gluggy
By Saralyn Mehta, Sommelier( ISG)
summer sippers
There is something about summer that makes everything seem easier. Entertaining in the winter is always a whole to-do. You are using the oven, the stove, the microwave; you break out the dishes, cutlery, and glassware. You spend time doing food prep, wine pairings, table setting, and getting the ambiance just right.
Fast forward to summer: all you really need is a stack of paper plates, a roll of paper towel, a cooler full of ice, and a BBQ. It is acceptable to say BYOB( and even BYOM). The deck and the dock have built-in ambiance, and if you really want to go all out, you can light some lanterns when the sun goes down. After surviving a winter like the one we’ ve just had, most Manitobans are just happy to gather outside, no special treatment required. Summer sippers are a perfect match for summer fun because they always hit the mark and never break the bank.
I never fret over the perfect wine pairings for a BBQ— instead, I simply try and cover all the bases for my friends’ varied palates. My no-brainer for a starter is always sangria. No time, no problem: grab a box of Bodegas Sanviver Lolailo, a pitcher, and a bag of frozen fruit, and you’ re done. If you have a little more time, make a fruity cocktail using Lillet( white or rosé) or Vineland Vice( icewine infused with vodka).
Open the cooler, push the beer to one side, and fill it up with super refreshing, inexpensive, cheerful overachievers like Bon Courage Unwooded Chardonnay, Simonsig Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc, Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc and the everpopular Quadri Pinot Grigio.
For my red-loving friends, I like to keep my choices light, and even a little chilled. Bodegas Aragonesas Don Ramon Tempranillo / Grenache is great served a little chilled, as is Backhouse Pinot Noir. For something with a little more body, my superstars are Simonsig Cabernet / Merlot and Beaulieu Vineyards BV Coastal Cabernet. No one will ever guess that every one of these wines is under $ 15, and some are even less than $ 12.
Finally, don’ t forget the rosés! In the summer, I like to introduce my friends to killer dry rosés, such as Laurent Miquel Père et Fils Cincault / Syrah or Bodegas Alconde lo nuestro Garnacha.
As much as I enjoy a good party, I also really enjoy the odd summer moments I get to myself, and last year, I stumbled upon my new favourite summer hobby. About two weeks into a crazy heat wave, I decided to get a blowup pool for my son, Max. Apparently the rest of the city had the same idea, so I ended up with a three-foot deep pool with the maintenance requirements of a real pool. I can’ t tell you how many times I threw a floating chair in there and relaxed with a book and a glass of Bokisch Garnacha Blanca. As the sunny days turned into evening, I would light a fire in the pit and hit my hammock with my laptop, a movie, and a glass of Lander Jenkins Spirit Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon. No one celebrates summer like a Manitoban!
The start of summer still feels like the last day of school to me. Difficulties ease and heavinesss lifts and life becomes like that song,“ Summertime and the living is easy.” Don’ t overthink it: just take a deep breath and dive into the simple life. � www. banvilleandjones. com 47