Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant de Bourgogne
Burgundy, France
VINTAGES#: 991562, $20.95 SHOP »»
Sourced from the heart of the Auxerre district, this Burgundian bubbly displays attractive citrus, nuts and toast with delicate floral and biscuit tones. Cleansing and fresh, a great pairing for seafood.
"From the northern edges of Burgundy, Bailly Lapierre delivers another crisp, fresh, fruity crémant here — a model of bright, crunchy, thirst-quenching, traditional method bubbly. Energetic citrus and green apple flavours, dry profile, high acids, solid density and length. Toastiness is modest overall, making for a perfect apéritif." Score: 90 Pts. - John Szabo, MS, Wine Align. Tasted December 2020.

De Chanceny Crémant De Loire Rosé Brut
Loire, France
LCBO#: 211466, $19.90 SHOP »»
Pale salmon colour with fine bubbles; lifted aromas of red fruit, plum, toast and raspberry/strawberry mix; extra dry, medium bodied, with zesty flavours of red plum, red berries and a hint of toast.
Serve with a romantic brunch.

L'Orangeraie Rosé Pays D'OC 2020
South of France
LCBO#: 279661, $12.05 SHOP »»
A blend of Cinsault and Grenache; using the direct crushing method, its pale peach hue is the result of a few hours skin contact. Savoury and dry, with wild strawberry, young raspberry, rose petals and subtle spice, on a delicate slip of a palate. Finishes refreshing and bright.
Perfect as an apéritif, pair with charcuterie, a cheeseboard or poached prawns.

Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2020
Costières de Nîmes AOC, France
VINTAGES #: 950576, $17.95 SHOP »»
"A little soft and languid, creamy and round, but with solid fruit concentration in the ripe red berry-strawberry-raspberry spectrum, this rosé from Mas des Bressades drinks more like a light red. You'll find comforting garrigue herbal character, especially fennel and wild mint, while the palate is suave and smooth, buoyed by generous 13.5% alcohol. Length and depth are also quite solid. A satisfying wine all in all, for current enjoyment or short term hold." Score: 88 Pts. - John Szabo, MS, Wine Align. Tasted April 2021.
A great sipper that will also work with grilled seafood or chicken.

Donnachiara Irpinia Aglianico 2018
Campania, Italy
VINTAGES#: 262956, $24.95 SHOP »»
"A red with blackberry, meat, black pepper, clove, blueberry and ash. Oyster shell, too. It's full-bodied with lots of round tannins and a juicy, velvety finish. Decadent and rich. So delicious now. Layered. Soft and rich. Drink now." Score: 93 Pts. - James Suckling, March 5, 2021. 
Pair with rich and robust meat dishes such as oxtail, osso bucco or lamb shanks.

Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico
Tuscany, Italy
VINTAGES#: 943613, $24.95 SHOP »»
"This is extremely fresh and perfumed with flowers, orange peel, cherries and hints of walnuts and Chinese spice. Some dried flowers, too. Medium-bodied with a very tight palate and ultra fine tannins that are polished and firm. Racy and long. Very structured and serious. Nice bitter citrus in the aftertaste." Score: 93 Pts. - James Suckling.
Pair this classic with another: try a Tuscan slow-simmered ragu al chingiale, or your favourite meaty pasta.

Muga Selección Especial 2015
Rioja, Spain
VINTAGES#: 472902, $49.00 SHOP »»
"The balance and purity to this wine is really impressive with blackberries, black truffles and dark fruit. Wet earth. Full body. Tight and compact. Structured, long and powerful. Superb length. Compressed and polished texture. Drink in 2022 through 2027." Score: 96 Pts. - James Suckling, July 26, 2019.
Serve with traditional, rustic Spanish tapas.

Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Veneto, Italy
VINTAGES#: 413179, $52.95 SHOP »»
"Mixed dried fruit on the nose with currants, cherries, raisins and more exotic fruit, such as dried papaya. Some vanilla pod, too. Full-bodied with generous, mouth-filling flavors, supported by firm, velvety tannins that push the fruit forward through the long, long finish. Always excellent Amarone. Drink or hold." Score: 94 Pts. - James Suckling.
Pair with robust dishes such as braised beef short-ribs or wild boar.

Southbrook Canadian Framboise (Fruit Wine)
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
VINTAGES#: 341024, $19.95 SHOP »»
"This has long been one of the best fruit wines produced in Ontario, period. There is a directness and honesty to the raspberry fruit that is almost startling — as if you were deep in the berry patch picking on a hot summer day, with the brush, leaves and earth. A touch candied and jammy on the palate. It is full bodied, very sweet, with very good acidity, that drives onto the finish. It is not complex but it is a treat. The length is excellent." Score: 92 Pts. - David Lawrason, Wine Align. Tasted January 2022.
Drizzle over cheesecake, or a rich chocolate fondant.