Seven wines to serve at a summer barbecue or on Father’s Day | Canada Voices

When it comes to red wine for barbecues, I usually serve a slightly chilled bottle of Niagara gamay or red Côtes du Rhône, both of which go well with most meats or vegetables that are cooked on a barbecue. Alternatively, you could pull other reds with a pleasing combination of fruit and spice or savoury flavours out of your refrigerator or ice bucket, such as barbera, frappato or pinot noir.

It’s summer, so chill your red wine for the best experience. (Historically, “room temperature” was a chilly 18°C (65°F) so there’s a case that every red wine should be served slightly chilled all year round. In the summer heat, most red wines taste better with a light chill.)

These days, however, white wines seem to be in greater demand at barbecues. My family enjoys refreshing riesling, albariño and Vinho Verde, but for larger groups, I would select richer and rounder whites, starting with chardonnay, chenin blanc and viognier.

In Vinho Verde, a winemaker looks to the future with an open mind

This week’s recommendations focus mainly on flavourful, refreshing and affordable bottles. Styles like this taste even better in the sunshine, and there are two favourite labels from Burgundy and Coonawarra to consider if the occasion warrants: Louis Jadot and Wynn’s Coonwarra Estate.

Bisquertt Crazy Rows Cinsault 2024 (Chile), $16.95

Rating: 88

The Crazy Rows label is based on wines made from old vineyards of carignan, cinsault and pais in Chile. The name refers to the haphazard arrangement of the bush vines, in contrast to the organized layout of modern vineyards. This cinsault comes from Itata and shows a mix of ripe red and black fruit with spice and herbal notes adding complexity. Its juicy acidity and polished tannins contribute to the balance of this medium-bodied red wine, which is best served slightly chilled. This has 12.5 per cent alcohol by volume and 4 grams a litre residual sugar. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta.

Bodega Garzón Reserva Albariño 2025 (Uruguay), $23.95

Rating: 91

Garzón has embraced albariño as one of its signature grapes, offering a juicy and fragrant white wine from its estate vineyards in the south of Uruguay, near the Atlantic coast. It has a floral and fruity character with aromas and flavours of peach, citrus and white flowers aromas. The layers and clean, refreshing finish add to its appeal. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, $24.99 in British Columbia, $23.80 in Quebec.

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2023 (South Africa), $18.95

Rating: 90

The historic Boschendal estate is located on the valley floor between the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains in Franschhoek and was founded in 1685. This chardonnay is made using a blend of grapes grown on the estate and in Elgin and Stellenbosch, creating a rich and refreshing white wine with a smooth texture and a mix of ripe fruit, oak spice and buttery notes. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $17.99 in Manitoba, $18.55 in Quebec.

Château Camplong Grande Réserve Corbières 2024 (France), $14.95

Rating: 88

This robust blend of syrah, grenache, mourvedre and carignan makes for a full-bodied, concentrated red wine. Its core of plush, ripe dark fruits is enhanced by spicy, savoury and earthy notes. Its bold yet balanced style carries the high alcohol content effortlessly. This has 14.7 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario.

Paul Mas Vignes de Nicole Rosé 2025 (France), $15.80

Rating: 88

Paul Mas is a family-owned winery in the south of France that farms 162 hectares of vineyards to produce a range of wines. The Vignes de Nicole label is a premium range made under the Pays d’Oc appellation which covers the entire Languedoc-Roussillon region. The rosé is a blend of mourvèdre, syrah and grenache noir which features a mix of red fruit, peach and spice notes. The style is nicely balanced and well made, which makes for a crowd-pleasing style at an attractive price. This has 13 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $17 in Quebec.

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 (France), $39.95

Rating: 90

Jadot’s classic chardonnay label is produced using grapes grown in vineyards across the Côte d’Or and the Côte Mâconnais. The 2023 vintage has a rich and ripe style, reflecting the hot and dry conditions during the growing season. A portion of the blend was fermented and aged in oak barrels, which further contributes to its approachable and flavourful style. This nicely balanced and refreshing white wine displays a pleasing array of lemon and apple flavours with nutty and toasty notes. This has 13 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, $35.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $41.99 in Manitoba ($37.74 until June 30).

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Australia), $44.95

Rating: 92

One of South Australia’s most iconic wines, Wynns Black Label is an always reliable source of classic cabernet sauvignon character. Coonawarra is one of the best places to produce cabernet with complex flavours and a satisfying structure. This wine is ready to drink upon release and can be aged in the bottle for up to 10 years or longer. The 2023 vintage has less of a minty character than expected, offering bright dark fruit and savoury flavours instead. This has 14 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, $40.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.