Spring has finally sprung, and nobody appreciates this season more than those of us in Ottawa! There’s lots to enjoy at this time of year, whether you’re a gardener, a cyclist, or a bird-watcher, and it’s a pleasure to simply step outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. It’s also time to get out the barbeque and kick off the season of leisurely outdoor meals. Whether you’re grilling on your patio at home or relaxing on the cottage deck, nothing says spring is here like that first outdoor meal.
Here’s a list of delicious wines to help you sit back and enjoy the season.
McLaren Vale, Australia
Another fabulous wine from Zonte’s Footsteps. This Shiraz won the Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge in Vienna in 2022 and Gold at the European Wine Challenge in 2022. It really does remind you of Black Forest Cake, with yummy dark cherry, mocha, and milk chocolate aromas and flavours. There’s a touch of violets, too, on the nose and just enough pepper on the palate to make it lively. It’s silky smooth, with a great milk chocolate touch on the finish. A definite crowd-please! This is a great wine to take to a dinner party.
Dry • LCBO# 396481 • $22.95
TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018
Penedès, Spain
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic match for beef and lamb, so remember this elegant Cab for your next grilled steak or burgers. There’s blackcurrant, raspberry jam, and subtle spices on the nose. The smooth palate gives ripe dark berries, dark plums, cedar, and spice, with a velvety mouthfeel and long finish.
Dry • LCBO# 36483 • $19.95
Lisbon, Portugal
One of my favourite Portuguese red wines, this one is dry, fragrant, and medium-bodied. It has layers of flavour, with dark blackberries, plums, baking spice, subtle oak, violets, and a hint of coffee. It’s smooth and supple, has excellent acidity, and ends with a floral note. This versatile wine pairs well with grilled meats or alternately with grilled sardines or a tuna steak. Excellent value at a terrific price. It sells out frequently, so grab it when you see it.
Dry • LCBO# 427377 • $14.00
PROTEA ROSE 2022
South Africa
Nothing says spring like a glass of Rosé. This one has delicious notes of berries, watermelon, rose, and lime. It will pair well with roast chicken, a charcuterie platter, or Mediterranean appetizers like goat cheese with black olive tapenade. Bonus; it comes in a decorative bottle.
Dry • LCBO# 31471 • $14.95
Veneto, Italy
Delightfully refreshing, this light-bodied, delicate Pinot Grigio show notes of pear, melon, white florals, and lime zest. It’s a perfect sipper on a hot day, or with grilled white fish and a garden salad.
Dry • LCBO# 564674 • $15.95
J.P. CHENET FASHION PINEAPPLE SPARKLING
France
Try something new with this delightful combination of French sparkling wine and pineapple juice. Refreshing and tropical but not too sweet. It’s a great accompaniment to turkey burgers, pulled pork, or fruit desserts. It’s easy to find in its sunshiny yellow bottle.
Off-dry • LCBO# 19253 • $17.85
These wines all offer terrific value and give you lots of options for the timeless pleasure of dining al fresco. The prices hit the sweet spot, too. Enjoy sharing them with friends or family.
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
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