White Wine

   
Bolla Soave Classico 2014
DOC Soave, Italy $12.90 (438945) 12.5% alcohol
This is a lovely Soave with racy tang. It’s crisp and refreshing from cork pop to last drop with a price-quality balance tipped in your favour. Aromas of tropical fruit and peach lead the way for a mid-weight stream of apple, pear and peach nicely balanced with racy lemon curd. Pours well on its own or with lighter-styled dishes like roast chicken, veal, fish or seafood. (Vic Harradine)

   
Peller Estates ‘Family Select’ Riesling 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $11.95 (582817) 11.5% alcohol
Offering delightful floral notes, citrus and mineral, with a whiff of stone fruit, this technically off-dry Riesling is crisp and lively. The tasty flavours of lime and green apple are complemented with an underlying roundness that translates as ripe pear and lifted by a well-defined backbone of lively acidity. Finishing slightly pithy and refreshing, you’ll enjoy sipping this tasty value on a warm day or pairing with light appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)

Red Wine

   
Château des Charmes ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc 2013
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $13.95 (162602) 13.0% alcohol
Arguably one of Niagara’s top red grapes, Cabernet Franc, when handled properly as it is here, is rich and quite delicious. Aromas of grilled herbs, roasted red peppers and earthy notes abound. This is value-packed, savoury-laden, rich and complex with a lush, delicious, medium-bodied stream of black currant, raspberry and wisps of passion fruit framed by savoury herbs, deft balance, ripe fruit, soft tannin and racy acidity. The lengthy finish and aftertaste is quite special. (Vic Harradine)

  
Terre del Barolo Barolo 2011
DOCG Barolo, Italy $27.25 (264333) 14.0% alcohol
Floral notes, tar and tobacco aromas abound. A gorgeous river of ripe red cherry and red currant bathe the palate robed in excellent acidity and tang. This is dry, medium bodied with good mouth feel and a lengthy, lip-smacking finish. This large cooperative produces good-quality wine at a favourable price. Pour with roast Cornish game hens accompanied by root veggies. (Vic Harradine)

   
The Wanted Zin Primitivo 2014
IGT Puglia, Italy $13.95 (416487) 14.5% alcohol
You wouldn’t be faulted for thinking this is Zinfandel from California as the front label would certainly lead you there. However, it’s Primitivo from Puglia, Italy. Whatever… it’s very good. Piquant spice and red cherry berry aromas set the table for a lively wash of red cherry and pomegranate coating the palate robed in spice and tang. It’s mid-full weight with good texture and the perfect foil for a pulled pork sandwich, ribs or wings. (Vic Harradine)

  
Mauro ‘Alberello’ Primitivo 2014
IGT Del Salento, Italy $11.95 (441790) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of roasted herbs, tobacco and dark berry fruit abound. It streaks over the palate with racy tang from red currant, cranberry and pie cherry flavours. This is medium bodied with oodles of racy tang and a lip-smacking finish of red berry fruit along with a hefty, pungent bite on the aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

  
Ascheri Barbera d’Alba 2014

DOC Barbera d’Alba, Italy $16.00 (219790) 13.0% alcohol
Exotic incense and red cherry/berry fruit aromas introduce a savory-laden river of tangy pie cherry and earthy notes along with roasted herbs and cranberry. This is mid weight with good texture and wisps of grainy tannin on the aftertaste. Aerate/decant a couple of hours, enjoying this 100% Barbera with beef fajitas, burritos or chili con carne. (Vic Harradine)

   
Fantini ‘Numero Uno’ Primitivo 2014 
IGT Puglia, Italy $12.90 (442491) 13.5% alcohol
Charred toast and pipe tobacco aromas open this medium-full bodied, nicely textured red that punches well above the meagre price point. A balanced wash of red and dark berry fruit—mulberry, currant and bramble—along with dark cherry and earthy notes coat the palate. It finishes with replays—fruit-forward, smooth as silk, delicious. (Vic Harradine)

  
Ciao Sang Org Sangiovese Non-Vintage
IGT Terre Di Chieti, Italy $11.85 (29090) 1L Tetra Pack 13.0% alcohol
Ripe cherry/berry on the nose, it unleashes a palate-bathing wash of creamy-smooth sweet cherry and sweet bramble berry on the palate persisting through the lengthy aftertaste. This Non-Vintage, Tetra Pack goes well around the pool with plastic glasses along with grilled pork ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• Pick up a bottle of the following, newly released red and give it a try. If you’re pleased, go back and pick up a few—you’ll receive 9 bonus AirMiles for each bottle purchased May 22 - June 18, 2016.

  
Le Clairon des Anges Costières de Nîmes 2014
AOP Costières de Nîmes, France $13.45 (441741) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of cedar, piquant spice and berry fruit open the door to a dry, racy wash of grilled herbs, red berry fruit and wisps of kirsch liqueur robed in warm spice and chalky notes. It’s medium weight and nicely textured with a mid-length finish and aftertaste. Pour with pasta and meatballs in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)