Eight crisp and refreshing wines for the patio | Canada Voices

The increasing popularity of white wine means there is always demand for freshness and lighter, less rich options. As the temperature climbs, our preference for crisp and invigorating wine styles grows.

Lean, revitalizing French rosés and whites from the south of France have always been favoured for warm-weather sipping. Lively sauvignon blancs, bright chardonnays and other charming aromatic varieties are also excellent styles to chill in your ice bucket.

Many classic choices remain reasonably priced, with the exception of the very top cuvées or increasingly fashionable regions. For instance, global demand for Provençal rosé has resulted in escalating prices for popular brands, such as Mirabeau and Whispering Angel.

Their success has inspired a surge in look-alike Provence rosés from other parts of France and elsewhere that are available at a lower price. It’s being copied in the same way Marlborough’s distinct, high-acid, and aromatic sauvignon blanc has been by producers in Chile, South Africa and Canada.

An added benefit of the eight labels recommended this week is their suitability for dishes of all kinds. These wines are ideal bottles to have on hand for summer entertaining or when you’re looking for something tasty to sip in the sun.

Cremaschi Furlotti Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Chile), $14.95

Rating: 88

The fresh and bright style of Chilean sauvignon blancs often draws favourable comparisons to ones from New Zealand, all while offering better value. Intense lemon and apple fruit flavours combine with grassy and salty notes on the finish of this appealing white wine. This has 12.5 per cent alcohol by volume and 3 grams a litre residual sugar. Drink now. Available in Ontario.

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Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rosé 2025 (France), $19.99

Rating: 90

A blend of grenache gris, grenache noir and mourvèdre from vineyards in Roussillon, this is a stylish rosé with impressive fragrance, flavour and texture. Made in a dry, medium-bodied style, it presents harmonious floral, spice and fruity notes, with a juicy core of pink grapefruit, pear and apple flavours. A fresh and flavourful character makes this a benchmark for the category. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available in Ontario.

Hester Creek Character White 2025 (Canada), $19.99

Rating: 88

Character White is a blend of 40 per cent pinot gris, 30 per cent gewürztraminer and 30 per cent chardonnay from the 2025 vintage. The finished wine is crafted in an off-dry, aromatic style showcasing a lot of gewürztraminer character, via a pleasant mix of floral, ginger and tropical fruit notes. Its juicy fruit and honey flavours persist on the lingering finish. This has 12 per cent ABV and 9 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in British Columbia or direct, hestercreek.com

Mouton Cadet Blanc 2024 (France), $16.85

Rating: 88

White wines from Bordeaux are ripe for rediscovery, starting with this classic label. A refreshing blend of sauvignon blanc with semillon and muscadelle, this suggests a pleasing mix of herbal and fruity flavours. The mix of grapes results in a dry white with decent concentration, texture and length. A good everyday white style that works as an aperitif or dinner companion. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $18.99 in British Columbia ($15.99 until May 30), various prices in Alberta, $18.99 in Manitoba, $17.55 in Quebec, $23 in New Brunswick, $21.95 in Nova Scotia.

Noble Ridge Unoaked Chardonnay 2025 (Canada), $24.99

Rating: 89

Noble Ridge has recently released a range of stylish white wines and rosés from the 2025 vintage, which saw their Okanagan Falls vineyards yield 125 per cent of an average harvest. Produced with chardonnay grapes from the Stony Knoll vineyard in Okanagan Falls, this tank fermented white wine offers a mix of zesty lime, apple and pear flavours as part its refreshing character. The crisp style shows nice texture and length. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 1 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in British Columbia or direct, nobleridge.com

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Praise Bistro Blanc Marsanne Viognier D’Oc 2024 (France), $18.95

Rating: 88

Produced with organically grown grapes from the Minervois region in the south of France, this dry white blend of marsanne (70 per cent) and viognier grapes offers a mix of juicy and ripe fruit flavours. It is made in a medium-bodied style based on a core of citrus, peach and pear with herbal and spring blossom accents. The well-calibrated balance and freshness lives up to the Bistro name: this a dependable wine to bring to the dinner table. This has 13 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available in Ontario.

Susana Balbo Crios Torrontés 2025 (Argentina), $16.95

Rating: 88

The torrontés grape is native to Argentina, where it is known for producing aromatic white wines with distinct floral and fruity characteristics. Winemaker Susana Balbo is one of the county’s specialists, creating a variety of styles from this grape variety including a simple and easy-drinking expression from high elevation vineyards in the Uco Valley. This dry white features flavours of peach, passion fruit and pear complemented by hints of lemon grass and white floral notes. This has 13 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Vegan. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $24.98 in British Columbia (Everything Wine)

Tahbilk Marsanne 2024 (Australia), $19.99

Rating: 90

Tahbilk Marsanne is a classic Australian white wine known for its crisp, bittersweet character with citrus, honeysuckle and camomile notes. The palate displays an elegant finish and a satisfying texture, because of the balance of acidity and fruit. As it ages, the wine develops rich, honeyed notes, making this a great value wine for the cellar that improves with time. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2036. Available in Ontario.