The last long weekend of summer is coming up shortly. I’ve curated a list of wines to enjoy, whether you’re sitting on the patio during our next heat wave or having a cozy supper indoors during a rainstorm. These wines all represent excellent value, with most under $20.
ALBINO ARMANI VALDADIGE ROSE 2023
Trentino, Italy
The Armani family has lived in the Adige Valley since the 1500s and planted their first vineyards in the late 15th century. The Adige Valley has a unique micro-climate and geological structure due to its protected location in a gorge, and the vineyards also benefit from breezes coming from nearby Lake Garda. Their wines represent an unparalleled respect for the winemaking traditions of the Armani family and the terroir of Valdadige. This is a truly beautiful wine. On the nose, you’ll notice aromas of wild strawberries and rose petals. The palate offers delicate flavours of blackcurrants, strawberries and a fresh minerality, with crisp acidity and a lingering aromatic finish. Great aperitif or enjoy it with a vegetable pizza or soft cheeses. I will definitely buy this wine again and recommend it highly if you like a dry Rosé.
Dry • 12.5% • VINTAGES# 19852 • $15.95
RUFFINO LUMINA PINOT GRIGIO 2022
Veneto, Italy
Another gem from the Veneto region. This is the refreshing Pinot Grigio I always choose when I want a white wine to pair with salads, white fish, or for easy sipping. Fresh and herbal, with lovely citrus, gooseberry and slightly floral notes and crisp acidity. Excellent value.
Dry • 12% • LCBO# 589101 • $15.80
DOMAINE LA DECELLE RESERVE 2020
Cotes Du Rhone Villages, Valreas, France
It’s easy to love this elegant Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend. You’ll find red berry, smoky and floral notes on the nose. The medium-plus bodied palate is smooth and gives dark fruit, smoky and peppery notes. Serve with steak, lamb chops or game.
Dry • 13.5% • VINTAGES# 14391 • $15.95
UMBERTO CESARI LIANO SANGIOVESE-CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
This is a regular Vintages release in late summer, and it’s worth grabbing a couple of bottles, because the price is right and it’s simply delicious! Crafted with 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 18 months in French oak. It shows lots of bright cherry fruit flavours and vanilla aromas from the Sangiovese, along with blackcurrant, herbs and cedar nuances from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair this beauty with Ragù or an aged t-bone steak.
Dry • VINTAGES# 225086 • $29.95, on sale$24.95 til Sept. 15th
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
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