Domaine-de-Rombeau ‘Le Botaniste’ Réserve Fig.4 2022

AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France $21.95 (28411) 15.0% alcohol

This pretty label with a botanical theme, introduces a lovely blend of 70% syrah and the rest half and half grenache and mourvèdre matured 12 months in French oak, 30% new. Quite expressive on the nose with ripe blackberry aromas, cola, sandalwood and a hint of lilac. It flows on the palate with a soft texture,
plenty of mixed berry flavours complemented with garrigue character, a replay of cola and a kick of black peppercorn. The finish is dry, savoury and delicious. Pair this full-bodied red with wild mushroom stew or your favourite cut of beef on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

Casa-Dea Estate Winery Pecorino 2022

VQA Prince Edward County $34.95 12.5% alcohol

Vastly cultivated on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo—Casa-Dea owner’s Italian region of origin—pericono found excellent growing conditions in Prince Edward County. The 2022 vintage below is the first VQA approved one and it adds variety to the Ontario white wines offering.

Expect an attractive blend of aromas—honeydew, ripe white peach, Meyer lemon and a hint of banana—in this Canadian pecorino. It’s 92% pecorino with a splash of melon de Bourgogne, the Muscadet grape. It flows nicely on the palate with a round body texture, offering melon, tangy citrus flavours and an herbal touch balancing the mix. The finish is crisp and mineral with a pleasant chalky texture. Definitely worth trying solo or paired with fried zucchini sticks or risotto alla Milanese. (Louise Boutin)

Domaine Queylus Rosé 2023

VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.75 12.5% alcohol

This is a 100% cabernet franc rosé, wild fermented with lovely floral aromas, watermelon rind, strawberry and pink grapefruit. The palate is fresh with a beautiful cranberry tartness combined with herbal flair in a medium-bodied weight. Light enough for summer sipping and versatile for lunch pairing. Try with a smoked trout salad or fresh tomato bruschetta. (Louise Boutin)

Black Bank Hill Pinot Noir 2020

VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario $35.00 12.9% alcohol

This is a lovely pinot that greets you with crunchy cherry and fresh rose aromas but also a deeper layer of earthiness and subtle spice. Silky soft on the palate with juicy red cherry flavour and cranberry tartness, plus bay leaf savoury notes. Lots of finesse with a gentle dusty tannin finish trailing on a delicate exotic spice profile. Rainbow trout or salmon on the grill sounds like a perfect match. (Louise Boutin)