Flat Rock Pink Twisted 2015
Rating: NNN
Why A brand new release that marries three of Ontario’s superstar varieties – Gamay, Cab Franc and a glimmer of Riesling – into one fruit-forward, crushable rose. Layered but not complicated, Flat Rock’s Pink Twisted is as suited to a hammock as it is to a tasty summer spread of grilled sausage and garden salad.
Price $16.95/750 ml
Availability LCBO 39974, as of July 9
Leaning Post Rose
Rating: NNNN
Why A blend of gamay and cabernet sauvignon, this ultra fresh pretty princess of a wine is the kind that anyone with half a soul will fall for. (I had to drink two bottles just to be sure.) Fresh berries, flowers and herbal notes call to mind the south of France by way of Ontario.
Price $20 at the winery or online at leaningpostwines.com
Availability In fine Toronto establishments like Peoples Eatery, Bar Raval and Montecito.
Sidonio de Sousa Brut Nature Rose
Rating: NNN
Why The only thing that makes me happier than still rose wine is sparkling stuff. This traditional method bubbly from Bairrada is made from Portugal’s Baga grape. Super-dry with just a little grip as it goes down.
Price $14.75/750 ml
Availability Vintages 420687
Caorunn Small Batch Scottish Gin
Why Distilled at Balmenach in the Scottish Highlands, Caorunn combines five foraged Celtic with six more traditional ingredients to make one lovely modern-meets-traditional gin. Fresh and citrusy aromas mingle with distinct heather notes and focused juniper. I especially dig its persistent dry finish. I’d tell you more, but it’s G&T o’clock.
Price $49.45/700 ml
Availability LCBO 446534
