My Picks: Vintages Release ─ November 10 2012

They've started the Christmas season at Vintages.  Bah, humbug!

I'm one of those old-fashioned types (aka fogies) who believe that Christmas belongs in December.  That's what makes it special.  But like every other retailer with no imagination, Vintages has once again jumped the gun and here we have the first release of a overly-long season.

Of course, expensive products have pride of place in this release.  But if you look carefully, you can find good values. 

There's a minor focus on Piedmont (just 7 wines).  It's the Barbera d'Alba that's the pick of the group.

Only 7 picks met the criteria for My Picks, all red.  Nothing organic but there are a couple of organic wines (both white) that I've included in the Honourable Mentions.

Off the Beaten Track

 

13TH STREET SANDSTONE OLD VINES GAMAY NOIR 2010, VQA Four Mile Crook (Niagara); #130195; Price $29.95; 13.0% ABV

100% Gamay. Handpicked. Cold soaked and fermented in stainless steel vats. Transferred to French oak barrels, (1/3 new) for Malolactic conversion and aging for “several” months, then blended. The winery recommends matching this with “venison, steak frites, grilled duck breast, or cow and ewe’s milk cheeses”.  Put this one away for a few years. Decant.

 

VASSE FELIX CABERNET/MERLOT 2010, Margaret River (Australia); #947879; Price $24.95; 14.5% ABV

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (37%), and Malbec (8%). Maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged for 12 months in French Oak (7% new, 93% 1-5 years old), then blended. The attraction here is the source: Margaret River in Western Australia.  Put away in the cellar for a couple of years.

 

PIERRE AMADIEU LA GRANGELIÈRE 2010, AC Vacqueyras (Southern Rhone); #76398; Price $19.95; 14.5% ABV

A typical southern Rhone blend of Grenache and Syrah. The Syrah is aged 9 months in oak barrels (50% new) and they aged the Grenache in large oak casks. Look for the typical flavours of red berries and pepper.

 

VIDAL-FLEURY 2009, AC CROZES HERMITAGE (Northern Rhone); #295832; Price $22.95; 13.0% ABV

100% Syrah. Both machine and hand harvested. Maceration for 3 weeks. Fermented with indigenous yeast, followed by Malolactic conversion. Aged on its lees for 3 months in tanks, then 6 months in foudres (large oak barrels). Clarification by settling and filtration. Unfined. Released 4 months after bottling.

 

GIACOMO BORGOGNO SUPERIORE 2010, DOC BARBERA D'ALBA (Piedmont); #285486; Price $19.95; 13.5% ABV

100% Barbera. 8 days maceration. Aged 12 months in oak barrels, then 2 months in bottle before release. Very versatile with food. Try it with grilled veal chops in a light cream sauce.

 

QUINTA DOS QUATROS VENTOS COLHEITA 2008, DOC Douro (Portugal); #902742; Price $24.95; 14.0% ABV

A blend of Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional. Aged 12 months in new French oak and Russian oak barrels. Excellent with stews and braised meats.

 

NEKEAS EL CHAPARRAL DE VEGA SINDOA OLD VINES GARNACHA 2010, DO Navarra (Spain); #291997; Price $18.95; 14.0% ABV

100% Garnacha from old vines planted in Spain’s northernmost Garnacha vineyard, rescued from near extinction. They ferment the grapes from each plot separately, with 20 days of maceration, followed by Malolactic conversion and 5 months in barrels, then blending. It’s a lighter style of Grenache. An early candidate for turkey dinner.

 

TILENUS ENVEJECIDO EN ROBLE 2007, DO Bierzo (Spain); #297143; Price $17.95; 14.5% ABV

100% Mencia…very “in” at the moment. It’s indigenous to Bierzo in northwest Spain, a continental climate (hot summers) but with some cooling from the nearby maritime climate. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aged 8 months in French oak (85%) and American oak (15%), then in the bottle for another year before release, following the traditional Spanish practice of keeping the wine at the winery until it’s ready to drink. No filtration or fining, so decanting is a good idea. Look for black fruits and spiciness on the palate.  Meant for aging.  BEST VALUE.

 

 

Honourable Mentions

 

BONTERRA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010, Lake and Mendocino Counties (California); #86249; Price $17.95; 13.1% ABV

Mostly Sauvignon Blanc, with Muscat and Chardonnay. Certified Organic.

 

YALUMBA ORGANIC VIOGNIER 2011, South Australia; #288217; Price $16.95; 13.5% ABV

100% Viognier. Organic. Excellent with Asian dishes.

 

KIM CRAWFORD SMALL PARCEL THE MISTRESS RIESLING 2006, South Island (New Zealand); #90134; Price $24.95; 13.0% ABV

Riesling from the cool climate South Island. Tell me more.

 

PAZO PONDAL LEIRA ALBARIÑO 2011, DO Rías Baixas (Spain); #115816; Price $15.95; 12.5% ABV

Albarino…one of my favourites. It’s a wine from a maritime climate that’s perfect with food from a maritime climate. Yes, it’s just that easy.

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My Picks: Vintages Release ─ October 27 2012

In this week’s release at Vintages, the primary theme focuses on the world’s best-known wine region (Bordeaux).  Not much there that’s worthwhile for My Picks, where I recommend wines from regions that are lesser known or underappreciated.  Not to say you shouldn’t buy some Bordeaux red.  2009 was an excellent vintage, so have at it.  (Chateau Lestruelle and Chateau La Gravette Lacombe look like good value.)

Still, there’s a Bordeaux white worth a look.  (As much as Bordeaux red is over-exposed, Bordeaux white is overlooked just as much.)  There are 7 other wines worth your consideration, including a Chablis that saw no oak and a rarity (Riojan Graciano) that you shouldn’t miss.   

Organic

BONTERRA ZINFANDEL 2010, Mendocino County (California); #530139; Price: $17.00; 14.5% ABV

Zinfandel with “a little Petite Sirah”.  Here’s a Zinfandel with a lot going for it.  Made from certified organic grapes…just 14.5% alcohol (low for a Zin)…and a good price.  Great with Indian food that has a kick of spice.  Drink soon.

Off the Beaten Track

Whites

CHÂTEAU DE CRUZEAU BLANC 2009, AC Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux); #966010; Price: $27.95; 13.0% ABV

100% Sauvignon Blanc.  Hand harvested.  Fermented in oak barrels.  No Malolactic fermentation.  Aged for 10 months in oak barrels (35% new) on its lees (spent yeast) with bâtonnage (stirring of the lees).  Fined by tartaric precipitation.  Try it with scallops or scampi.

SIMONNET-FEBVRE 2010, AC Chablis (Burgundy); #41780; Price: $19.95; 12.7% ABV

100% Chardonnay.  This is Chablis at its best.  Fermented in stainless steel.  Aged on its lees for 6 months in stainless steel, which allows the grape to shine through with its citrus and tree fruit aromas and flavours, and that wonderful flinty minerality.  Good price too.  Get some raw oysters!

Reds

MALIVOIRE ALBERT'S HONOUR OLD VINES FOCH 2010, VQA Ontario; #551036; Price: $24.95; 12.0% ABV

100% Maréchal Foch, a French hybrid created in the early 20^th century by crossing a European Vinifera vine with an American vine as a response to the phylloxera attack.  Now illegal in France.  Known for its resistance to disease and winter weather.  Hand harvested.  Fermented on its skins for 12 days. Aged in American oak barrels for 8 months.  Often described as rustic.  Ideal with stews.

LOUIS JADOT CHÂTEAU DES JACQUES 2009, AC Morgon (Beaujolais); #653584; Price: $23.95; 13.5% ABV

100% Gamay.  Hand harvested.  Fermented using natural yeasts in oak vats for 12 days, followed by Malolactic fermentation.  Aged in oak barrels.  Ready to drink now but Morgon is the most age-worthy (up to 10 years) of all the Beaujolais Crus.  Hold on to it for a few of years and try it with braised game.

ALPHA DOMUS THE BARNSTORMER SYRAH 2010, North Island (New Zealand); #303396; Price: $22.95; 13.5% ABV

100% Syrah.  Hand and machine harvested.  Fermented with cultured yeast with maceration of 14 days.  Aged in French oak for 10 months. From a family-owned winery.  Try it with lamb, of course.  Drink soon.

MEANDRO DO VALE MEÃO 2009, DOC Douro (Portugal); #244731; Price: $22.95; 14.0% ABV

A blend of Touriga Nacional (35%), Touriga Franca (30%), Tinta Roriz aka Tempranillo (35%), Tinta Barroca (5%) and the little-known Sousão (5%).  Crushed by foot in Lagares -- granite tanks -- how’s that for tradition?  They ferment each grape separately, then blend. Aged in French oak barrels (second and third use).  A family-run winery.  Made for a winter’s dinner with lamb or beef stew but first needs another year of aging.

GRA2 GARCIANO 2010, DOCa Rioja (Spain); #190819; Price: $16.95; 13.5% ABV

100% Garciano, a high quality grape variety that was nearly extinct because of low yields but now making a slow comeback.  Maceration on the skins for 5 days before fermentation and 10 days after fermentation.  Aged in stainless steel tanks.   Known for its berry aromas and flavours, spicy character, and high acidity.  Should be great with roast chicken.  BEST VALUE.   

Honourable Mentions

LES PENSÉES DE PALLUS 2009, AC Chinon (Loire); #123893; Price: $21.95; 13.0% ABV

100% Cabernet Franc from Chinon.  Very food-friendly.

BODEGAS PABLO MENGUANTE VIDADILLO 2007, DO Carinena (Spain); #293407; Price: $17.95; 14.0% ABV

Vidadillo (aka Crespiello):  a very obscure grape coming back from near extinction.

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Quick Picks: Vintages Release ─ October 13 2012

We’re just back from a month in Languedoc (more on that soon) and so while catching up on correspondence and all those other mundane tasks that pile up, there’s just enough time for a quick look at this week’s release at Vintages.

The primary theme, Aussie Artisans, is a good one.  Australia is home to some of the largest industrial wineries in the world.  Casella (makers of [yellow tail]) is just the most obvious example.  This theme gives a showcase to smaller, one-person or family-run wineries, where individuality and terroir can shine.  A couple of picks here, but you can’t go too far wrong with any of the choices in this theme.

Otherwise, the picks include 5 wines from France, 4 from the south.  Hmm, wonder how that happened?  Don’t miss the Picpoul.

Organic

DOMAINE CAZES EGO VIELLES VIGNES 2010, AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages (France); #77701; Price: $17.95; 14.0% ABV

A blend of Grenache (40%), Syrah (40%), and Mourvèdre (20%).  A classic representative of what Roussillon (just north of Catalonia) has to offer.  A can’t miss match with any braised meat.

Off the Beaten Track

Whites

BEAUVIGNAC PICPOUL DE PINET 2011, AC Coteaux de Languedoc (France); #350124; Price: $12.95; 12.5% ABV

100% Picpoul.  Don’t know Picpoul?  It’s a wonderfully simple wine, ideal with oysters and clams and mussels.  High acidity; hence the name, which means lip stinger.  A personal favourite, much consumed on our recent trip to Languedoc.  Drink now.  BEST VALUE.

PASCAL JOLIVET LES CAILLOTES 2010, AC Sancerre (Loire); #287086; Price: $31.95; 13.0% ABV

THE ideal in Sauvignon Blanc.  Not inexpensive, but worth the loonies.

CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL BLANC 2011, AC Cotes du Rhône (Southern Rhone); #48892; Price: $33.95; 14.0% ABV

A wonderful blend of Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc, and Clairette…bringing back the aromas of the fruits and flowers of southern France.  Matches well with seafood, chicken (or anything that tastes just like) and pork in an herb-based sauce. 

PRÀ CLASSICO 2011, DOC Soave (Veneto); #74534; Price: $19.95; 13.0% ABV

100% Garganega.  Soave is still struggling from a poor brand image.  But it can be a delicious wine…and Pra is one of the best producers.  Taste how good a Soave can be.  Drink soon.  Excellent with white fish.

Reds

BENMARCO MALBEC 2010, Mendoza (Argentina); #657601; Price: $17.95; 14.0% ABV

90% Malbec with 10% Bonarda.  It’s a standard from Susana Balbo.

PAXTON AAA SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2010, McLaren Vale (Australia); #149898; Price: $19.95; 14.0% ABV

A blend of Shiraz (65%) and Grenache (35%).  A family-run winery, which is a good sign.  Michael Paxton says, “Expression of the vineyard in a glass.”  I’m in.

RED CLAW PINOT NOIR 2010, Mornington Peninsula (Australia); #296970; Price: $29.95; 14.0% ABV

Pinot Noir from the cool climate peninsula just south of the great city of Melbourne.

GUARDIAN PEAK SMG 2009, WO Stellenbosch (South Africa); #296681; Price: $19.95; 14.5% ABV

A blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache.  From a family-run winery.  If you like wines from Languedoc, try this.

JEAN-LUC COLOMBO LES FÉES BRUNES 2009, AC Crozes Hermitage (Northern Rhone); #286351; Price: $24.95; 13.0% ABV

It’s Syrah from Northern Rhone, where (regrettably) bargains are hard to come by.  It’s supply and demand.  Match it with a dish featuring anise flavours.  Drink soon.  Oh, just one more question…the brown fairies?

FRASCOLE 2009, DOCG Chianti Rufina (Tuscany); #85167; Price: $16.95; 14.0% ABV

100% Sangiovese.  I know what you're thinking…Chianti is not off the beaten track.  Yes, but Chianti Rufina is, compared to Chianti Classico.  Ages better than Classico.  An excellent food wine, matches with damn near any simple, classic Tuscan (or any Italian) dish.  And a great value at this price.

PEDRO MARTÍNEZ ALESANCO RESERVA 2006, DOCa Rioja (Spain); #170092; Price: $17.95; 13.5% ABV

Of course, it can’t be My Picks without something from Spain.  A blend of Tempranillo (90%) and Garnacha (10%), aged in both American (the traditional approach) and French (the modern approach) oak.  Is it too late for a grilled steak?

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Quick Picks ─ Vintages Release: September 1 2012

When I saw the main theme of this week's release at Vintages - Favourite Wines for Fall Fêtes - I did my best imitation of MacCauley Culkin in Home Alone...ARRGHH!!!  It's still the (glorious) dog days of summer and these guys want to bury the season and move on to fall.  Isn't summer short enough in Canada without calling an end to it before Labour Day?!  But these are the same folks that start pushing the Christmas themes in early November.  A pox on them, I say.

To the good news, there are goodies scattered throughout the release and it wasn't easy to narrow it down to just 12.  But here they are:

Organic

MARIMAR ESTATE LA MASÍA DON MIGUEL VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2008, Russian River Valley (California); #270090; Price: $25.95; 14.2% ABV
Chardonnay (!) from the cool climate Russian River Valley in Sonoma.  Certified organic and working towards Biodynamic certification.  From my favourite winemaking family.  Enjoyable now but can be aged a few more years.

COOPER MOUNTAIN RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2009, Willamette Valley (Oregon); #510750; Price: $29.95; 13.5% ABV
Pinot Noir from Oregon.  A real treat with beer-can chicken but better to wait a couple of years.

Off the Beaten Track

Whites

After some Pinot noir, why not try some Pinot Blanc?  It’s an ideal late summer sipper and goes well with grilled white fish, chicken, pork or sausages.  Here are 2 accomplishments with this underrated varietal wine, One New World, one Old World.  Meant to be drunk young, so these are ready to go!

GRAY MONK PINOT BLANC 2011, VQA Okanagan Valley; #321612; Price: $19.95; 11.9% ABV
From one of the oldest wineries in BC.

ANDRÉ BLANCK & SES FILS ROSENBOURG PINOT BLANC 2011, AC Alsace (France); #626606; Price: $13.95; 12.5% ABV
Alsace is where they really know what to do with Pinot Blanc.  Classic aperitif!

PEDRO ESCUDERO FUENTE ELVIRA VERDEJO 2010, DO Rueda (Spain); #218313; Price: $14.95; 14.0% ABV
Verdejo, a grape indigenous to Rueda.  Known for its herbaceous aromas; with age it will show off a nutty flavour.  How patient are you?  Try it with grilled veggies.

Reds

XANADU CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009, Margaret River (Australia); #59956; Price: $28.95; 14.0% ABV

Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon.  What makes this worth seeking out is that it’s from Margaret River on the west coast of Australia.  It’s Cabernet Sauvignon, only different.

DOMAINE BERNARD BAUDRY 2009, AC Chinon (Loire); #940783; Price: $19.95; 13.0% ABV

2 consecutive releases from Vintages with a Cabernet Franc from Loire!  Excellent summer wine that goes well with most anything off the grill.

GÉRARD BERTRAND SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2009, AC St. Chinian (Languedoc); #281832; Price: $16.95; 14.0% ABV

Classic St Chinian from a reputable producer in a good vintage.  Taste the Garrigue!  Match it with rosemary-marinated lamb kabobs.  Drink now.

CHÂTEAU DE GALIFAY CAIRANNE 2010, AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages (France); #290080; Price: $ 17.00; 14.0% ABV

Another treat from the south of France.  Great value in a good vintage.

QUINTA DO PORTAL RESERVA 2008, DOC Douro (Portugal); #280578; Price: $19.95; 14.0% ABV

Want to know where the great wine values are?  Look no further than the Douro region in northern Portugal.  Famous for port but it’s their table wines (made using the same grapes as used for Port) that really deliver.  Try it with rib-eye steak.  Drink now.

LEGÓN CRIANZA 2008, DO Ribera del Duero (Spain); #276089; Price: $15.95; 13.5% ABV

Speaking of great value, you can’t do better than this Tempranillo.  It's the BEST VALUE in this release.  Ideal with grilled lamb chops.

Rosé

CHÂTEAU DE MANISSY TAVEL 2011, AC Tavel (Southern Rhone); #276469; Price: $15.95; 13.0% ABV

Bye Bye rosé!  See you next year…

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Quick Picks: Vintages Release ─ August 18 2012

The theme of this week's release is the 2010 vintage of the Southern Rhone.  There's a fair bit to choose from but, being the contrary fellow that I am, I found lots of other interesting selections to offer for your consideration.  Again, this week, it's Quick Picks...because being at the computer during summertime is just too punitive.

For the Rhone release, look for the good values by concentrating on the Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages (a step up from ordinary Cotes-du-Rhone), Vacqueyras, and Vinsorbes.  If you can spend a bit more, look for a Gigondas.  Generally speaking, the Chateauneuf-du-Pape is overpriced, although I do recommend the white CNP just because it's so rare.

Also take a look at the minor theme, wines from the West Coast.  There are a couple of Oregon wines that are worthwhile.
     

Biodynamic 

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC 2010, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake; #275958; Price: $21.95; 13.3% ABV

Cabernet Franc, the overlooked summer wine.

Off the Beaten Track

Whites

CHAMISAL UNOAKED STAINLESS CHARDONNAY 2011, Central Coast (California); #289223; Price: $25.95; 13.5% ABV

Unoaked.  Look for the citrus fruit flavours and acidity to come to the fore.

THE EYRIE VINEYARDS PINOT GRIS 2009, Willamette Valley (Oregon); #717421; Price: $21.95; 13.5% ABV

Oregon wineries took some time to learn that Pinot Gris works well in their unique climate.  A lesson that PEC wineries should take to heart (You do Pinot Noir; why not more Pinot Gris?)  Here’s Oregon’s pioneer in that learning process.

THREE PONDS SEMILLON 2011, Hunter Valley (Australia); #285049; Price: $19.95; 11.0% ABV

Delicious Semillon from the place, Hunter Valley, that does it best.

BROTTE BLANC 2010, AC Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Southern Rhone); #74203; Price: $29.95; 13.5% ABV

A rarity at Vintages, white Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Usually contains Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Picpoul.  You pay for the brand.

Reds

PAPPAS WINE CO. PINOT NOIR 2009, Willamette Valley (Oregon); #285726; Price: $24.95; 13.8% ABV

Another goody from Oregon.

L.A. CETTO PRIVATE RESERVE PETITE SIRAH 2008, Baja California (Mexico); #291062; Price: $19.95; 14.5% ABV

Their entry-level Petite Sirah is a reliable bargain, so the Private Reserve is worth a try.

DOMAINE RUET LA FONTENELLE 2010, AC Chiroubles (Beaujolais); #282095; Price: $16.95; 12.5% ABV

Another Cru Beaujolais; easy drinking for the summer.

LES VIGNOLES TERROIRS ET LIEU-DIEU DE LOIRE 2009, AC Saumur-Champigny (Loire); #662585; Price: $15.95; 13.5% ABV

After giving Vintages a kick in the pants for not having any reds in their recent Loire feature, you can bet that this Cabernet Franc will make the list.

STOCCO REFOSCO DAL PEDUNCOLO ROSSO 2009, DOC Friuli-Grave (Friuli, Italy); #289561; Price: $14.95; 13.0% ABV

Known for plum flavours and bitterness on the finish, making it an excellent food wine.  Try it with grilled pork.

MELONI TERREFORRU 2009, DOC Cannonau di Sardegna (Italy); #101378; Price: $16.95; 13.5% ABV

Cannonau is what the Sardinians call Grenache.  Try the Italian variation.

Rosé

DOMAINE SAINTE MARIE TRADITION ROSÉ 2011, AC Cotes de Provence (France); #283564; Price: $15.95; 12.5% ABV

Looks like the rosé pipeline is drying up!  Get ‘em while you can.

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Just Call Me Ace

If you've read my bio, you'll know that golf is my other passion...well, aside from Michèle!

Today I got my first hole-in-one.  Par 3 14th hole at Anderson Links.  Easy 9 iron.

So cool.



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Quick Picks: Vintages Release: August 4 2012

It's a mixed bag in this week's release.  The main theme is "a summer lineup of blockbuster wines" with a pseudo-cinema theme.  To each his own, I guess, but when it comes to summer drinking, I'm not looking for "blockbusters".  I'm looking for lighter, easy-drinking wines that go well with hot, hot days and cooler evenings out on the patio.

There's also a secondary theme on German single-estate wines.  Now, I'm a big fan of German wines and I dearly wish that Vintages would bring in many more than what shows up.  But why-oh-why do they all have to be the same "medium" sweetness?!  Germany makes some delicious bone-dry Rieslings.  But they are as rare as hen's teeth at Vintages.  Give us variety!  What a disappointment.

So, I've come up with my own theme for this release.  All of this week’s picks are ideal for summertime drinking.  The whites are light- to medium-bodied, with refreshing acidity.  Great on their own but they are all Old World wines that go great with food as well.  The reds are also light-to-medium bodied, except for a bigger one from Douro.  The rosés, of course, are all what they should be:  extra-dry and young.  And, except for a Cabernet Franc from Niagara, they're all under $20.

Nothing organic this week.

Off the Beaten Track 

White

STEININGER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2010, Kamptal (Austria); #280842; Price: $14.95; 12.5% ABV

Simply Gruener to its fans, it’s the signature varietal of Austria.  Light-bodied by modern standards…crisp…a perfect summer patio wine.  Drink alone or with grilled white fish or chicken.

KÖNIGSCHAFFHAUSEN TROCKEN PINOT GRIS 2011, Kaiserstuhl (Baden, Germany); #597500; Price: $13.95; 13.0% ABV

A touch of nostalgia for all of us who’ve been lucky enough to live in the Black Forest.  It’s what the locals call Grauburgunder or, sometimes, Rulander.

TERRE DORA 2010, DOCG Fiano di Avellino (Campania, Italy); #120048; Price: $18.95; 13.0% ABV

Fiano:  it’s another one of those delicious southern Italian whites that brings the aromas and flavours of tree fruit (think apricots and peaches) along with great minerality.

ABAD DOM BUENO GODELLO 2010, DO Bierzo (Spain); #154302; Price: $14.95; 13.0% ABV

What the Portuguese call Verdelho, the Spanish call Godello.  But the Portuguese also call it Gouveio…and some Spaniards call it Verdello.  Confused yet?  Just drink it.  This one’s from Beirzo, up in the northwest corner of Spain.   Look for tree fruit and minerality.

Red

FIELDING ESTATE CABERNET FRANC 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula; #36194; Price: $21.95; 13.0% ABV

Poor Cab Franc, nobody gives it any respect.  But it’s a delicious wine that’s just right for summertime drinking with red berry fruit and fresh herbaceousness that's perfect with grilled veggies and pork.

JEAN-PAUL BRUN TERRES DORÉES 2010, AC Côte de Brouilly (Beaujolais); #235127; Price: $18.95; 12.5% ABV

A Cru Beaujolais from one of the very best producers who specializes in the classic style.  What a deal!

DOMAINE LES YEUSES LES ÉPICES SYRAH 2009, IGP Pays d’Oc (Languedoc, France); #177584; Price: $13.95; 13.5% ABV

Syrah from Languedoc, with « spices » on the label?  Good enough for me! BEST VALUE IN THIS RELEASE.

PODERI COLLA PIAN BALBO 2010, DOC Dolcetto d'Alba (Piedmont, Italy); #285494; Price: $16.95; 12.0% ABV

Known for its great acidity, here’s a Dolcetto with loads of berry flavours from one of the best regions.  Meant to be drunk young.

QUINTA DE VENTOZELO TOURIGA NACIONAL 2008, DOC Douro (Portugal); #657452; Price: $18.95; 14.0% ABV

This week’s only big wine would be great with a mixed grill of beef and game.

Rosé

WILDASS ROSÉ 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula; #71712; Price: $19.95; 12.5% ABV

God only knows what’s in this one! [Update: They tell me it's mostly Cabernet Franc and Gamay.]  But I love their wines so I’m in.

DOMAINE CORNE-LOUP ROSÉ 2011, AC Tavel (Southern Rhone, France); #71209; Price: $16.95; 13.5% ABV

More delicious Rosé from the folks who do nothing but.  Try it with grilled sausages, like merguez.

PARDEVALLES PRIETO PICUDO ROSADO 2011, DO Tierra de León (Spain); #274449; Price: $12.95; 13.5% ABV
A rare grape variety from a little-known region.  It's perfect!

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