Like it or not folks, with Labour Day come and gone, the end of summer isn’t far behind. That doesn’t mean we can’t party like it’s 1999; especially when there’s still some prime barbecuing weather left. I’m keen to grab some red meat and a little chicken and take advantage of every cooking alfresco day I have left.
My choice grilling grape mate is malbec, but rather than choose one from Argentina (where the berry is king) think neighbouring Chile and the Concha y Toro 2009 Casillero del Diablo Malbec ($12.95 – $14.23). It’s got more up-front fruit and soft, dry tannins than most of its competitors next door; finishing with some nice, light licorice and black pepper.
For a BBQ white, I’m all over chardonnay. The grape’s got the body and personality to make nice with both red and white meat with the Sterling Vineyards 2009 Vintner’s Collection Chardonnay ($14.95 – $15.25) from California’s Central Coast a winning combo of butter, green apple, tropical fruit, banana, coconut and butterscotch.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces. Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and traveling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.
