Diochon Moulin-A-Vent
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Their style has remained virtually unchanged for over 75 years, passing down tradition from generation to generation. Diochon and his Domaine are one of “the gang of 4″; a group of Grand Cru producers set on preserving the old way of Beaujolais wine-making. Ancestral methods coupled with 85-year-old vines entrap more than a taste-of-place but also a taste-of-time… and effort. This 100% Gamay wine is fuller, more aromatic and textured than the Nouveau or Village counterparts. Dense black fruit and forest floor flavours with black tea, pronounced aromas of berries hibiscus with peppercorn are all characteristic of its pedigree. Enjoy today or many years from now.
Ostertag Riesling Clos Mathis
If you need a seriously punchy Riesling to send off summer with style, look no further. This trocken style Alsatian beauty is packed full of aromas of quince and chamomile, with a granite mineral undertone topped off with classic Riesling phenolics. Delightful on its own, this wine also pairs flawlessly with a wide variety of foods.
Deux Rocs Cabrieres Rose "Premices"
This refreshing rose blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Grenache is the perfect wine to complete your summer! It is dry and crisp with light raspberry notes on the palate. This wine pairs perfectly with light summer salads and can also stand up to all your BBQ favourites.
Champagne Gimonnet Cuis 1er Cru
While the Gimmonets have many old vines and the means to make Grand Cru Champagne, they choose not to in order to create their own specific style. This champagne is fresh and zesty with notes of tree fruit, spice and a touch of salinity. For me this is is the perfect wine to have as an aperitif, pallet cleanser or pretty much anytime because it’s Champagne. Drink Champagne.
Schanzenbraeu Helles
Originating from the Munich area, Helles is one of the lightest and most refreshing beers within the Lager family. Pale malts will give you subtle, crackery backbone while noble German hops provide a balanced snap of spicy bitterness. This Lager will certainly be on my starting line up of summer time crushers. Prost!
Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee N 739
Jacquesson’s reputation is ironclad and usually mentioned in the same breath as producers like Krug and Selosse. This 700 series began in 2003 and has steadily decreased the proportion of reserve wines, meaning Jacquesson produces great wine that reflects the vintage rather than a house style.
Their 700 series offers some of the best value for money in the region; the cuvée 740 is based on the stellar 2012 vintage. Notes of citrus and white flowers emerge from an ultra crisp, intense palate. It greatly improved my Tuesday and I know it will improve any day of your week!
Familia Bastida Paraje de Titos
Bodegas Familia Bastida is a family owned winery, established in 1950, The family has been involved in developing the wineries history right from the beginning when Antonio Bastitida planted the vines himself. Paraje de Titos which means Tito’s Place is my current go-to wine in the shop.
Classic warm climate Grenache, the nose is intense and shows blueberries, plum, and a bit of tertiary characteristics like leather and tobacco. The palate is chewy and spicy with lots of elegant fruit and rustic tannins. Don’t overthink this wine, just chill it down a bit and enjoy.
Jordi Miro Ennak Garnacha Blanca
This summery white wine comes from the mediterranean province of Tarragona in Spain’s Catalonia region. Dry farmed Grenache Blanc with very minimal intervention in the winemaking process makes for a concentrated and plump style of wine bursting with bright tree fruit and juicy citrus notes. Add to that, subtle floral and spice aromas and you’ll want to keep coming back to your glass to smell, sip and savour. The wine’s medium weight and slightly creamy texture makes it the perfect partner for rich seafood, spatch-cock barbecue chicken with asian spices and grilled seasonal veggies with fresh herbs.
Meyer Fonne Riesling Reserve
I love a good Riesling from Alsace in the summer or, let’s be honest, just about anytime, anywhere.
It’s all about the details at Meyer-Fonné, with an emphasis on tradition and respect for terroir. Felix Meyer himself is a master at the art of blending and expertly mixes the wine from various parcels into complex, balanced cuvées.
This wine is everything I want in an Alsatian Riesling: aromatic, textured, racy and elegant. Grill some sausage or shuck some oysters and drink this wine all afternoon long.
Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay
Southbrook is the first wine estate in Canada to earn both organic and biodynamic certification for its vineyard and winery. Their detailed approach to viticulture helps to produce a clean, crisp wine with aromas of apple, pear, peach and subtle smokey notes. This wine is rich on the palate without being heavy and is the perfect wine for summer seafood feasts or sipping on a patio with friends.
Neyers Carneros District Chardonnay
Sourced from 3 different vineyard sites, this perfectly balanced wine shows ripe tropical fruit with toasty vanilla and baking spice. Surprisingly fresh on the finish. This multi-layered Chardonnay pairs perfectly with lobster or any white meat you’re BBQ’ing tonight. It has been known to be enjoyed on its own in the past!
