of them, need note this is a still wine from Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parrellada and Muscat, with no bubbles here. It’s floral and citrus on the nose preceding an off-dry rush of lemongrass, lime cordial and succulent white peach flavours. It’s a light and lovely, versatile summer sipper serving as a welcoming wine or a pairing with lighter-styled appetizers. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: Red Wine
La Casona de Castaño ‘Old Vines’ Monastrell 2009
DO Yecla $8.90 (143743) 14.0% alcohol
This Monastrell, aka Mourvèdre, is one of the best-value reds found on LCBO shelves. Aromas of briary berry fruit, charred mesquite and aromatic bitters intro a balanced and beautiful wash of lively red cherry and blueberry interwoven with sprigs of herbs and hints of cassis. Mid weight, crowd pleasing and silky textured, the lengthy, lively, focused aftertaste is redolent with spiced black plum and roasted herbs. (Vic Harradine)
Gran Fuedo ‘Edicion’ Tempranillo 2010
DO Navarra $11.95 (255877) 13.0% alcohol
This is bistro-styled and fairly priced sporting aromas of cherry blossom and red and dark berry fruit. It’s light on its feet with a silky smooth delivery on the palate—cherry/berry with hints of spice. It finishes dry and tangy with good fruit flavour and a hint of supple tannin. Good to go now with burgers, wings or pizza. (Vic Harradine)