Sunny days, the King’s coronation, and Mother’s Day were all great reasons to try some celebratory wines with friends. Here are a few great wines that were recently sent to me, one of which I often have on hand, while the rest are all quite new (at least to me).
Bernard-Massard Cuvée de l’Écusson Brut, $21.50
Starting off with this sparkling wine that you may already know, it’s a classic bubbly from Luxembourg. Made with 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot blanc, 15% Pinot noir and 10% Riesling, it’s refreshing and fruity, but not too sweet. I often keep this one in the fridge and the Bernard-Massard sparkling rosé was what I served at my last birthday party. Recently, I brought a bottle to Le Parloir tea room where the owner serves afternoon tea (traditional, vegetarian, or even vegan platters), and where you can bring your own bubbly. I finished the rest at home in honour of our new King!
Errazuriz Chardonnay Aconcagua Costa 2021, $23.05
This delicious Chilean Chardonnay comes from a vineyard planted along the coast, giving it a fresh ocean flavour with hints of pear and citrus. I really enjoyed it paired with a homemade Niçoise salad topped with grilled tuna – my go-to salad for summer. I will definitely be picking up this Chardonnay again!
Saute-Bouchon Vouvray Brut, $29.65
Saute-Bouchon makes my favourite Quebec sparkling cider, (now available in picnic-friendly cans!) but their goal is to produce elegant sparkling wines from around the world. Recently, they launched their first wine, a sparkling organic Vouvray Brut which is 100% Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. It’s light and flavourful and would make an impressive hostess gift for your next dinner invite. I love that Saute-Bouchon is a local company and that they take their philosophy of making elevated sparkling wines very seriously.
Château Maris Minervois 2021, $19.10
This is a lovely organic Syrah-Grenache red from Languedoc-Roussillon. It’s heavier on the Syrah, so it pairs nicely with grilled red meat. A good wine to have on hand for your summer BBQs.
Fontanafredda Barolo 2018, $34.25
Next time you’re invited to a BBQ, show up with this flavourful Barolo and you will surely impress your hosts. Made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, it is rich: with fruity, floral AND spicy notes. I tried it at first with smoked salmon on blinis, but then I enjoyed it with a steak cooked medium-rare and it was the perfect pairing.
Which wines do you enjoy during the summer months? Let me know in the comments!
*Note: All of these wines were sent to me to try, but my opinions are my own.
