Gérard Bertrand Terroir Picpoul de Pinet 2022

AOP Picpoul De Pinet, Languedoc, France, $18.95 (13000) 13.0% alcohol

The 1618 on the bottle stands for a famous botanist, in 1618, writing in his book Sylve Plantarium as he pointed out that picpoul wine grapes were excellent and, in fact, the very best white grapes in the Languedoc region. And they still are! Pour alongside pan-seared seafood or steamed mussels. (Vic Harradine)

Claymore Wines ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ ‘Shiraz’ 2021

G. I. Clare Valley, Barossa, Australia, $19.95 (72652) 14.3% alcohol

Alluring aromas beguile the lucky taster(s) – dark berry fruit; blackberry, baking spices, ripe dark cherry and plenty of tang and pizzazz on the palate. The tannins are quite soft and very well balanced. This is a bit sharp and can be easily modified with a 30 minute decant of the wine before you try it. The price is well in your favour. Pour with premium beef steak, osso buco or backyard burgers. (Vic Harradine)

Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio 2023

VQA Niagara Peninsula, $15.95 (250217) 12.0% alcohol

The Pinot Grigio is a refreshing white wine of 100% Pinot Grigio that displays excellent balance and good acidity and plenty of good tropical fruit – pineapple, Mirabelle plum and muskmelon, along with salinity and mineral notes, on the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with ceviche, roast chicken or pasta salad. (Vic Harradine)

Henry Of Pelham Cabernet Merlot 2022

VQA Niagara Peninsula, $16.95 (504241) 13.0% alcohol

For over two decades this Cabernet Franc - Merlot – and Cabernet Sauvignon new-world tradition as an age-worthy wine with black currant and black, juicy, Bing cherry. Taste the new-Old-World from Henry of Pelham estate vineyards. Give this a go, poured with charcuterie, roasted meat, grilled vegetables or pour this wine on its own. (Vic Harradine)

Speck Brothers Family Tree ‘Boxer’s Ghost’ Pinot Noir 2022

VQA Niagara Peninsula, $19.95 (30622) 12.5% alcohol

1t was the 1800’s and after a long day at the horse track, (now the Devil’s Hollow) an unofficial boxing match broke out. Bets were placed and the ‘wrong man’ won. He was never seen again (alive, at least…) This delectable Pinot Noir is simply delicious from first swirl and aroma to the balanced and spicy finish and aftertaste. The retail price at the winery is a tad under twenty dollars. Pour alongside Osso buco, Bolognese sauce or tomato pasta sauce and fettuccine noodles. (Vic Harradine)

Speck Brothers Family Tree 'The Merry Widow' Rosé 2022

VQA Niagara Peninsula, $16.95 (24972) 11.5% alcohol

Sustainably Grown and Accredited by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. Living to the ripe old age of 44 years, 6 months and 22 days, Catherine out-lived her philandering husband Henry who had a secret love-child with Lady Snurr in the next village. Catherine forgave Henry, but we imagine her doing a little dance after his ‘sudden’ passing. (Vic Harradine)

Henry of Pelham Sparkling Wine

VQA Ontario, $17.95 (38965) 11.5% alcohol

From a special place in the valley of Short Hills Bench This is primarily sourced from a ‘Knock your socks off’ fabulous chardonnay along with a juicy pinot noir and a delectable fruit-forward gamay. This is the first wine that has been added to the Henry of Pelham wines since the Bin 106 ‘Lost Boys’ Baco Noir launched in 2018. Henry of Pelham is certified by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario and is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint in the vineyard and winery. This is critical for the long-term preservation of both Ontario’s Greenbelt and the Niagara Escarpment; a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The secondary Méthode Charmat fermentation was designed to produce elegant bubbles. Pair this everyday sparkling wine with smoked salmon, rich cheeses, or in a cocktail. (Vic Harradine)