SUMMER PARTY WINES

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Well, the long weekend is just about on us and you'll no doubt be stocking up for the parties and get-togethers with friends and family.  If you're hoping not to spend your whole bank account on beverages this weekend and still keep yours guests happy, here's a few of my faves for you the budget-minded shopper.  All of these are great value for money!

LA VIEILLE FERME COTES DU LUBERON  (FRANCE)
LCBO 34991 | 1500 mL bottle Price: $ 20.00

A white blend from the Rhone valley in France, this double-sized bottle is a great value and a wonderful party quencher.  Lots goin' on in this wine for the price. 


QUINTA DA AVELEDA VINHO VERDE  (PORTUGAL)
LCBO 89995 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 9.95

Vinho Verde is one of my favourite whites for weekend lunchtimes, light, fresh and slightly spritzy.  Lower in alcohol, it will allow you to last the whole day in full form (without having to steal that nap in the sun :)).
 

MISTERIO MALBEC  (ARGENTINA)
LCBO 28803 Price: $ 7.95

Great value once again from Argentina, this Malbec is a must with burgers on the grill. 
 
MEZZOMONDO NEGROAMARO SALENTO  (ITALY)
LCBO 588962 | Price: $ 7.95

Thin crust pizza anyone?  Try the wood-oven version with this great little red from Italy - one of my favourite value red wines.

Enjoy !
Later,
Mo 

VIVA ESPAÑA

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Sincere congrats to Spain on their hard-won World Cup victory - no better way to mark this occasion than with a few delish Spanish vinos...Pair them with increasingly popular tapas-style foods (think finger foods) available in many restaurants - and maybe a slice of Dutch cheese - a nod to their valiant effort!


1.  Albariño - (Pronounced AL-BA-REE-NEEO) - a white grape from Spain, producing deliciously refreshing and and full-bodied wines.  This producer  makes some of the best examples of this grape from Spain.  Lemon-garlic shrimp or grilled tuna on the side please.... 
MARTÍN CÓDAX ALBARIÑO 2008
VINTAGES 984906 - $17.95

2.  Tempranillo (Pronounced TEM-PRA-NEEO) - a red grape widely grown in Spain, making juicy, mid-weight reds superb with grilled meats.  Try with lamb skewers or pork souvlaki. 
MONTECILLO CRIANZA 
LCBO 144493- $15.05


Buenos Dias 
Later,
Mo





 

THIS DEVIL DOESN'T WEAR PRADA!

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Wow, is it hot enough for you this week??  Waaayy too hot to cook indoors, so here's a few BBQ reds to go with your cookouts:

This devil doesn't wear Prada but it sure is legendary, especially in consistent value for money - so check out the Legend video on www.casillerodeldiablo.com, and serve up a glass with your lamb chops tonight.

1.  CASILLERO DEL DIABLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON (CHILE)
LCBO 278416  -  $ 13.00

Cross over the Andes Mountains and look to Argentina for great value Malbec, the grape that's on fire in Canada right now.  Trapiche is one of the oldest wineries and produces wines worth your attention.  Serve Malbec with beef (of course!), also with grilled pork tenderloin.

2.  TRAPICHE RESERVE MALBEC (ARGENTINA) 
LCBO 614651 - $ 12.00

And from DownUnder - home of the original cookout aka the Barbie! - none other than a mid-weight Shiraz to go with your steak 'mate.  

3.  ANGUS THE BULL SHIRAZ (AUSTRALIA)
LCBO 132936 - $19.05

Suggest you chill these reds down just a tad if they've been sitting at room temperature in this heat.  Believe me - your kitchen oscillator fan does not produce anything like the right serving temperature and reds that are too hot taste soupy and jammy.

Next week.... wines for your 'green' conscience.

Stay cool!
Mo