Picnic | Wines of the week

I can never say it enough: the container of a wine has nothing to do with its quality. You can put very good wines in cans or in viniers. Moreover, many non-traditional containers are more ecological and lighter, which is not insignificant when going on a picnic. But if you prefer a bottle (to go with the basket, the checkered tablecloth and the dishes), opt for a lightweight bottle and a screw cap, like the three wines this week.

Discovery: easy-drinking rosé

We know the blaufränkisch grape variety, indigenous to Austria and one of the most cultivated in the country. But it is mainly found in red wine. Here is a rosé version which offers a different expression from the classic Mediterranean rosés, very often based on Grenache, Cinsault or Syrah. Coming from vines grown in the Leithaberg region, renowned for its blaufränkisch, it displays a pale color and reveals a fine and delicate nose with notes of red fruits and spices, white pepper. Vinified in stainless steel vats, with a short aging on lees, it is a dry and light wine, very fresh, easy to drink, easy to drink and very versatile. Perfect for an aperitif, it will also accompany a small shrimp salad, trout rillettes, lobster roll, spinach and strawberry salad.

Keep: to drink

Tinhof Blaufränkisch Rosé Burgenland 2023, $22.10 (15313501) 12%, organic

Consult the SAQ sheet

Local: for a hot day at the park

A very dry, light, fresh, simple and lively wine: perfect for a hot summer day! Made from hybrid Seyval, Vidal and Cayuga grape varieties, grown on the slopes of Dunham, it harmoniously combines their fruity and herbaceous character. The aromatic nose opens with notes of citrus, green apple, herbs and white flowers, with a hint of peach. The same flavors develop on the palate and are carried by a tonic acidity. Simple, but very well made, it shows hold and even a certain length. Very refreshing, it is ideal for a cuisine where citrus fruits and tangy flavors shine: ceviche or escabeche, fennel and pink grapefruit salad, fish poached with citrus fruits and herbs.

Keep: to drink

Union Libre UL White 2022, $17.95 (13797979), 11.5%

Consult the SAQ sheet

Classic: a good Bardolino

I suggested this wine last summer as a discovery: the Bardolino appellation, although important in terms of production volume, remains little known or at least little appreciated. It has seen its share of overproduction of lean and conventional wines intended for supermarkets. But this wine is a perfect example of what a good Bardolino should be, in the classic style of the region’s wines: dry, light and crisp, with bright fruitiness, but also hints of herbs and light bitters. Very pale in color, it offers a fine and very fruity nose, with accents of cherry, strawberry jam, anise and herbs. Light on the palate, with a little gas which adds to its freshness, it also offers chewiness with light tannins and bitters which call to the table. Cold meats, grilled sausages, pesto pasta salad, grilled vegetable pizza.

Keep: to drink

Fraghe Bardolino 2022, $23.90 (14955713), 12.5%, organic

Consult the SAQ sheet