Summer Wine

Arriving just in time for summer is El Petit Bonhomme Blanco (DO Rueda). Made from Verdejo, just what we want to drink all season long. Crisp enough for the patio, yet with an attractive mouth-filling texture (from barrel-aging a portion of the wine on its lees, no less) that astonishes at this price. El Petit Bonhomme Tinto (DO Jumilla) is a juicy blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah with savoury dark berry flavours and herbal notes reminiscent of the wide open spaces of Jumilla. Equally at home in fine stemware as it is in a tumbler, expect to find the stick man everywhere this summer.

Aromas hint of coconut and lime, flavours of ripe citrus, canteloupe and green apple, all wrapped up in an opulent mouth-filling texture — just lovely. The hallmark of Tantalus’ sublime Rieslings, the uncompromising ribbon of acidity that crosses the palate like a Japanese blade, is slightly less sharp in this bottling, the result of a warmer than usual vintage. This will be welcome news for some, allowing the wine to be enjoyed as an aperitif much sooner, like tonight. Like this? Try the 2010 Old Vines Riesling, $35.

Softly smoky, slatey and floral notes in the aromas along with a honeyed richness in the mouth, and a bit less of the super-racy acidity that the Mosel is known for, puts this dry Riesling on track for casual sipping or with roast pork. Like this? Try the Kulina Riesling Zenit, $27.

Cedar Creek’s single vineyard offering, from a block of un-irrigated 21-year-old vines (old by Okanagan standards), harvested early, then treated to a go-slow ferment, adds up to a superbly elegant package. Light-bodied, racy, fragrant with citrus and limestone. Want more? Try the Cedar Creek Riesling, $18.

Hard to beat this Bordeaux blend (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) from Sandra Oldfield. It’s full-bodied, elegant, well-balanced, with great fruit and spot-on acidity; nice savourygamey flavours with a bit of smoke and herbs on the nose.

The key to Priorat is altitude, vine age, and the slate soil called licorella. Mas Doix vineyards are over 400 metres high, and the youngest vines in Les Crestes are at least 20 years old. A bit of Syrah provides some elegance and structure; Carignan brings in some bottom like a bass guitar, and together they keep the happy, luscious red fruit exuberance of ripe Garnacha from spilling out all over (even wine needs Spanx sometimes). Big wine lovers, giddyup! Also try Mas Doix Salenques, $60.

Love the fennel, mineral and wild thyme aromas and flavours of El Puig, especially partnered with its rich fruit and round, well-modulated tannins. A delicious blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Syrah as well, delicious with ribs or juicy burgers.

Mostly Barbera blended with Pinot Nero, Cab and Merlot. We don’t see a lot of Barbera here, which is a shame, as the grape’s upfront ease and drinkability make it a winner. There’s no grape better to have with red-sauced pasta, salumi or dishes like eggplant parmigiana. $34.

Vino de Pago is a relatively new designation for Spanish wine, roughly equivalent to grand cru status, meaning the grapes from certain vineyard sites are recognized as having special attributes and are the best in the region. There are only 13 in all of Spain. Pago de Arinzano nudges the Pyrenees growing mostly Tempranillo with some Merlot. The Gran Vino: chewy-textured and supple, with good weight mid-palate; tasting of layers of cassis and other black fruit, with subtle cedar and baking spice flavours. The long finish deserves to be savoured, slowly, with roast lamb, bison tenderloin, or the best Alberta striploin under the stars. Decant for a few hours if drinking tonight, you could cellar for another 15 years. Looking for something a little more casual? Try 2008 Arinzano La Casona, $40.

Pinot Noir is the go-to summer wine for lovers of salmon on the grill. Felton Road’s Bannockburn has such impeccable balance of fruit, minerality, tannins and alcohol; elegant with a remarkable purity and depth of flavour. Felton Road, like many Central Otago Pinots, may be hard to find — desired all over the world, Canada gets a few cases only. When you see it, grab it! Drink with grilled salmon, cedar planked or not. Also, Felton Road’s zingy Riesling, $40.

Richly aromatic — think ripe strawberries drizzled with balsamic with hints of black pepper and mint — with a freshness that makes it eminently suitable for summer drinking. Like this? Try Massimago Valpolicella Superiore, $34.

Packed with Gamay’s characteristic cherries and clay aromas, fresh and fruity flavours with hints of spice and bacon and a velvety texture; what’s not to like? Cru Beaujolais is especially delicious with barbecue duck; pick one up in Chinatown for quick Friday night dinners.

Expect zesty fresh flavours, with luscious strawberry aromas and a hint of earthy minerality along with a pleasing tension between fruit and acidity. This Cedar Creek bottling could take you through summer right to Thanksgiving turkey. Drink with cold meats, smoked salmon, lawn chair.

This gentle coral-coloured offering has attractive aromas of strawberries, cherries, with a pleasing hit of green leaf and spice in the mouth as well. Medium-bodied, dry, well-balanced acidity, moderate-ish alcohol, and a crisp finish, very fresh. Nominated for ‘fridge door wine of summer 2013.’

Ruggeri’s Gold Label is delicate and fruity on the nose and palate with a fine persistent bubble that doesn’t disappear with the second glass. Want to explore? Ruggeri Giustino B spends three months on the lees, which contributes to its richer, more complex taste. $38.