Eight wines to pair with March’s unpredictable weather | Canada Voices

Stocking the wine rack for the month ahead is influenced by optimism: selections to savour while anticipating the arrival of warmer days and indulge in bottles while snow continues to fall, hoping these will be the last robust reds you’ll need open to combat the cold.

These eight recommendations offer a mix of wine styles that either embrace cozy winter comfort or invite spring freshness. Classic examples of grüner veltliner from Austria and chenin blanc from South Africa celebrate the sun’s warmth, alongside three hearty Italian reds perfect for savouring while relaxing at the table or by the fire.

There are also two barrel-fermented white wines that offer a balance of richness and refreshment catering to the unpredictable weather we’re likely to experience in March.

The most notable wine is Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontés. It is a memorable wine that amplifies the unique floral aromatics and fruity essence of this Argentine grape variety with extra depth and complexity. It’s sure to make an impression no matter the weather.

Château de Nages JT White 2023 (France), $29.95

Rating: 93

JT White is a captivating blend of roussanne, viognier and other organically grown Rhône grape varieties, carefully barrel-fermented and aged to develop remarkable intensity and persistence. Its layered character suggests a mix of fruit, floral and oak-derived notes. The palate reveals fragrant hints of acacia honey, apricot and citrus flavours as part of a fuller-bodied wine that feels both rich and refreshing. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available in Ontario.

Ferzo Teate Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2021 (Italy), $19.95

Rating: 89

Made from montepulciano grapes cultivated in Abruzzo, this full-bodied red offers a combination of lively and jammy dark cherry and berry flavours, complemented by youthful tannins and well-balanced acidity. The fruit’s ripeness, combined with 10 months of barrel aging, gives the wine a smooth and rich texture to the palate. Its style is best enjoyed with food. This has 14 per cent ABV and 8 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available in Ontario.

Lenz Moser Prestige Grüner Veltliner 2024 (Austria), $19.95

Rating: 88

This is an easy-drinking and refreshing model of grüner veltliner, with citrus, white pepper and herbal notes. The crisp style makes this an all-round white that’s equally enjoyable on its own or with a meal. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $20.98 in Nova Scotia.

Masi Costasera Amarone Classico Riserva 2018 (Italy), $84.95

Rating: 94

The 2018 vintage of Costasera Riserva is beautifully integrated, displaying its typical rich and lush nature. This complex and vibrant red wine highlights its dark fruit, licorice and savoury elements. Masi describes it as a gentle giant, and in this case, that description holds true – there’s no hint of the strong alcohol or residual sweetness on the smooth and satisfying palate. This has 15 per cent ABV and 10 g/litre r.s. Vegan. Drink now to 2038. Available at the above price in Ontario, $89.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $87.50 in Quebec (2019 vintage).

Mullineux Kloof Street Old-Vine Chenin Blanc 2023 (South Africa), $21.95

Rating: 91

The Kloof Street label is produced by the husband-and-wife team of Chris and Andrea Mullineux. They have become two of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers, thanks to their portfolio of wines made from old, bush-vine vineyards in South Africa’s Swartland region. The Kloof Street Old-Vine Chenin Blanc offers a rewarding balance with focused and refreshing flavours, showcasing distinctive juicy and pure chenin blanc character with notes of citrus, pear and peach fruit that carry through to a lingering finish. This has 13 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $24.25 in Quebec (2024 vintage).

Pasqua Passimento Rosso 2022 (Italy), $14.95

Rating: 87

Merlot, corvina and croatina grapes were dried for four weeks before fermentation to enhance the juicy and complex flavours in the finished wine. A blend of sweet cherry and berry flavours with peppery spice shines through in this soft and easy-drinking red wine. This has 14 per cent ABV and 10 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, $19.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.

Susana Balbo Signature Barrel-Fermented Torrontés 2024 (Argentina), $23.95

Rating: 92

Argentina’s torrontés grape produces intensely fragrant whites that are packed with floral and fruity notes. Susana Balbo produces this fresh and invigorating expression, but since the 2014 vintage, she has also crafted a stylish barrel-fermented version that benefits from a richer texture and structure. The 2024 vintage adds welcome complexity without losing the pleasing citrus, peach and tropical fruit flavour characteristics of the aromatic variety. This has 14 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $25.95 in Quebec.

Yellow Tail Shiraz 2024 (Australia), $15

Rating: 86

Yellow Tail has mastered creating simple, juicy and concentrated red wines that are balanced and flavourful. The problem is, at least to my taste, they lack complexity and interest. The sweet fruit and full-bodied character result in a lack of sharp edges or bitterness from acidity or tannin. Unfortunately, this also means there is a lack of distinctive shiraz character or depth to entice a second glass. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 10 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $13.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $14.99 in Manitoba, $14.55 in Quebec, $15.99 in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, $17.54 in Newfoundland.