Midi
BEAUVIGNAC VIOGNIER  2008
AC Vins de Pays d'Oc, Sud de France  
(Les Costières de Pomérols)

Here's a classy white that evokes the effortless sophistication of the South of France. With pretty aromas and flavours reminiscent of apricots, pear, peach and lime, this Viognier is pleasantly round and fruity. Incredibly versatile, it can stand on its own or be matched up with a variety of foods from grilled cod with lemon and garlic, to seared scallops, to a selection of fine cheeses.

Rhône
PERRIN & FILS TAVEL ROSÉ  2008
AC  

TASTING NOTE: This summertime favourite sports a particularly intense pink hue. Fresh aromas of maraschino cherry, blood oranges and melon greet the nose. Dry and round textured with a medium-full body, this mouth-filling rosé has delicious red fruit flavours balanced by medium acidity and leading to a lengthy finish. Serve this tasty number on a sunny summer evening with herbed chicken, grilled salmon, or an artichoke salad. (VINTAGES panel, May 2009) 

680801    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

Midi
CHÂTEAU DE JAU  2006
AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages  

If you're looking for an elegant and affordable wine full of French character, allow us to introduce you to this stunner from Côtes du Roussillon-Villages. This balanced, bright and fruity blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre would be a great choice for a 'French Bistro' night. Enjoy with a variety of French breads, cheeses and sausages.

It's not surprising that Californians would seek to craft refreshing, easy-drinking wines to sip in the full heat of a sun-drenched summer. This Sauvignon Blanc, with its intriguing grapefruit, lemon-lime, and sweet herb aromas and flavours, is a perfect example. Lighter-bodied and quaffable, it's a great match for pan-fried fish and steamed asparagus.

RAVENSWOOD VINTNERS BLEND CHARDONNAY  2007
California  

This easy-drinking Chardonnay is a fleshy, round wine bursting with mango, citrus, baking spices and well-balanced toasty oak flavours. A quaffable crowd-pleaser, it's extremely food-friendly and offers great value. Just the thing to add flavour to your next BBQ party when served alongside roasted lemon chicken, or avocado salad with orange slices.

ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC  2007
Napa Valley  

Over 40 years after Robert Mondavi created his lightly oaked Sauvignon Blanc, the Fumé Blanc is as charming as ever - showing aromas of kiwi, dried grasses and hay, plus a nice layer of oak. The wine has a refreshing core of acidity and a plush mouthfeel, and culminates in a long, crisp finish. A great partner for baked snapper or grilled salmon served up with summer salads.

Veneto
CORTE GIARA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA  2007
DOC  
(Allegrini)

A real knockout, this ready-to-drink Ripasso is intensely flavoured with layers of black cherries, plum, earth and toast. Dry and medium-bodied, it's a food-friendly tangy red that's delicious with spicy Italian sausages hot off the grill. A shining example of the extremely popular Ripasso style, at a very attractive price.

The perfect wine for a summer afternoon, Ricossa's frizzante Moscato d'Asti features attractive notions of orange zest and ripe melon. Its delicate sweetness is perfectly balanced by a seam of excellent, crisp acidity. If they bottled sunshine, this is what it might taste like. A great patio sipper, or match it to mildly spiced noodle dishes.

This crowd-pleasing Australian Chard is robust but not overblown. It's matured in 100% new oak, giving it a hefty portion of toasty, buttery character while it retains ample finesse. Look for green apple and tropical fruit flavours to complement the oaky notes. This wonder from down under will stand up to a feast of flame-grilled herbed chicken, or sea scallops fried in butter and garlic.

ST. HALLETT SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC  2008
Barossa, South Australia  

TASTING NOTE: Pale lemon in colour, this blend offers a distinctly Aussie take on the classic white Bordeaux version. Aromas of gooseberry, peach and nectarine leap from the glass, along with wafts of lovely pineapple, lime, melon and kiwi fruit. The medium full-bodied palate replays the aromas nicely and a delightful arc of citrus zest emerges on the medium-long finish. Try it with fresh lobster, or lightly spiced prawns hot off the 'barbie'. (VINTAGES panel, May 2009) 

57687    (D)            750 mL    $14.95   

New at VINTAGES
KRINKLEWOOD WILD RED  2005
Broke Fordwich, New South Wales  

TASTING NOTE: This cheery, zingy biodynamic vineyard shiraz would be good to quaff with pepperoni and eggplant pizza, spaghetti carbonara or shish kebabs. It is brick red and has a sweet cherry nose. Juicy mulberry flavour shows on the front of the palate and licorice, spearmint and light spicy oak combine on the middle palate. Soft flinty tannins come through at the finish.  Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (John Lewis, Newcastle Herald, April 2, 2008) 

108209    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

X&Y celebrates what the younger generation loves about the region: the culture, art, surf and great wineries. This approachable fruit-driven wine is a soft, delectable and lip-smacking red to enjoy with Aussie "sausage sizzlers" - barbecued sausages and onions served on white bread with tomato sauce.

Northwest Spain's Albariño grape makes crisp, thirst-quenching wines which are perfect for summer. Known for its smooth texture and concentrated flavours, it features citrus, mineral, pear and floral notes. The wine's vibrant acidity and long crisp finish make it perfect to pair with seafood tapas such as spicy garlic-and-chili prawns.

MUGA ROSÉ  2008
DOCa Rioja  

TASTING NOTE: Muga Rosado is a blended rosé from Rioja in Spain, a mix of Tempranillo and Grenache (red) and Viura (white). Like all Muga wines, it's barrel fermented and has a depth and richness that matches well with heavier foods, like grilled veggies, chicken or shrimp. (Jeff Diamond, Alameda Magazine, May/June 2009) 

603795    (XD)            750 mL    $12.95   

ONTAÑÓN CRIANZA  2005
DOCa Rioja  

Try this Spanish beauty with chorizo sausage empanadas, or tapas dishes.

TASTING NOTE: For those who prefer a more traditional style Rioja, with marked woody aromas of caramel, toffee, sweet baking spice, pine resin and a touch of coconut alongside red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy acidity, light but still youthfull-firm tannins and moderate finish. A very enjoyable/drinkable Rioja for immediate pleasure or hold until 2011. Score - 88. (John Szabo, M.S., Wine Access 'First In Line E-Report', June 21, 2008) 

976910    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

Arrive in Style
LAN RESERVA  2004
DOCa Rioja  

Ranked #52 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2008 list, this unbeatable value is a beauty with barbecued meats.

TASTING NOTE: A silky texture carries expressive flavors of black plum, violet, licorice and smoke in this focused, balanced red. Has good intensity yet remains vibrant and accessible. Drink now through 2012.  Score - 90. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2008) 

42929    (XD)            750 mL    $23.95   

Niagara-on-the-Lake's Strewn winery celebrates the marriage of wine and food with its on-site cooking school and gourmet restaurant. This value-packed Riesling's pure peach and lemon-lime flavours are balanced by crisp acidity leading to a long, minerally finish. Pair this wine with grilled quail, pork loin or smoked salmon at your next backyard picnic.

FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ  2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula  

Niagara is home to an array of vivacious and stylish rosés including this beauty from the eco-friendly Featherstone Estate Winery. Pure fruit flavours of strawberry, cherry and raspberry make this a delightful wine to pair with spicy shrimp dishes, or oregano-and-lemon chicken kebabs, or a variety of light appetizers at your next garden party.

FLAT ROCK CELLARS PINOT NOIR ROSÉ  2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula  

Are you a rosé lover who adores seafood? Take heart, you're not alone; and you're in luck with this elegant, refreshing pink made from Pinot. Fresh fruit flavours, ample body and crisp acidity make this a superb wine with grilled calamari, smoked salmon or crab salad.

VINTAGES Essentials Collection
MIKE WEIR WINE CABERNET/MERLOT  2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula  

After a long day on the links, it's time to toast your resounding success (or steady progress) with some BBQ fare and a classy, poised red wine. Exceptionally balanced, this blend tees up complex raspberry, blueberry, currant, toast and cedar notes all leading to a long, clean finish. A winner with grilled meats.