As I did last month, I am doing another article on wines that are on sale at B.C. Liquor Stores this month. Each month, B.C. Liquor Stores have a different selection of wines on sale. I look at what B.C. Liquor Stores have on sale and decide what I would like to buy or try. Here are a few suggestions for this month. All of these wines will be on sale until July 31, 2021, while quantities last.
Marques de Caceres 2020 Rioja Crianza – although Marques de Caceres was only formed in 1970, they have already established themselves as a quality producer. This is a Spanish wine from the Rioja region, made with the Tempranillo grape. For Spanish wines, “Crianza” means that the wine has been aged for at least 24 months, of which at least six months was in oak barrels. This is a great medium bodied wine with good fruit flavors. It is on sale this month, reduced from $18.99 to $16.99.
Castello di Gabbiano 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva – Chianti is a wine region in Tuscany where wines are made from the Sangiovese grape. Classico is a specific high elevation region in Chianti between Florence and Sienna. When seen on Chianti wines, “Riserva” means that the wine has been aged for 24 months, with a minimum of three months in the bottle. Take advantage of this great deal that is a result of a rebranding. See my video review of this wine for a full explanation of why it is such a deal. You are getting a six-year-old wine from the spectacular 2015 vintage for under $25. If you are a Chianti fan, you will love this wine. It exhibits cherry, herbs and earthiness on the nose and palate. It is a tremendous pairing with Italian pasta. This is an incredible buy, as this month it is reduced from $29.99 to $20.99.
19 Crimes 2020 Cali Rose – 19 Crimes is an innovative brand that has collaborated with Snoop Dogg to produce this Rose. It is an unusual blend for Rose: 60-per-cent Cinsault, 20-per-cent Syrah, 15-per-cent Grenache and 5-per-cent Rolle. It is a dark pink colored wine with strawberry and black cherry flavors that is a perfect summer sipper. It is on sale this month from $19.99 to $17.99. If you are looking to do a fun comparative Rose tasting, also pick up Maison No. 9 Rose, which has just been released in B.C. and is Post Malone’s new wine project. This Rose is a blend of 45-per-cent Grenache, 25-per-cent Cinsault, 15-per-cent Syrah and 15-per-cent Merlot, and is produced from grapes from Provence, France. It is not a sweet as Cali Rose but it is fruity with strawberry and citrus elements. I have just had the wine and although it is quite pricey, I was surprised by the quality of the wine. It’s not on sale but it is going to be hot selling summer wine, priced at $29.99.
Catena 2018 Malbec High Mountain Vines – looking for a perfect barbeque wine? My favourite BBQ pairing is with Malbec wines, as the smoky aroma, intense fruit and gripping tannins of Malbecs compliment BBQ food well. Catena is one of the top Argentinean producers of Malbec, and you will be delighted with this wine. It is reduced this month from $24.99 to $20.99.
Pfaffenheim 2019 Pinot Gris – looking for white wine? For summer, I stay away from heavily oaked white wines and tend to choose something a bit crisper. Alsace wines are generally not oaked. This Pinot Gris is a medium-bodied wine with citrus and grapefruit elements that pair well with salads and seafood. It is on sale this month from $22.99 to $20.99.
For more recommendations for this month, watch my YouTube video. Until next time, happy drinking!
Tony Kwan is a lifestyle writer. Lawyer by day, food and wine lover by night, Tony aims to give you an insider’s guide to the best that life has to offer.
