What we want to drink right now
by Mary Bailey
Wines that are casual, yet with character and personality. Whites, rosé and light reds to drink a bit chilled. Gently made with thoughtfulness—sustainable, organic and biodynamic. Wines that don’t break the bank, in the $20 range. Wines you do not hesitate to open on a gorgeous afternoon when the lilacs are blooming or to have around for impromptu get togethers. That’s refreshing.
DeAngelis Falerio DOC 2018
(Le Marche, Italy)
Falerio DOC wines are a blend of Trebbiano, Passerina and Pecorino, all grapes known to Le Marche, the Italian wine region on the Adriatic coast. This wine, from the capable hands of the DeAngelis family, is grown in Colli Ascolani vineyards. Exceptional minerality, beautiful citrus, herb and apple notes, elegant and lovely. Crisp and tangy, have with olives all’Ascolana (stuffed and fried olives, the street snack of the region), crostini or potato chips.
Hugel Gentil 2016
(Alsace, France)
This wine from Hugel used to be found on every wine list. But, as we got excited about other wines from other places, it fell off the radar. Well, at least it did for me. Time to take another look. The blend of noble grapes (by French wine law Gentil must be 50 per cent Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris or Gewürztraminer, known as noble white grapes) with Pinot Blanc or Sylvaner making up the balance, is a taste of the Alsace. Charming aromas, crisp and well-balanced, with spot-on acidity, it’s ideal for a glass pre-dinner.
St Urban’s Hof Nik Weis Selection Urban Riesling 2017
(Mosel, Germany)
Yes, of course there is a Riesling in the fridge door! Especially a Mosel Riesling for the highish acidity and lowish alcohol equaling total refreshment. There are some nice gingery pear and yellow stone fruit flavours, along with a delicious slatey minerality. Zesty and fun. Think Thai, bánh mì, grilled shrimp.
Culmina Family Estate R&D Rosé Blend 2018
(Golden Mile Bench, British Columbia)
Peachy pink, fresh, with an undertone of sweet fruitiness, lighter and zestier than the 2107 bottling. The blend is Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine is super drinkable. Love the watermelon, rhubarb, sour cherry with lime flavours. This rosé is part of Culmina’s experimental line (R&D as in research and development or as in Ron and Don—the label has a darling childhood pic of founder Don Triggs and his brother Ron).
Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2018
(Languedoc, France)
Ok, yes, this wine has been in the fridge door for several summers. It’s the lovely bottle, the crisp rhubarb and juicy strawberry notes and the whisper of fruity sweetness. This Provence-style (pale) medium-bodied rosé—Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah blend—goes from a glass while cooking to dinner quite easily. Have with hummus and crudité.
Domaine du Salvard Cheverny AOC Rouge
(Loire Valley, France)
This blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay with a tiny percentage of Cot (the French name for Malbec) is a game changer. So juicy! Attractive cherry and strawberry aromas open into a vibrant wine with wow red fruit flavours. The wine has a beautiful texture, yet is fairly light-bodied, all the better to chill for 15 minutes and enjoy with charcuterie from Meuwly’s. If you were wondering what’s this Cheverny, it is a relatively new (1993) appellation in the Loire Valley best known for Sauvignon Blanc (see Maven).
