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As we embrace the sunny weather ahead, shopping for wine targets good and (mostly) affordable bottles to place on the table for everyone to joyously help themselves. At this time of year, I’m always interested in fun and fancy wine styles, such as well-made sparkling or still rosés and aromatic whites.
There’s also something about the month of May that inspires thirst for white wines with herbal characters. The zesty intensity of many sauvignon blancs and Vinho Verdes seem even more invigorating and enriching as we ease toward summer.
This week’s recommendations feature seven labels that are prime examples to inspire your shopping. Aveleda, Folonari and Villa Maria are brand champions for their respective regions that have impressed in recent tastings, but if your local liquor store doesn’t stock them seek out similar producers. There are many other equally fun styles of Vinho Verde, Prosecco and sauvignon blanc to try out.
There’s also a nod for the latest dealcoholized version of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and a complex and crowd-pleasing Barossa Shiraz from Yalumba to buy to drink now or put in the cellar for celebrations to come.
1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Rosé 2025 (Canada), $38
Rating: 91
Made with pinot noir from the Black Pine and Cronie Family vineyards on the Naramata Bench, this blend of tank and barrel fermented wines contributes to the flavourful and lively character of the finished wine.
There’s a surprisingly ripe character for the low alcohol level, with an attractive red berry, ruby grapefruit and blossom notes.
Its style is restrained, well-made and persistent.
This has 12 per cent alcohol by volume and 2.6 grams a litre residual sugar.
Drink now to 2028.
Available at the above price, sold as a case of six bottles, 1millroad.ca
Folonari Prosecco Extra Dry (Italy), $17.95
Rating: 88
The trophy case at Rogers Centre features an empty bottle of Folonari Prosecco that was part of the Blue Jays’ celebrations after their Game 7 win over the Seattle Mariners, securing their spot in last year’s World Series.
The accompanying label identifies it as an American League Champion Champagne Bottle, which is sure to bother connoisseurs who know that Champagne is exclusively produced in the designated region in northeastern France.
However, this common confusion won’t vex faithful fans.
They will appreciate light and easy style that delivers on Prosecco’s promise of a frothy glass with pleasant orchard fruit and nutty flavours no matter how well the Jays are playing.
This has 11 per cent ABV and 13 g/litre r.s.
Drink now.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($14.95 until May 24), various prices in Alberta, $19.99 in Manitoba, $19.90 in Quebec, $24 in New Brunswick, $23.25 in Newfoundland.
Kim Crawford Zero Illuminate Sauvignon 2025 (New Zealand), $19.95
Rating: 87
Zero Illuminate is a dealcoholized version of Kim Crawford’s popular style of Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
It offers an accurate mix of grassy, spicy and fruity (citrus and tropical fruit) flavours as part of a well-balanced expression.
The crutch of residual sweetness helps to fill in the palate on this medium-bodied white.
This has 0.5 per cent ABV and 28 g/litre r.s.
Drink now.
Available at the above price in Ontario and Quebec, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $23.99 in Saskatchewan, $27 in New Brunswick, $23.99 in Nova Scotia, $24.99 in Newfoundland.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Brut Rosé Champagne (France), $114.95
Rating: 92
Recognized as the world’s top-selling producer of rosé Champagne, Laurent-Perrier consistently creates a stylish and enjoyable pink sparkling wine.
Produced with pinot noir from 10 different villages in the region, this medium-bodied bubbly offers attractive ripe red fruit, floral and cream notes.
This has 12 per cent ABV and 11 g/litre r.s.
Drink now to 2029.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($108.95 until May 24), $119.99 in British Columbia ($114.99 until May 30), various prices in Alberta.
Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2024 (Portugal), $15
Rating: 88
Aveleda’s flagship estate blend of loureiro and alvarinho is a gentle and refreshing expression of Vinho Verde.
The grapes are harvested at night to preserve acidity and aromatics, while the pressed juice undergoes fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and fruit flavours.
Its green fruit (lime and green apple) and herbal notes give it mass appeal, making it a go-to option for warm weather entertaining.
This has 12 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s.
Drink now.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($13 until May 24), $18.09 in Prince Edward Island.
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2024 (New Zealand), $20
Rating: 90
Now part of the Indevin Group, Villa Maria has access to nearly 20 per cent of New Zealand’s vineyards.
Its popular Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc continues to work with grapes grown in the cooler Awatere and warmer Wairau valleys to produce an intensely fruity white wine with fennel and lemongrass notes.
The balance of ripe and zesty fruit flavours makes this a flavourful white to enjoy on its own or with a meal.
This has 12 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s.
Drink now to 2028.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($17 until May 24), $19.99 in British Columbia ($15.99 until May 30), $19.99 in Manitoba, $19.95 in Quebec, $25.99 in Prince Edward Island, $25.27 in Newfoundland.
Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Shiraz 2023 (Australia), $21.95
Rating: 92
This is a full-bodied blend of shiraz grapes from vineyards across the Barossa region, which is aged for 10 months in a mix of French and Hungarian barrels of various sizes and ages.
The balanced and complex character presents a mix of dark fruit, spice and earthy notes that contribute to a crowd-pleasing yet serious red wine.
The price makes this an affordable selection for cellaring.
This has 14.4 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Vegan friendly.
Drink now to 2033.
Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta.