Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks: Perfect for barbecues

Perfect for patio sipping and barbecue fare, a rosé, white and red that are value priced and easy to enjoy. Find them via WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

Chateau Val Joanis Syrah Rosé 2011
$14.95 (87 Points)
From Luberon, in the south of France, this lightly orange coloured rosé is grown on pebbly soil that gives it a nice hint of minerals and spice. A summer favourite at Vintages, it’s lightly aromatic with red berry flavours. Slightly off-dry with a bright and fresh appeal, this year’s vintage is not shy at 13.5% alcohol.

Bastianich Adriatico Friulano 2010
$18.95 (88 Points)
Friulano, an indigenous grape grown in Friuli in northeastern Italy, is the most typical white of the region. This expresses the grape and the terroir well. Medium bodied with a soft mouth feel and spiced pear and white peach fruit character, its fresh acidity gives it good balance. A slight hint of raw almonds adds intrigue.

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel 2010
$17.95 (88 Points)
California’s zinfandel-grape reds seem tailor-made for barbecue meals. Ravenswood has made this version smooth and rounded on the palate with lots of ripe sweet raspberry, black cherry and blackberry flavours. A nuance of wood spice from a year in French oak  helps it pair well with barbecue ribs and slow-smoked pork belly.