Edition #5: Week of August 7, 2023

2021 Montgras De Vine Reserva Viognier

$16.99 $12.99

Valle Central, Chile

    This sexy little number is probably one to load up on while this sale is on. At four dollars off per bottle, this is a ripper of a deal. I've always had a complicated relationship with Viognier, but I've found that the most consistently palatable ones for me come from Chile. Las Mulas, Cono Sur -- there are plenty of wineries making delicious Viognier, but this one from Montgras really stands out. It's fresh, it's crisp, it's clean, and it's very easy to drink; and unlike many Viogniers, it doesn't leave a soapy taste in my mouth.

    The aromas fly around, from dry straw and grassy notes to fresh pineapple and ripe mango; apricot, quince, lemon, and gooseberry are also highlights of this wine. It's goes down easily in the sunshine or the evening as you're cooking dinner. We drank this with chicken wings off of a charcoal grill, and they danced together perfectly.

Food pairing: fresh crab, summer salad, creamy cheese, grilled pork chops.

Michel Chapoutier Bila-Haut 2021

$19.99    $16.99

Cotes du Rousillon Villages, France

    This is one of my go-to red wines at all times of the year. There are complexities that are difficult to find in any other wine at this price range. On top of that, the consistency throughout the vintages deliver trust and cause the consumer to develop a relationship with this label. Stock up while it's on sale, because this goes down very easily.

    The first thing I love about this wine is the label; the design looks very simple, providing only the bare necessities of information, but run your fingers along it: braille. How cool is that? As far as I'm concerned, braille should be obligatory on all wine labels. Now, let's open this puppy up and dive into it, shall we?

    Marvelous purple colour on this wine, and once your stick your nose in you can tell that it's clean and fresh. Dark forest fruits sing the melody of "Blueberry Hill" and there is a lovely backup chorus of tobacco, walnut, and black pepper. Silky smooth tannin dances across your tongue, balanced delightfully with a surprisingly high alcohol content. The finish is spicy, with that black pepper left to linger, urging you on to another sip.

Food pairing: Shakshuka, escargot, Big Mac, goat cheese salad.