Wine Man: Trio that pairs nicely with seasonal alfresco eating

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It’s mentioned that selection is the spice of life, which actually holds as a wine truism.

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So with wine spiciness in thoughts, there’s no specific rhyme or cause to this week’s picks. Relatively it’s a random trio of bottles that just lately made their means into the tasting glass. Really, come to think about it there’s a widespread present: all three are able to pair fairly nicely with alfresco meals and impromptu pleasant gatherings.

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Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva 2022 Viognier, Chile

($12.99, #566836)

Right here now we have a little bit of bottled nostalgia. This has lengthy been a simple worth choose able to tackle any sundown or picnic. Positive again within the day it offered for $10, however whereas it’s now as much as $13 it nonetheless ably pleases the senses for an honest value. That is an extroverted and fragrant Viognier, wafting tropical fruit and flower petals with a fruity but punchy stance general, underpinned by evident acidity. First rate texture and a follow-through fruity and cheerful end guarantee this can be a crowd-pleasing white that’s prepared for on a regular basis pairing — from rooster tenders to take-out Thai. 

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Backside line: B+, Sunshine in a bottle

Quarisa Johnny Q 2017 Petite Sirah, Australia

($19.99, #22635)

In case you haven’t heard, June 10 has been proclaimed Durif Day. In all equity, chances are you’ll not have recognized this as a result of the Durif title shouldn’t be extensively used exterior of Australia. However in the remainder of the world this grape is known as Petite Sirah — a enjoyable piece of wine trivia to impress your mates as you unscrew this bottle of daring Durif/Petite Sirah from New South Wales. The additional years in bottle have smoothed out  this wine’s general depth, nevertheless it nonetheless comes throughout heady with notes of cassis and cherry cola, that includes massive fruit and easy grip general.

Backside line: B-, BBQ all day

Domaine de la Pépière La Pépiè 2021 Côt, France

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(from $28, obtainable at choose personal wine shops)

For a purple with somewhat extra zip and snap — albeit one that also goes nice with barbecuing, significantly as a foil for wealthy and fatty dishes — take into account the most recent classic of La Pépiè Côt. Côt is identical grape as Malbec, however since this bottle hails from France’s Loire Valley it wears the previous nomenclature. This provenance additionally helps clarify the wine’s brisker, extra sinewy type. A cooler local weather, natural grape rising, and unoaked winemaking helps preserve decrease tannins and vibrant acidity. This is a fascinating purple exhibiting purple fruit and violets, with a recent and juicy end.

Backside line: B+, Energetic purple

The Swirl: Foodstock 2023

Billed as a day of native bands, native beer and native meals and headlined by Stated the Whale, Foodstock is a fundraising competition for the Larger Vancouver Meals Financial institution. Happening from midday to five p.m. on June 18 at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium, Foodstock options native beer and wine together with meals vans, yard video games, and extra. Tickets are $30 (plus charges). Particulars and tickets at www.foodbank.bc.ca/occasions/foodstock-2023/. 

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