This time of year, it is easy to focus on white and rosé wines. Understandably so, as meal planning and occasions naturally steer the palate toward lighter, more refreshing bottles. However, it is still occasionally worth stepping back into red, particularly when the grill is going—a notable summer pastime. A bottle of red wine remains a natural pairing partner for grilled fare.
Undurraga Aliwen 2024 Reserva Carménère, Chile ($17.99, #298024)
There are refreshing red wines suitable for this season, reds that bring a lighter touch and evident acidity, which may even benefit from a slight chill before serving. But barbecue-ready reds fall into a different category. The best are bold and fulsome without coming across as heavy or overly oaked, which describes this bottle of Aliwen Carménère. Aromas of plush black fruit and tobacco lead into a bold, slightly spicy style with definite fruit-forward tones and good intensity to finish. This grippy red pairs very well with grilled rib-eye or lamb chops, ideally served with an herby chimichurri. Bottom line: B, suitable, crowd-friendly red.
Bodegas San Valero Plano Alto 2022 Garnacha & Cariñena, Spain ($17.99, #350317)
The high plains of Spain are dry and warm, providing ideal conditions for ripening grapes destined for robust and rich reds. This is the formula for Plano Alto, a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena that hits with heady aromas of crushed berry and leather, leading into a supple, rich but smooth stance. More fruit and a hint of earth present themselves before a smooth, plush finish. This wine is not trying to be demure or hide anything; it is a full-on, robust tastebud pleaser looking to pair up with burgers, steak fajitas, or any other grilled meal that does not need to take itself too seriously. Bottom line: B+, food-ready red.
Black Hills Estate Winery 2024 Nota Bene Hiatus Collection, B.C. (Price TBD, available through the winery)
While we have mostly surpassed the 2024 vintage of B.C. whites that were forced to source grapes from afar due to inclement growing conditions, the reality is that the corresponding 2024 red wines are just starting to be released. Case in point is Black Hills’ Nota Bene, a truly iconic Okanagan red that was forced to source grapes from the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley for the 2024 vintage. In a nod to the special circumstances, the winery has dubbed this bottling their Hiatus Collection. It is currently only available to wine club members, but will be publicly released June 13 at the winery in a special soirée event. Bottom line: B+, bougie red.
The Swirl: Kootenay Ale Fest
Time for a cleansing ale? Take note: the first Kootenay Ale Fest takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Coy’s Golf and Bistro (4476 Columere Rd., Fairmont Hot Springs). Promising a laid-back afternoon of live music, good food, and even better beer, tickets include four drink tokens to use at 12 B.C. Ale Trail breweries or local distilleries and wineries. Tickets for this 19+ event are $68.49 (inclusive), available with full details at bcaletrail.ca/event/kootenay-ale-fest/.
Read More: Wine Guy: These B.C. bottles are hot off the wine presses; Wine Guy: Fresh whites set the scene for summer.
