Lungarotti ‘Rubesco’ Sangiovese Colorino 2013

DOC Rosso di Torgiano $17.95 (368548) 13.5% alcohol

Ruby with a garnet note, this aromatic blend—Lungarotti’s most popular worldwide—offers complex and intriguing aromas—floral notes, mineral and tobacco, plummy fruit with a touch of spice and subtle oaky notes. Medium-full bodied, with a tangy texture, the ripe yet firm tannins underpin tasty berry fruit mingling with notes of smoked meat, dried herbs, spice and pepper. There’s great length to the dry finish. It’s a wonderful match with tomato and meat-based pastas, or with lamb ragout. (Susan Desjardins)

  

Barone Montalto 'Collezione Di Famiglia' Viognier 2015

IGT Terre Siciliane $15.95 (435479) 12.5% alcohol

This wine was produced from grapes grown on a cool east-facing slope to maintain freshness. It shows lifted orange blossom aromas mingling with a basket of stone and tropical fruits. Dry, on the full side of medium bodied, it has a lovely creamy yet fresh texture, and replays the ripe fruit—apricot and mango—garnished with tangy notes of lime and tangerine. There's good length through the clean tasty finish. (Susan Desjardins)




  

Barone Montalto 'Collezione Di Famiglia Passivento' Nero d'Avola 2016 

IGT Terre Siciliane $17.95 (477976) 13.5% alcohol

The climate allows not only ripening to full flavour intensity, but the opportunity to dry some of the grapes in the method locally known as 'passivento' – after some drying on the vine, the grapes are exposed to constant air circulation for about 20 days. The rich fruit flavours of this deep ruby wine launch a fragrant assault on the nose, the palate is fruit forward with a tasty compote of sweet cherries and berries, plum and fig balanced by soft ripe tannins and good underlying acidity. Well balanced and fruity on the finish, you'll enjoy this with barbecued meats and veggies. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Tornatore ‘Etna’ Rosso 2014
DOC Etna, Sicily $21.95 (487090) 14.5% alcohol
This was hand harvested on the north slope of Etna from a combination of Etna’s native grapes—Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappucci, the latter used to soften tannins of the former). The excellent 2014 vintage showcases balance, structure and significant complexity. Fermented in stainless with some oak aging, it’s a medium-bodied blend offering aromas of red fruit, spice, dried meat, herbs and earth. Smooth and silky on the palate and underpinned by supple tannins, the vibrant red cherry/berry fruit has intriguing notes of mineral, cedar and spice on the lengthy dry finish. Pour with mushroom arrosto or meat-based pasta. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Tawse Robyn’s Block Chardonnay 2013
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $45.95 (416321) 12.0% alcohol
A rich, expressive nose of ripe apple, lemon zest, and pineapple adorned with notions of buttered toast, acacia flower and wet stone open this complex, certified organic and biodynamic Chardonnay. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s creamy in texture, backed by bright acidity with ripe, fresh fruit flavours of green apple, white grapefruit and grilled pineapple extending into the long, flavourful finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

 
Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2012
VQA Viewmount Ridge $35.75 (307686) 12.5% alcohol
Showing restraint and elegance, delicate aromas of cranberry, red cherry, lavender, earth and spice open this well-balanced gem. Dry, medium bodied, with good structure and fine acidity, tart red fruit flavours are backed by notions of savoury herbs and spice. It finishes bright and clean, tangy cranberry and mineral notes lasting through the mid-plus length finish. (Lisa Isabelle)