I know it's hot as the devil outside and you might be thinking I'm going to recommend some ice cold Riesling or sparkling wine to help chill you off, but alas, not even close!
I've picked some serious red wine options perfect for some BBQ burgers, Grilled Ribs, Steak, and two Italian wines that you should seriously consider at excellent price points for the grape/region.
Let's jump right in shall we?
1. 2015 Baptiste & Laurent Le Meilleur des 2 Mondes, Saint-Amour, Beaujolais, Burgundy, France at $19.95
As you may know, 2015 was a warm year in most of Europe so the sugars are up, in-turn the alcohols are up and that means you get a little more "bang" for your buck when it comes to the body. Take this traditionally lightweight Gamay Noir, usually, a simple easy going light red wine you can sip slightly chilled. This, however, is not entry level Beaujolais but Cru, from Saint-Amour to be specific, one of the ten crus"s in Beaujolais. Red raspberry, black plum, anise, earthy notes, a solid wine from a solid vintage.
Serve 15C, decant 15 minutes and pair with grilled chicken, sausages or bump it up to succulent rich burgers smothered in aged gouda. This is a great red wine to ease those who usually only drink white because of it's frutier and somewhat lighter nature.
Is this from the warmer 2015 vintage, no, would I buy this and drink with a smile, absolutely. I am fascinated with two underappreciated grapes right now, Riesling and Cabernet Franc. This 100% Cabernet Franc from Chinon should show classic red fruit such as red cherry and plum with a tinge of green note from a light sage to a heavier green pepper. Pair with homemade burgers and grilled green peppers, evening patio sipper right here! Serve 16C and decant 15-30 minutes.
We have all had Shiraz from Australia, how about a Syrah from Corsica? What fun! Granite soils, this 100% Syrah offers "Notes of blackberries, blueberries, crushed violets, spice and hints of mint all flow to a ripe, sexy, concentrated and beautifully textured red that has plenty of sweet fruit, an energetic, vibrant texture and a great finish." says Jeb Dunnuck from Robert Parker's website.
I would pair this bold wine with dry rub ribs on the BBQ or smoker. Alternatively, peppercorn steaks. I wonder if Napoleon drank this well when he was a child in Corsica? Serve at 18C and decant 30 minutes to 1 hour.
If you have ever been timid with Barolo because of its high price, then this is the bottle to try! Literally the best deal in town on Barolo! I love when La Pieve Barolo hit's our shelves because it is the pretty much the most affordable Barolo you can find, and honestly, pretty darn good as well! Most Barolo's are built to age 20-40 years but because this is more of an entry-level Barolo, you can sip this the day you pick it up or age it for 5-10 if you really wanted to.
This wine made from 100% Nebbiolo offers intense aromatics of rose petals, tar, red fruit and earth that will surely make you smile. I would pair this with perhaps gnocchi topped with shaved truffle in a red sauce or a traditional Piedmont dish, Brasato al Barolo. You could also pair with a nice charcuterie plate and firm Italian cheeses. Serve 18C and decant 30 minutes to 1 hour or beyond, just don't forget to smell the beautiful nose on this wine before sipping! Dam I love Barolo and at this price, you can afford to drink it even if it's for more of a special occasion.
Barolo's come from Northern Italy, now meet the Barolo of the south, Taurasi! This wine made from 100% Aglianico is a bold red wine that should certainly impress those looking to tango! This is hardly a simple sipper, this wine means business. The LCBO vintages panel says "This one is loaded with plum, black cherry, red fruit, tobacco and oak spice with smooth, high-toned tannins. A real food wine." and I couldn't agree more.
I would pair this with a Sunday roast, wild boar, moose steaks, or grilled rib eyes with all of the fixes. I, however, would wait for a rainy/cooler day because this wine will certainly keep you warm, stain your teeth, pack a punch, and make you fall in love with Italy...as if anyone ever fell out of love.
Happy Sipping
Happy Grilling
Happy Summer Living
Ryan
P.S. You may be wondering where to find truffles or wild boar...St. Lawrence Market. Alternatively, if you order in advance, a good local butcher.
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