To be enjoyed with corn

Rain and cool weather in June delayed the maize season. Now that the cobs have arrived, here are five perfect bottles to pair with this summertime delight… however you prefer.

Karyne Duplessis Piche
special collaboration

Local agreement

The higher heat and clay soil of the Montérégie provide ideal conditions for growing corn. It is also a favorite place for vines. Why not combine the two products at the table with the B1 cuvée from the Les Bacchantes vineyard? The estate blends Seyval Blanc and Vidal, two hybrid grape varieties that make an excellent pair. Seyval brings aromas of citrus fruits and fresh herbs reminiscent of Sauvignon. As for the vidal, it adds notes of exotic fruits and a fuller texture on the palate. You will be the star of the roast!

The Vines of Bacchantes B1 2021 (14722039), $17.15

Big bottle, big fun

The Albarino grape variety has undoubtedly found its way into your glass over the past few years. Cultivated on both sides of the Spanish and Portuguese border, it is increasingly seducing with its fragrant bouquet and its vibrant and subtly saline attack. In the Spanish region of Rias Baixas, the Granbazan estate produces such a splendid cuvée with this grape variety. As soon as the cork is pulled, the glass is filled with aromas that evoke minerality like wet rock and the salty scents of the seaside. Fresh, delicate and with a slight residue of gas, it will be a hit with a salad of tuna and corn.

Granbazan Etiqueta Verde Rias Baixas 2021 (14355152), $20.20

Perfect with a buttered cob

The woody notes and cantaloupe flavors of this Chardonnay betray its origins: it comes from a warm climate in the New World. California? No, Okanagan! On the slopes of Mount Boucherie near Kelowna, however, the Mission Hill estate was inspired by Californian Robert Mondavi. This can be seen in the architecture of the building as well as in the wine. The spicy and woody bouquet is accompanied by a pleasant freshness on the palate. The floral notes linger for a long time and go wonderfully with Indian wheat.

Mission Hill Chardonnay Reserve Okanagan Valley 2020 (11092078), $20.15

With rosé

The pale color of this Provence rosé invites you to relax. But don’t be fooled by appearances, he is a prime candidate for the meal. The Vial family cultivates cinsault and grenache in the north of Toulon, in the south of France, according to the rules of organic farming. These two grape varieties give a fruity rosé, but not sweet. The wine is distinguished by a gourmet texture, very pleasant, which brings complexity. It will do well with corn as an appetizer and stand up to grilled pork chops.

Château La Lieue Coteaux Varois en Provence 2021 (11687021), $19.20

The California Trump

The Wagner family is known for Caymus, a dense, meaty and indulgent American red. It also produces Sea Sun wines, whose chardonnay has more nuances. Grown near the Pacific, the estate’s grapes benefit from the freshness of the ocean. This is an asset, especially in hot years like 2018. On the nose, the woody notes are inviting and blend with the aromas of very ripe yellow fruits. Once in the mouth, the balance continues: it’s spicy, fruity and the creamy texture goes wonderfully with grilled or buttered corn.

Sea Sun Chardonnay 2018 (14393423), $24.95