Top 10 Wines To Try This Season
10 AUG 2020
By: Monica Kosior
History books will never be the same. This has been a year to, hopefully positively, remember. As the summer season wraps up, and we make plans for the upcoming fall, we hope to maintain our family and friend small gatherings. If you are planning your next get together, or Wednesday night catch up, or your monthly Zoom call, use the list below as guidance for your next LCBO shopping trip!
I hope to remember 2020 with good wine and my glass filled.
Cheers!
10 - The “Tried and True Classic”
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.95
Whenever I am shopping for wine for my steak or burgers, or for a gift, or just because it’s Tuesday, I can always rely on Wolf Blass. Specifically the Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine provides loads of ripe black fruit, with a touch of spice and smoke. Drink now and often.
9 - The “Best Red”
Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, $27.95
Everyone knows Napa, but do you know Sonoma County? Rodney Strong first planted Cabernet Sauvignon in this California appellation in 1971. Big, beautiful, straight up Cabernet made to drink now with your grilled menu. A consistent 90+ point winner from Globe & Mail and Wine Enthusiast.
8 - The “Best White” 
Graffigna Pinot Grigio, $12.95
Hailing from the hills and valleys of San Juan, Argentina, the Graffigna Pinot Grigio is my go to white wine most days of the month. Why? Because it pairs with everything. Think simple arugula salad, poached fish, grilled chicken, Friday night, Tuesday night. This wine does it all. Also available in 1.5L bottles for $23.95.
7 - The “Must Have Fridge Staple”
Cavaliere D’Oro Gabbiano Pinot Grigio IGT, $12.95
The most versatile, the most liked white wine, Pinot Grigio. This is a must have in your refrigerator, for when your friends and family drop by, or it’s Wednesday and you want a glass to cap your evening. The fruit and acid of this wine makes it enjoyable as an aperitif with charcuterie, or enjoyable as a salad pairing during dinner. Drink this Pinot Grigio chilled all year long.
6 - The “Local Favourite” 
Fern Walk Sauvignon Blanc VQA, $16.95
When I think of Fern Walk, I think of fresh, light and crisp wine. This 100% VQA Niagara Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc captures the warmer season in a glass. Pair with sushi, oysters, goats cheese, turkey or light green citrus salad, versatility is key with this wine.
5 - The “Best Bubbles”
Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso, $16.95
What calls for a celebration? Birthdays, promotions, accomplishments, Sunday brunch and more. Mionetto is crafted in the Prosecco region in Italy, dating back to 1887, this wine is truly a flagship for tradition. Celebrate with Mionetto, because it’s more than just a prosecco.
4 - The “New Kid In Town”
Matua Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc, $31.95
What’s better than one bottle of wine? Two of course. The new 1.5L format for Matua, brings quality and quantity into one harmonious bottle. Enjoy this New Zealand favourite chilled and paired with light seafood or herbed dishes. Also available in 750ml bottles for $17.95.
3 - The “Bilingual Beauty”
Parlez Vous Sauvignon Blanc IGP Loire, $12.00
No, I am not fluent in French, but I am fluent with French wine. This wine provides great value, simple tastes and consistency. Reigning from the Loire Valley, the powerhouse of Sauvignon Blanc production in France. Parlez Vous provides a great entry option for new wine lovers.
2 - The “Local Favourite 2.0”
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay BC VQA, $24.95
The King of Kelowna, Mission Hill Reserve series are both balanced and classic. Aged in selective French and American Oak barrels, this Chardonnay boasts texture and acidity, while sneaking hints of baking spice and tropical citrus fruits. Enjoy with roasted turkey, chicken or pear and goat cheese salad.
1 - The “Splurge”
Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, $59.95
Stags’ Leap. Need I say more? This 90 point Cabernet Sauvignon oozes with elegance, crushed blueberries, cassis and black cherries. Enjoy now with rare steak or lay it down for a few years.
Check the LCBO website for inventory in your local stores, and as always drink responsibly. Cheers!