Eight bottles to enjoy in June as summer nears | Canada Voices

The increased opportunity to dine and picnic outdoors in June adds new dimensions to shopping for wine. It is worth considering sparkling and rosé wines, as well as the usual white and red options as summer approaches.

This week’s recommendations include top-quality sparkling wines from Franciacorta and South Africa, produced by Ca’ del Bosco and Krone. There also are barbecue-friendly red wines from South American producers Errázuriz and Garzón.

There’s even a de-alcoholized wine made in Summerland, B.C., to consider. Ones is increasing distribution across the country after an appearance on Dragon’s Den in February. The LCBO has released its no-alcohol, no-sugar sparkling rosé for sale online and at Vintages outlets.

Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Franciacorta (Italy), $46.95

Rating: 92

Inspired by the quality and style of Champagne, the winemaking team at Ca’ del Bosco has created one Italy’s most popular sparkling wines. A blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot blanc, it is a dry, refined wine with a toasty, crisp character. Its citrus flavours are complemented by notes of peach and honey, as well as fine bubbles and a rich texture. This has 12.5 per cent alcohol by volume and 3 grams a litre residual sugar. Drink now to 2034. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $46.75 in Quebec, $57.99 in New Brunswick, $49.98 in Nova Scotia, $56.99 in Newfoundland.

Errázuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Chile), $22.95

Rating: 91

Errázuriz’s Aconcagua Alto label consistently produces a concentrated, full-bodied cabernet sauvignon, made from grapes grown in vineyards at a higher elevation in the foothills of the Andes. There’s a satisfying mix of cassis and dark berry fruit with spicy accents. The style is marked by ripe tannins and bright acidity, which contribute to an elegant and age-worthy character. This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, $33.98 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $29.99 in Manitoba, $24.05 in Quebec.

Garzón Reserva Tannat 2023 (Uruguay), $23.95

Rating: 91

The power and complexity of Garzón’s tannat wines has put this Uruguayan estate in the international spotlight. Distinctive red wines like this one make a statement with their bold flavours, which suggest notes of dark fruit, smoke and chocolate as part of their ripe and rewarding style. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity contribute to the structure and persistence. This has 14.7 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, $22.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $25.90 in Quebec.

Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé 2025 (Canada), $26.95

Rating: 90

This organic, single-vineyard rosé is a blend of mostly pinot noir with small additions of chardonnay and viognier. It was aged for five months in older French oak barrels. The finished wine has a vibrant character, offering a mix of tart and juicy red fruits with watermelon, hibiscus and lemon notes. This is thirst-quenchingly dry, with a chalky texture and a long, clean finish. This is a serious pink wine to bring to the dinner table. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, hiddenbench.ca

Krone Borealis Vintage Cuvée Cap Classique Brut Sparkling 2023 (South Africa), $22.95

Rating: 88

Cap Classique is the South Africa term for sparkling wines made in the same way as Champagne, with the bubble-producing secondary fermentation that creates bubbles taking place in the bottle. Based in Tulbagh, Krone is a leading producer of vintage-dated sparkling wines. The Borealis label is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes harvested at night to ensue they are cool when brought into the winery for processing. This fresh, focused sparkling wine has notes of orange zest, flowers and biscuits, making it a pleasing aperitif. This has 11.5 per cent ABV and 7 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available in Ontario.

Ones Dealcoholized Sparkling Rosé 2025 (Canada), $24.95

Rating: 87

Winemakers Tyler Harlton and Chris Pagliocchini launched Ones in 2022 as a premium non-alcoholic wine brand based in the Okanagan. The idea was to produce wine using grapes from British Columbia and then remove the alcohol using reverse osmosis. The brand’s sugar-free nature is a unique selling point compared with most de-alcoholized wines, which rely on sweetness to add weight and texture. This dry sparkling rosé has notes of grapefruit, cranberry and melon rind as part of its subtle flavour profile. While it is lively and refreshing, it lacks the juicy, fruity character most people are looking for in a rosé. This has 0.5 per cent ABV and 0 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $20.95 in Quebec, $149.99, sold as six-bottle case, direct, drinkones.com.

Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyard Cabernet Rosé 2024 (Canada), $16.95

Rating: 88

It’s nice to see Niagara wineries continuing to make rosé from cabernet franc grapes. The resulting wine is more complex and concentrated than those produced from local gamay or pinot noir grapes, which have become more fashionable in recent years. This developing example offers an appealing combination of citrus, red fruit and herbal notes, and its full flavour makes it ideal for drinking on its own or with a meal. Good value. This has 13 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available in Ontario.

Radford Dale Vinum Pinot Noir Western Cape 2023 (South Africa), $23.95

Rating: 91

The Vinum label is a great introduction to the wines made by Radford Dale, a winery based in South Africa’s Stellenbosch region. Founded by Australian Ben Radford and Briton Alex Dale, who are passionate about pinot noir, the team undertook extensive research to find suitable growing areas, ultimately settling on the Elgin region. The result is this bright and balanced red wine with a core of ripe red fruit and refreshing acidity. This has 12 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.