MAKING THE CASE
Wines to Grill For… PART 1 M
By TOM FIRTH
e? I’m absolutely a creature of habit. While I do change things up from time to time, when the nice – uhh- nicer weather is upon us, I’d much rather spend my time out of doors, whether it’s cooking, socializing, enjoying a nice book, or a nice glass or two. Plus, there is more than enough activity to get some fresh air through the system including a little yard work, getting a quick peddle in, or just strolling around town. Wine-wise, this time of year, I want to see and enjoy wines that match up perfectly with enjoying the outdoors, and this often involves being near the barbecue, or enjoying lighter fare that suits the day. We know in Alberta that we can just as easily enjoy a +30º day in the sunshine that might be hovering around 10-12º C when the sun dips. For wine picks, these are all great, well-priced bottles that are all-stars around an outdoor entertaining menu. Naturally, we have a few Argentine wines which fit the bill perfectly, but a smattering of American and French wines, Australian and Canadian bottles which contribute nicely to a fine evening in the backyard. Find these wines by searching the CSPC code at Liquorconnect.com; your local liquor store can also use this code to order it for you. Prices are approximate.
Chartron et Trebuchet 2019 Cremant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, France
It’s hard to share how much I enjoyed trying this wine without being overly effusive, or excessive in my praise, but this was exactly the sort of well-crafted, well-priced sparkler that breaks our tendency to only think about sparkling wine for special occasions. Completely alive with bright fruits, mild toastiness, and gentle nuttiness on the nose and palate. A subtle, enjoyable wine for any day of the week. CSPC +804981 $24-28
Cantina Girlan Fass Nr.9 2020 Vernatsch Südtirol Alto Adige, Italy
Completely new to me, the grape here is vernatsch and almost completely unknown outside Alto Adige but that might be changing in the years to come. All around, this is a totally tasty and versatile wine that shows off plump and clean berry fruits, a finely expressed cocoa and earthy/spice back palate, and smooth and mild tannins. Fun to drink and a new experience, this will handle roast beef or game, and a wide variety of meaty sauces – even pizza! CSPC +853961 $27-30
Chartron et Trebuchet 2019 Pouilly-Fuisse Burgundy, France
A complete stunner of a French chardonnay showing off the very best of the fruit and some fantastic balance from start to finish. Clean, creamy fruits with plenty of tropical and apple presence but with a tightly wound acidity that complements those fruits, and a fine mineral tone. Completely at home on its own, but would be fantastic with poultry, lighter seafood dishes, or even a little charcuterie. CSPC +264945 $34-38 Tom has been waxing on (and on) about wine, beer, and spirits for more than 25 years and freelances, consults, and judges on beverages all year long. He is the Managing Editor for Culinaire Magazine, and the Competition Director for the Alberta Beverage Awards.
34 Culinaire | June 2022
Catena 2019 Malbec Mendoza, Argentina
One of the best-known Argentinean producers we see around these parts and for good reason. The wines always deliver! Classically malbec on the nose with a clean and almost dominant floral aroma to go with those black fruits. On the palate, a very well-balanced wine with harmony between the fruit, herb, and an almost chocolatey finish. A fine choice for bringing to the barbecue, it will work well with those rich proteins, but also would stand up to top quality pork sausage or smokies. CSPC +478727 $24-28
