Finally, a multiple choice quiz with no wrong answer. With more sun-filled days, long weekends and lazy afternoons, summer brings time to relax and unwind with a glass in your favourite beat-the-heat bevvy. Shift to summer sippers, with these suggestions from our team of Savvy Sommeliers & Brew Crew:
Fielding Estate Rosé VQA 2015
NIAGARA, ONTARIO
Nothing says summer like a glass of chilled Rosé. There are plenty to choose from all parts of the world, ranging in colour from a hint-of-pink to bright candy floss and from bone dry to a touch of sweetness. Try Fielding’s Rosé. It is has soft pink colour with aromas and tastes that will remind you of ripe strawberries and rhubarb. It’s a lovely wine that's delicious with fish (poached or grilled), prosciutto wrapped asparagus, lemon roasted chicken, corn chowder or even a summer salad. $15.95
County Cider Co. Pear Cider
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ONTARIO
County Cider Company is a family-run operation that has been crafting ciders in The County since 1995 — long before the region became known for its wines. The Pear Cider was inspired when owners Jenifer and Grant Howes visited an area of Normandy, France renowned for Cavardos (Pear and Apple Brandy). For this summer sipper, pear juice has been blended with carefully selected apple cider for a dry, delicious quench thirsting summer drink. Available from the producer or contact Savvy Company to deliver some to your doorstep. $7.95
Kichesippi Brewery Radler
OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Last summer, it seemed that every craft brewery was making a Radler! They are not a new creation, rather a resurgence of a summertime beer that was first introduced in Deisenhofen, Germany back in 1922. Intentionally made to be lower in alcohol (typically 3%), this is a great beer to enjoy during lunch on the patio, or to pop into your panier to quench your thirst during a bike ride. Kichesippi’s Radler is a blend of their lager with grapefruit soda. Be sure to try plenty of Radlers this summer to find your favourite. Available at the LCBO this summer. $2.85 each
13th Street Estate Winery Meritage VQA 2012
TWENTY VALLEY (NIAGARA), ONTARIO
A powerhouse red blend of 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Franc. Get out your largest wine glasses, this big red wine is begging to be served with anything off the BBQ: thick steak, lamb chops, spicy sausages with loads of fresh grilled veggies. A very special wine as only 220 cases were made. Every sip will remind you of black cherry, dark chocolate , black plum with a dash of fresh ground pepper and warm spices (think cloves, Chinese 5 Spice and steak spice). $34.95 Available only when you visit the winery this summer or subscribe to Savvy Selections’ wine-o-month club and it will auto-magically arrive at your home or office.
Summer won’t last forever, so mix it up with a pitcher of sangria. Whether you make it with red wine or use white, this fruit ladened cocktail make your summertime Happy Hour, even happier.
Debbi’s Secret Sangria Recipe
MAKES 1 LARGE PITCHER
1 bottle of red wine (select something under $18. After all, you will be adding fruit to it.)
10 to 15 strawberries, sliced A handful of blackberries
1 lemon, sliced & quartered
1 lime, sliced & halved
1 orange, sliced & quartered
½ of a tin of frozen Five Alive juice concentrate
½ to a full can of club soda or 7-Up optional – if you want a little spritz to your sangria. 7-Up will make your sangria sweeter.
Place fruit into a large pitcher or jug. Pour in Five Alive concentrate, club soda or 7-Up (if using). Fill with red wine. Stir until well mixed. Chill for one hour before serving to let the fruit marinate. Pour into a tall glass with lots of ice. Garnish with a slice of fruit on the rim. Enjoy.
Love Rosé wines? You’ll love this. We make it easy to Clink & Drink Pink. Each month throughout the summer, our Savvy Sommeliers will select a different assortment of six rosé wines from across Ontario. These are extra special as you won’t find them at the LCBO. Order a small bouquet (a parcel of 6 different Rosé wines) or a full bouquet (a parcel containing 12 bottles – 2 of each of the featured Rosé wines). There is a different bouquet of Rosés each month! Next to the taste, the best part of this new way to buy hard-to-find rosé wines is free shipping. Order yours or give as a gift at savvycompany.ca/rose.
