Wine Guy: A late-season patio trio to try

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This week it’s a trio of bottles with, admittedly, no overarching theme or concept.

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A flip through the tasting journal found one white, one Rosé and one red that had yet to be discussed. From various points across the wine world, each wine offers fun pairing opportunities for a variety of meals and experiences — be it served with midweek dinner or shared with friends over weekend get-togethers.

Wine is like that, always at the ready for enjoyment without unnecessary fuss or thought.

Singerstone 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

($12.99 on sale until Sept. 28, No. 495612)

It was a few words on the label that first caught my attention: South Pacific Coast’

Not a wine region I had heard of before, and upon closer inspection it turned out to be a general reference to the Casablanca Valley in Chile. It’s true, wine-wise it’s harder to get farther south along the Pacific than this coastal area west of Santiago. Romantic and poetic nomenclature, to be sure, though the wine inside is fairly pedestrian.

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Pouring a deeper golden than most Sauv Blancs, aromas of tropical and candied fruit lead into a fresh and dry, slightly confected style overall before a short finish. 

Bottom line: C+, late season patio vibes.

Narrative 2022 Rosé, B.C.

($23.99, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

Sure, Rosé is a great summer sipper. But I like to think about Rosé like I think of my shellfish: best enjoyed in months with an ‘R’. Rosé — with it’s cheery colour disposition and typically fresh stance — offers a great parry to the grey doldrums of the months ahead.

Cracking open a bottle like Narrative’s juicy yet sumptuous pink wine will provide brightness in the rainy season. A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, aromas of berry and rhubarb abound, complemented by herby tones.

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And yes, it pairs great with prawn risotto or clam linguine.

Bottom line: B+, robust Rosé.

Laya 2022 Tinto, Spain

($18.99, No. 189902)

When in doubt and looking for a comforting red, it’s hard to go wrong picking a bottle from southern Spain.

In Laya’s case, it’s specifically the southeastern corner of the high plains of Castilla-La Mancha.

Here, old bush vine-grown Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell grapes are harvested to produce an inky purple black wine featuring lush dark berry, floral and vanilla notes. It’s quite concentrated, smooth but a borderline tastebud bruiser with a touch of herbal grit and lingering spice to finish.

It’s the ideal wine to serve with end-of-summer grilling sessions, whether burgers or ribs are on the menu. 

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Bottom line: B+, coats the tastebuds.

The Swirl: Krug Week at Published on Main

Krug, one of the most exclusive Champagne houses, is in the spotlight this week at Published on Main.

One of two Champagne Krug Ambassades in Canada, Krug Week runs through Sept. 22 at Published on Main and offers the unique opportunity to sip Krug Grande Cuvée 171ème Édition and Krug Rosé 27ème Édition by the glass, alongside specially prepared dishes inspired by this year’s signature single ingredient ‘FLOWERS’.

For complete details and reservations head to publishedonmain.com/events/.

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