Nine wines to enjoy in August, whether you’re looking for refreshment or flavours to savour | Canada Voices

While lighter and brighter red wines continue to increase in popularity, especially in the summer when chillable styles offer a richer alternative to rosé, there’s still demand for big, bold flavours. Full-bodied cabernets and plush red blends remain a go-to style for barbecues and other hearty meals.

As a result, there are two considerations for selecting wines for August. There’s a need to stock up on wines that offer refreshment, as well as ones with flavours to savour.

This week’s recommendations focus on some of my favourite fresh expressions – two whites, a rosé and chillable red from Sicily – that have mouth-watering appeal as well as big, bold and concentrated reds that offer more bang for your buck. The two current releases from the south of France show the robust, sun-baked character – and terrific value for money prospect – of grenache-based blends that feel fresh rather than heavy.

Domaine Lafage Tessellae Old Vines Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2023 (France), $19.95

Rating: 91

Tessellae is a joint venture between Roussillon winemaker Jean-Marc Lafage and American wine importer Eric Solomon based on grenache, syrah and mourvèdre from vineyards near Maury, a region with a long history of producing fortified wines. The resulting wine is full-bodied and complex, with concentrated and jammy dark fruit flavours rounded out with floral and spice notes. It’s a big yet balanced red that’s easy to appreciate. This has 14.5 per cent alcohol by volume and 4 grams a litre residual sugar. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta.

Planeta Frappato 2024 (Italy), $23.95

Rating: 92

Frappato is a rare Italian grape variety that’s mostly planted in vineyards located in southeastern parts of Sicily. Planeta was one of the wineries to rescue the grape from obscurity to produce this Beaujolais-like light bodied, juicy red that’s best enjoyed when served slightly chilled. Its summery vibe is enhanced by sweet and tangy red berry flavours, which gain interest from subtle smoky and spicy notes. This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, $23.65 in Quebec,

Protea Pinot Grigio 2025 (South Africa), $14.95

Rating: 88

This bright and juicy South African pinot grigio makes an impression with its mix of ripe peach, pear and lemon zest flavours. There’s satisfying texture and grip thanks to time the wine spent aging on the lees (the dead yeast cells left over from fermentation), with a slight bitterness on the finish that contributes to its refreshing character. This has 12 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario ($12.95 until Aug. 16), $18.49 in B.C., various prices in Alberta.

Quails’ Gate Rosé 2025 (Canada), $22.95

Rating: 89

The 2025 rosé from Quails Gate is a blend of pinot noir and gamay that results in a stylish pink with a textbook fruity and refreshing character. Classic red berry, watermelon and citrus flavours stand out with some herbal and spice notes. Its elegant style makes this best enjoyed with a meal. This has 13 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, $23.99 direct, quailsgate.com, $23.65 in Quebec,

Roberto Sarotto Barolo 2021 (Italy), $39.95

Rating: 91

Here’s an expression of the nebbiolo grape with a ripe and aromatic character based on cherry, plum and vanilla flavours. This is a modern style that’s smooth and savoury rather than rich and intensely structured. It’s sweet, approachable and ready to drink yet should continue to evolve and develop in complexity with further aging. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available in Ontario.

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (New Zealand), $19.95

Rating: 90

Spy Valley is in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley, near a former government facility featuring large satellite dishes used for intelligence gathering. The site was a local landmark before the monitoring devices were dismantled in 2022. The attention-getting style of its sauvignon blanc continues to turn heads, with concentrated tropical and citrus fruit flavours with herbal and wet stone notes. This flavourful white is enjoyable on its own or with a meal. This has 13.5 per cent and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $20.49 in Manitoba, $24.79 in New Brunswick, $30 in Nova Scotia.

Umani Ronchi Vellodoro Pecorino 2025 (Italy), $17.95

Rating: 90

Made from pecorino grapes grown in Abruzzo, Vellodoro is an enticing white wine with layered citrus, earthy and saline notes. Its focused and refreshing nature is enhanced by a fine a texture and lingering finish. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in B.C. and Alberta, $22.49 in New Brunswick, $23.18 in Newfoundland.

Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Argentina), $22.95

Rating: 91

A blend of cabernet sauvignon grown in vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, this is a ripe and spicy flavoured red wine with a smooth texture and long aftertaste. The concentrated style is balanced by bright acidity and supple tannins that make this approachable now, with the potential to develop in the cellar. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in B.C. and Alberta.

Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2023 (France), $19.95

Rating: 90

This grenache-based blend comes from older vineyards in the southern Rhône Valley, ranging from 45 to 100 years of age. A core of sweet, ripe dark fruit flavours gives it a rich and dense character. Its smooth texture and nicely balanced of fruit and acidity help to disguise the high alcohol content. This has 15 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, $29.99 in Saskatchewan, $20.85 in Quebec.