Just a reminder that summer isn’t officially over for another few days. I for one have been hanging onto every last ray of sunshine by my fingernails.
As much as I hate to admit it though, I feel the chill at night and see rain in the forecast. My shift in behaviour clearly indicates that fall is around the corner. I’m hauling out my sweaters and wouldn’t say no to curling up by the fire after sundown.
Even my drinking habits have changed. Those chilled reds I’ve been chugging all summer simply aren’t quite as tempting to me now. Instead, I find myself cracking open rich, more robust reds.
When you’re in need of comfort as well, you can certainly seek out familiar favourites like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Like a cozy blanket they’ll fend off the foul weather when it sets in. Otherwise, spice up a nippy Thursday night by being adventurous. The warmer climes of Southern Italy, Portugal and Greece offer lots of unique gutsy reds that will keep you toasty while stimulating your curiosity.
All of the recommended wines are perfectly suited for a barbecue if you are still braving the elements. They’ll be equally comfortable inside beside slowly braised meat. Either way, they are guaranteed to take the edge of any chill and help you transition smoothly into the autumn.
2013 Montes, 'Classic Series' Cabernet Sauvignon • Colchagua Valley, Chile • $14.99, BC Liquor Stores
When I am craving a good ol’ Cab Sauv, the Montes always delivers, especially for the price. It’s friendly enough to drink on its own with lush cassis and dark chocolate along with mint and tobacco. A classic with steak.
2010 Pedro Cancela, ‘Seleção do Enólogo • Dão DOC, Portugal • $16.99, BC Liquor Stores
A trio of exotic sounding grapes: Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Roriz make for a warming and hunger inducing red. Subtly gamey with wild berries, fragrant herb, cinnamon and lots of minerality, it makes my mouth water for duck sausages.
2011 Di Majo Norante, ‘Ramitello’ • Biferno Rosso DOC, Italy • $21.99, BC Liquor Stores
The Ramiltello brings together Montepulciano and Aglianico, two of southern Italy’s delicious indigenous varieties. The result is a full-bodied, ripe and savoury red with flavours of black plum and licorice. If you are heroically persisting with the barbecue, more power to you! Try this with grilled lamb chops.
2008 Boutari, Grande Reserve • Naoussa PDO, Greece • $22.99, BC Liquor Stores
The Coles notes: Naoussa is the region (in Northern Greece) and Xinomavro is the grape (which some people compare to Italy’s Nebbiolo if that’s of any help). Sweet spice, dried fruit, leather and a hint of autumn leaves. Firm but enticing, it really begs for a meaty, mushroomy stew.
2013 Le Vieux Pin, ‘Cuvée Classique’ Syrah • Okanagan Valley, BC • $50, winery direct and private wine stores
One of my top BC picks in the recent Judgement of BC tasting, the Cuvée Classique is a fairly dark and brooding style of Syrah. Expect black pepper, Bing cherry and inviting meaty notes. If you’ve hunted down some game meat for dinner this would work a treat.
Prices exclusive of taxes.
