Château des Charmes ‘Barrel Fermented’ Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $13.95 (81653) 13.0% alcohol
Buttered toast, ginger and cinnamon, pear and pineapple aromas mingle on the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s a well-defined yet restrained backbone of acidity that showcases the creamy, round texture and ripe, lush fruit. Attractive notes of spice, toast and a touch of white pepper add warmth to the flavourful, satiny finish. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Château des Charmes ‘Cuvée d’André’ Rosé 2014
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (333260) 12.5% alcohol
You won’t need rose-coloured glasses to enjoy the bright tones, aromas and flavours of this herald of spring! Pure red berry and cherry notes rush from the glass of this dry, light-medium bodied Rosé. The flavours are true, it’s delightfully lively, clean and fresh, bursting with fruit and begging to be chilled and served on a sunny deck with pizza, salads or grilled chicken. (Susan Desjardins)

   
Henry of Pelham Rosé 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (613471) 11.5% alcohol
This Salmon pink Rosé is a blend of several red grape varieties. It offers attractive aromas of red fruits and a whiff of ripe apple. Dry, light-medium bodied, it balances lively acidity and tasty red berry/cherry flavours with a touch of fresh herbs and a hint of apple replaying. Bright and fresh, tasty and flavourful, it’s a versatile beauty that’ll pick up your spirits after a long winter. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Pink House Wine Co. Chardonnay/Merlot 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (324558) 12.5% alcohol
A Rosé by any other name . . . here’s a pretty salmon-toned white and red blend offering pleasing floral and fruit aromas. Quite silky and smooth, it has fresh texture and tasty red fruit flavours. There’s sufficient acidity to balance the sweet fruit on the finish. Sip on its own or serve with pizza or salad. (Susan Desjardins)

   
Sibling Rivalry Pink 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (171003) 12.0% alcohol
A true Rosé, there’s plenty on the nose of this blend, produced from the fruit of the Cabernets, Gamay and Merlot—think tangy cherry, ripe strawberry, a touch of apple and red pepper jelly. Dry, crisp and savoury, this is a Rosé with personality, a good backbone of acidity, loads of tangy ripe red fruits and that teasing note of crunchy red peppers. Palate-cleansing and fresh, you’ll enjoy it with grilled salmon, pork or a grilled veggie medley. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Trius Sauvignon Blanc 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (221804) 12.5% alcohol
Winemaker Craig McDonald, favourably influenced by his time in New Zealand, crafted this value-laden gem. Expressive on the nose, you’ll enjoy fresh notes of gooseberry, herbs and lemon grass. The pungency on the palate is brought to the fore by a warmer fermentation and extended skin contact while a touch of barrel fermentation adds to the silky texture. Dry, medium bodied and vibrant, there’s a replay of citrus and gooseberry on the palate and a note of grapefruit pith lingering on the crisp finish. Enjoy beside a salad of arugula and goat cheese. (Susan Desjardins)