I cannot remember a year where I have wished for the return of warmer temperatures as much as I have this year. I’m constantly in search of signs we have turned the corner from winter: of gardens springing back to life with tender acid green shoots and monitoring how the sunlight lingers longer each day.
There’s still a chill in the air, but my taste for wine of late has turned toward simple, refreshing and affordable whites. While the support for Canadian wine and other products becomes more ingrained with good reason, there are new and current international releases to share with wine lovers across the country.
Several of the crisp and citrusy whites that have stood out of late are recommended this week, alongside a trio of red wines to help kickstart a return to barbecue season and an elegant Champagne suitable for any celebrations – large or small – that April might conjure up.
Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Australia), $18.95
Billed as “red meat’s perfect partner,” Angus The Bull is purpose built to be a full-bodied and flavourful cabernet sauvignon. Richly concentrated dark fruit favours are coated with toasty oak and eucalyptus notes reminiscent of the wildly popular chocolate-mint flavoured red wines popular in Australia 20 years ago. Drink now-2028. It has 14.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/l r.s. Available at the above price in Ontario, $21.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $19.99 in Manitoba, $26 in New Brunswick, $26.98 in Nova Scotia, $24.99 in Prince Edward Island, $27.36 in Newfoundland.
Château Camplong Grande Réserve Corbières 2023 (France), $13.95
This satisfying red is a blend of carignan, grenache, mourvèdre and syrah from Corbières in the South of France. The bright and fragrant style offers a core of sweet fruit (candied black cherry and cassis) that gains interest from earthy and peppery spice notes. It’s got robust regional character, but without too much heft or warmth from the higher alcohol content. Drink now. It has 14.7 per cent ABV and 3 g/l r.s. Available in Ontario.
d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original Grenache/Shiraz 2020 (Australia), $19.95
The Osborn family have been making wine in South Australia’s McLaren Vale since 1912. Winemaker Chester Osborn is the fourth generation in the business and has taken d’Arenberg red stripe labels to impressive heights. This satisfying and smooth grenache and shiraz blend is named for Chester’s father, Francis aka d’Arry. This shows classic South Australian character, with a mix of red and dark fruit enhanced by savoury, spicy and herbal notes. It’s nicely balanced with layers of flavours that are easy to appreciate. Drink now to 2029. It has 13.9 per cent ABV and 4 g/l r.s. Available in Ontario.
Dunavar Pinot Grigio 2023 (Hungary), $9.95
A pinot grigio from Hungarian vineyards might come as a surprise, but the bright and mouth-watering character of Dunavar’s medium-bodied expression has long been a favourite of bargain hunters. The mix of apple, pear and floral notes contributes to the clean and balanced style. Drink now. It has 13 per cent ABV and 4 g/l r.s. Available at the above price in Ontario, $11.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $13.49 in Manitoba.
Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc Pays d’Oc 2023 (France), $15
Made with sauvignon blanc grown in the south of France, this pleasant white conveys bright citrus (lemon, lime) with floral and herbal notes. It’s not going to bowl you over with complexity or concentration but makes the most of its simple yet enjoyable personality. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $20 in New Brunswick, $19.99 in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, $20.44 in Newfoundland.
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne (France), $86.95
Founded in 1811 in Epernay, Champagne Perrier-Jouët bases its multi-vintage Grand Brut Champagne on a blend of equal parts pinot noir and (pinot) meunier with 20 per cent chardonnay. While the aromas suggest richer yeasty, nutty and baked apple notes, the palate is crisp and refreshing with beautifully balanced citrus, apple and honey flavours. The overarching style is approachable with a rounded texture that tempers the lemony acidity and stony minerality on the lingering finish. Drink now to 2028. It has 12.5 per cent ABV and 8 g/l r.s. Available at the above price in Ontario, $82.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $89.25 in Quebec.
Tread Softly Pinot Grigio 2024 (Australia), $14.95
Tread Softly is a brand created by Fourth Wave Wine, a company that works with wineries in Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Spain, and Argentina. Lemon, peach and honey notes are on display in this clean and simple white wine made as a lower alcohol option. Drink now. Vegan friendly. It has 10.5 per cent ABV and 5 g/l r.s. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan
TWR Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (New Zealand), $26.95
A blend of sauvignon blanc from two vineyards in Marlborough, one in the cooler upper Awatere Valley and the other, an organically certified block, near the winery in the warmer Wairau region. The result is an intense and fragrant expression, with abundant ripe and juicy tropical fruit flavours mingling with zesty lime, herbal and elderflower notes. A balanced attack tempers bright acidity with creamy texture and a medium body that charms. Drink now to 2027. It has 13 per cent ABV and 4 g/l r.s. Available in Ontario.
Villa Antinori Bianco 2023 (Italy), $19.95
First produced in 1931, Villa Antinori Bianco has evolved to become a ripe and enjoyable blend of pinot grigio, pinot blanc, trebbiano and riesling from Tuscan vineyards. Expect a mix of fruity, floral and fresh flavours from a wine that reveals pleasing citrus, melon and blossom notes. Made in a dry and medium-bodied style, this is a refreshing white to enjoy on its own or with a meal. Drink now. It has 12.2 per cent ABV and 5 g/l r.s. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $18.90 in Quebec (2022 vintage), $26.45 in Nova Scotia.
