7 ways to enjoy spring wine: sparkling, savoury, stunning and more

Spring is coming, and, with that in mind, here are seven wines for seven days, something for every occasion.

Stag’s Hollow Winery

2021 Albarino (Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada)

This family-owned winery has been pushing the boundaries for more than 25 years, growing grapes that aren’t typically found in British Columbia, such as Albarino, a white wine grape from Spain. And the result? A dry, balanced wine that’s all lemon curd, honey, pineapple, peach and lime. It’s a brilliant pairing with soft white cheeses or seafood. About $26 from the winery or at Bricks Wine Co., select Highlander Wine & Spirits and Vine Styles.

Flat Rock Cellars

2020 Pinot Noir (Niagara Peninsula, Ont., Canada)

A stunner of a Pinot Noir at a fantastic price. Aged in French oak, this mediumbodied red features cherry and herbal flavours and aromas, and has a finish that just goes on and on. Serve with turkey, mildly spiced lamb or roast chicken. Look for the Flat Rock Rieslings, too; Decanter magazine named them some of the best in the world. And this Pinot? About $29 at Crowfoot Wine and Spirits, Riverfront Wine and Spirits, and Wine and Beyond.

Halos de Jupiter

2019 Cotes du Rhone (Cotes du Rhone, France)

Every wine lover needs a few bottles of Cotes du Rhone in their cellar, and at this price, why not this one? Star winemakers Philippe Cambie and Michel Gassier are behind this savoury, rich, red blend. Cambie died in December 2021, so this will be the final vintage from him. Enjoy it while you can. About $26 at Eastport Liquor; Calgary Co-op Wine Spirits Beer; Cellar Fine Wine and Spirits; CSN Wine and Spirits; Highlander Wine and Spirits; Vine Arts; Wine and Beyond; Ace Liquor at Oak Bay; Crowfoot Wine and Spirits; as well as Spirits West in Bragg Creek.

Dominique Piron

2019 Beaujolais-Villages (Beaujolais-Villages, France)

Dominique Piron’s family has been making wine in France’s Beaujolais region for 14 generations, since the 16th century. He took over the family vineyards in 1971 and is making wines that include this lipsmacking full-bodied cherry bomb. Made of Gamay grapes, this easy-drinking sipper will pair well with roast chicken, mildly spiced lamb dishes or maybe a mushroom risotto. About $23 at Vine Arts.

Vasse Felix

2020 Filius Chardonnay (Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia)

The first winery in Australia’s Margaret River region, Vasse Felix was founded in 1967 by a cardiologist with a passion for fine wine. He achieved it, with what is now one of Australia’s top wineries. This charming white has notes of lemon, lime, maybe a hint of cilantro. Enjoy with seafood. About $28 at Highlander Wine and Spirits, including Bin 905, and at various restaurants around town.

Masottina “Collezione 96”

2020 Prosecco Rose Brut (Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy)

The planet’s top-selling sparkling wine, Prosecco can only be made in Italy’s Veneto region and has traditionally been made only with white wine grapes. But in 2020, the region introduced a new category, Prosecco Rose, with Pinot Noir added to Glera grapes for a beautiful pink hue. This gorgeous example comes from a winery that’s been around since 1946; the third generation is now at the helm. About $20 at Zyn — The Wine Market.

Rocca delle Macie

2018 “Famiglia Zingarelli” Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)

Italo Zingarelli made his money-making spaghetti westerns including They Call Me Trinity — and then, in 1973, bought a winery that now makes some of the finest Chianti Classicos in our market. There are many different styles of labels on Tuscan red wines these days, and it can get confusing. This label says Riserva, which means it has aged for at least two years in barrel plus three months in the bottle before release. Pair with steak, roast beef, Italian sausages or a meaty Italian pasta such as wild boar ragu. About $25 at Highlander Wine and Spirits and Zyn — The Wine Market.