In Canada, we know all too well that summer deserves our appreciation. After months of cold-weather hibernation, it’s liberating to return to balmy afternoons, dockside sessions at the cottage, and delicious meals enjoyed in the great outdoors.

Firing up the grill is part of many summer rituals, and a great grilled meal calls for great wine. There are plenty of refreshing patio sippers out there, but when dinner is on the table, it’s time to pull out the bottles with enough depth to stand up to the complexity of textures and seasonings created on the barbecue.

Here’s a pair of California wines special enough for honoured guests yet approachable enough to serve alongside a variety of dishes on your favourite private patio.

La Crema 2020 Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, California
Vintages #962886
$30.00

A traditional Chardonnay is a beautiful thing in the summertime, and this one is about as traditional as they come. Float your nose over its straw yellow colour and you’ll breathe in full aromas of pineapple and toasted coconut with a hint of minerality. On the palate, this Chard is full-flavoured but mellow and lightly astringent with flavours of ripe pear mingling alongside vanilla and buttery toast. If you’d like to try this with something different, go for a Christmas in July vibe and grill some simply seasoned turkey breast to serve with a seasonal berry compote.
Score: 8/10.

Murphy Goode 2019 Merlot
California
Not yet listed at LCBO; arriving soon
$24.95

Often found in blends but at times underappreciated on its own, a great Merlot has a fruit-forward nature that’s a natural pick for summer grilling. This one’s nose is delightfully nuanced with layers of blueberry, pomegranate, and bit of freshly cut wood, while that woodsy quality carries forward into the palate to mingle with flavours of black cherry and hazelnut. It’s pleasantly layered and complex, which would lead it to pair well with some smoked pork ribs or even a wood-fired pizza with strongly flavoured toppings such as salty prosciutto and peppery arugula.
Score: 8/10.

Steph is a successful, established freelance writer and has been a wine aficionado for more than two decades. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.
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