August 15, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Takeout Wines + Austria

Here are my top wine picks from the August 15, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), where “Great Wines for Takeout Night” is the feature story, while the mini-theme focuses on wines from Austria. This is a fairly large release, with nearly 115 products offered, including another fine selection of Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines. As might be expected, the average price per bottle is higher than in the previous release, coming in at almost $29. Overall, this is a fine release with many lovely wines, and a particularly high number of OFEs among my top wine picks. Everything should be readily available for purchase at the LCBO, both online and in stores.

We’ll begin with the feature story, "Great Wines for Takeout Night," which includes eighteen wines, eight of which are among my top recommended buys for takeout night. While I'm not sure I like all of the pairing suggestions in the catalogue, the wines themselves are quite versatile and should pair well with a wide range of cuisines. It is also worth reading the tidbits of information throughout the feature, as they provide useful tips for pairing wine with different types of food. Sparkling wine is arguably the most versatile of all, and this release includes a unique Blanc de Noirs from Bordeaux made with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Among the dry whites are Assyrtiko from Achaia in Greece and Encruzado from Portugal, while sweeter wines such as the Gewürztraminer from Alsace are well suited to spicy cuisine. The three red wine recommendations include a Côtes du Rhône-Villages composed of 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, and 1% other varieties; a Brunello di Montalcino made from 100% Sangiovese; and a Rioja made from 100% Tempranillo. Finally, the sweet Oloroso Sherry should be a lovely way to finish the meal with dessert.

While none of the four Austrian Grüner Veltliner wines are included in my list of wine picks below, it would be a wonderful opportunity for the curious wine lover to taste all four side-by-side and compare their differences. I’m sure each one will be delightful!

At the top of my red wine picks is an excellent Amarone crafted from 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, and 20% Rondinella. France contributes a trio of blends, including a Madiran made with Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon; a Roussillon red crafted with Grenache and Syrah; and a Minervois composed of Syrah and Grenache that was raised entirely in concrete and stainless steel. Other red blends include a Portuguese red composed of Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Alicante Bouschet, as well as a Niagara red made from 57.1% Cabernet Franc and 42.9% Merlot. The mono-varietal reds include a Barolo crafted from Nebbiolo, a Naoussa made from Xinomavro, and an unoaked Cinsault from Chile.

My top white wine recommendations begin in the OFE section, where there are five picks. The white from South Africa is a blend of 70% Chenin Blanc, 11% Clairette Blanche, 8% Viognier, 6% Grenache Blanc, and 5% Sémillon Gris, while the Greek white from Macedonia is composed of equal parts Assyrtiko and Malagousia. The mono-varietal OFEs include an Assyrtiko from Santorini, a Chardonnay from Niagara, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Central Otago in New Zealand. Italy also has three white wine recommendations: a Grillo from Sicily, a Sauvignon Blanc from Friuli, and a Pinot Grigio from Venezie. Rounding out the selection are a Chardonnay from McLaren Vale and a Verdejo from Rueda.

Among my top rosé picks in this release, the rosé from Provence is a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah, while the Tavel is more than likely a blend of several varieties, similar to their estate rosé.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA 2021 - Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal (#548867) (XD) - $15.95  89 pts  wine review
• LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS CINSO RESERVA CINSAULT 2024 - Vegan, Unfiltered, Unoaked, DO Valle del Itata, Chile (#51147) (XD) - $16.95  review coming soon...
• FEATHERSTONE GEMSTONE 2023 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#46055) (XD) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• FORTANT GRANDS TERROIRS MINERVOIS 2023 - AOC, Languedoc, France (#20713) (XD) - $18.95
• BURGO VIEJO RESERVA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#168823) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• PLAIMONT GÉOGLYPHE GRAND VIN 2019 - AOC Madiran, Southwest, France (#38859) (XD) - $20.95

• LAFAGE NARASSA 2023 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#483313) (D) - $24.95
• LA NERTHE LES CASSAGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 - AOP, France (#494674) (XD) - $27.95  review coming soon...
• APOSTOLOS THYMIOPOULOS NAOUSSA 2022 - PDO, Greece (#49582) (XD) - $27.95
• QUERCECCHIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#438580) (XD) - $40.95  91 pts  wine review
• FUMANELLI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#475053) (XD) - $64.95  93+ pts  wine review
• CASCINA SÒT BAROLO DI MONFORTE D'ALBA 2020 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#51591) (XD) - $64.95  OFE

White Wine:

• MONTESPINA SOBRE LÍAS VERDEJO 2025 - Vegan, DO Rueda, Spain (#40788) (XD) - $16.95
• SISTER'S RUN SUNDAY SLIPPERS CHARDONNAY 2024 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#50154) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• ATTEMS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - IGT Venezia Giulia, Firuli, Italy (#708073) (XD) - $19.95
• PLANETA LA SEGRETA GRILLO 2024 - Sustainable, DOC Sicilia, Italy (#39442) (XD) - $19.95
• MEIA SERRA DÃO ENCRUZADO 2023 - Sustainable, DOC, Portugal (#51404) (XD) - $19.95
• BORTOLUZZI PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE 2024 - DOC, Italy (#27621) (XD) - $23.95  review coming soon...

• MEGA SPILEO ASSYRTIKO 2024 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#31680) (XD) - $24.95  review coming soon...
• KTIMA GEROVASSILIOU WHITE 2024 - Vegan, PGI Epanomi, Greece (#49573) (XD) - $24.95  OFE  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE WELTY BÉLÉNUS GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2023 - AOC Alsace, France (#49863) (M) - $25.95  review coming soon...
• TRIUS SHOWCASE WILD FERMENT WATCHING TREE CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#10053) (XD) - $34.95  OFE
• PEREGRINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand (#32548) (XD) - $35.95  OFE
• MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE 2025 - Unfiltered, WO Swartland, South Africa (#556597) (XD) - $39.95  OFE
• ESTATE ARGYROS PURE SANTORINI ASSYRTIKO 2022 - Unfiltered, PDO Santorini, Greece (#51197) (XD) - $116.95  OFE

Rosé Wine:

• VILLA AIX EN PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 - AOP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France (#668426) (XD) - $19.95
• MARQUIS D'AQUERIA TAVEL 2025 - AOP, Rhône, France (#556274) (XD) - $21.95

Sparkling Wine:

• CELENE AMÉTHYSTE BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX - Traditional Method, AOP, France (#19031) (D) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review

Fortified Wine:

• GONZÁLEZ BYASS NUTTY SOLERA MEDIUM OLOROSO SHERRY - DO, Spain (#35204) (S) - $21.95

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August 1, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Sicily & Sardinia

Happy long weekend!

Here are my top wine picks from the August 1, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), where the spotlight is on the wines of Italy's two largest islands—Sicily and Sardinia. This is a relatively small and less-expensive release, featuring 93 products with an average bottle price of just under $26. As always, the wines should be available both online and at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature on Sicily and Sardinia. Winemaking on these Mediterranean islands dates back more than 3,000 years. Today, Sicily ranks as Italy's fourth-largest wine-producing region by volume, while Sardinia is considerably smaller, ranking 14th. Although the feature includes just 10 wines—seven from Sicily and three from Sardinia—fully half are among my top recommendations. Highlights from Sicily include an excellent Frappato red and a refreshing rosé made from the same varietal. The only Sicilian blend comes from Tenute Orestiadi, combining 90% Nero d'Avola with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the lone white wine is made from Grillo. Representing Sardinia is a delicious Cannonau, the island's renowned expression of Grenache (Garnacha).

Continuing with my top red wine picks, Italy remains well represented, with the Chianti Classico predominantly Sangiovese with a touch of Merlot, while the Riserva Chianti Classico is composed of 90% Sangiovese and the balance split evenly between Merlot and Syrah. Also recommended are an impressive Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany and a classic Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Beyond Italy, Portugal offers a Douro red made from a traditional field blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Sousão, and old-vine fruit, while the Côtes du Rhône blends 70% Grenache with 30% Syrah. Rounding out the reds are an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia and a Jumilla red from Spain crafted with approximately 80% Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre), 10% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Among my white wine recommendations, Italy once again takes centre stage with three single-varietal wines: a Timorasso from Piedmont, a Garganega from Soave in Veneto, and a Pecorino from Abruzzo. The only blend is a Côtes du Rhône Blanc featuring Viognier, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc. Other lovely whites include a Grüner Veltliner from Austria, a Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa, and a dry Pinot Gris from Australia. Closer to home, there are two lovely Chardonnays—one from Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench and another from British Columbia's Okanagan Valley.

My rosé recommendations begin with a Loire Valley rosé crafted from Pinot Noir. Two rosé blends also earned a place among my picks: a Niagara wine made from equal parts Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, and a Luberon rosé from the Rhône composed of Syrah, Grenache, and Rolle. Rounding out my picks is a distinctive Blanc de Noir sparkling wine crafted exclusively from Gamay Noir.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• EL GORU GOLD MAD HAIRY FELLA MONASTRELL/ SYRAH/ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Vegan, DOP Jumilla, Spain (#13621) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• JERZU ANTICHI BANTU CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2023 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#51716) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 - AOP, France (#297317) (XD) - $19.95  review coming soon...
• QUINTA DO VALLADO VINHO TINTO 2023 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#41900) (XD) - $19.95
• TENUTE ORESTIADI RISERVA IL ROSSO DI LUDOVICO 2020 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#388645) (D) - $21.95  91 pts  wine review
• BYRON & HAROLD RAGS TO RICHES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - Vegan, Margaret River, Western Australia (#50142) (XD) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• PLANETA FRAPPATO 2024 - DOC Sicilia Vittoria, Italy (#508655) (XD) - $23.95  91+ pts  wine review
• RÉVA NEBBIOLO D'ALBA 2023 - DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#38310) (XD) - $29.95
• CARPINETO FARNITO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - IGT Toscana Rosso, Italy (#996553) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• VOLPAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#953828) (XD) - $37.95
• VITICCIO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#599308) (XD) - $47.95  91 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• ALVI'S DRIFT SIGNATURE SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#41453) (XD) - $14.95
• LES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, AOC, France (#18600) (XD) - $14.95
• BRIGALDARA SOAVE 2024 - Sustainable, DOC, Veneto, Italy (#23030) (XD) - $16.95
• ANGOVE PINOT GRIS 2025 - Sustainable, South Australia (#50150) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
• UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO 2025 - IGT Terre d'Abruzzo, Italy (#289553) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• COLOMBA BIANCA RESILIENCE GRILLO 2024 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#49369) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
• ZULL GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 - DAC Weinviertel, Austria (#17497) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• MISSION HILL RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2023 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#545004) (XD) - $27.95
• FONTANAFREDDA DERTHONA COLLI TORTONESI TIMORASSO 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#36416) (XD) - $29.95
• BACHELDER CUESTA SINGLE VINEYARD FAR EAST, MAN! CRU NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#52011) (XD) - $45.00

Rosé Wine:

• ORGANIZED CRIME ROSÉ 2025 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#16296) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU VAL-JOANIS ROSÉ 2025 - AOP Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $19.95
• CARUSO & MININI FRAPPO FRAPPATO ROSÉ 2025 - IGP Terre Siciliane, Italy (#43979) (XD) - $19.95
• JEAN-MAX ROGER LA GRANGE DÎMIÈRE SANCERRE ROSÉ 2025 - AOC, Loire, France (#490813) (XD) - $31.95

Sparkling Wine:

• 13TH STREET GAMAY BLANC DE NOIR SPARKLING 2023 - Sustainable, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#39728) (XD) - $34.95

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July 18, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Summer Smart Buys + Orange Wines

Here are my top wine picks from the July 18, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). The feature story for this release is Summer Smart Buys, while Orange Wines serve as the mini-theme. In total, the release showcases 121 products, along with an additional 20 Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines. It's a strong summer lineup, with white and rosé wines accounting for nearly half of the selection—ideal for warm-weather drinking. All the wines are readily available for purchase both online and at LCBO stores across Ontario.

We'll begin with the "Summer Smart Buys" feature, a theme that first appeared in August 2023 before returning last year. This year's selection includes 24 products: ten whites, ten reds, two rosés, two sake, and one sparkling wine. Six of those wines earn a place among my top recommendations in this release. Leading the white wines are the Creekside Sauvignon Blanc from Niagara, a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and an ever-fragrant Moschofilero from Greece. On the red side, my picks are a Gamay Noir from Niagara and a Grenache from Australia. Rounding out the feature is a fine Barolo from Piedmont, crafted, of course, from Nebbiolo—perhaps not the most obvious summer wine, but certainly one worth making an exception for.

My lone recommendation from the Orange Wines mini-theme is a Viognier from Chile. Orange wines are made by fermenting white grape varieties on their skins, much like red wines, resulting in wines with added texture, complexity, and their characteristic amber-orange hue.

Among my top red wine picks from the main release, the standout is a superb Amarone crafted from nearly equal parts Corvina and Corvinone, complemented by approximately 15% Rondinella. Close behind is a Rioja that is predominantly Tempranillo with a small proportion of Graciano. Other blends include a Greek red composed of 60% Syrah, 20% Merlot, and 20% Limnio, as well as a Côtes du Rhône red that blends 60% Grenache with 40% Syrah. Rounding out the mono-varietal selections are a Malbec from Argentina, a Merlot from South Africa, and a Gamay from Beaujolais.

My top white wine recommendations begin in Greece with a Santorini Assyrtiko sourced from ancient vines estimated to be 150–200 years old, alongside another fine Assyrtiko from Macedonia. Two white blends also make the list: a Soave composed of approximately 85% Garganega with the balance Trebbiano di Soave, and a Côtes du Roussillon blending Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu. Closer to home, Niagara is represented by a pair of lovely Chardonnays, a fine Sauvignon Blanc, and an excellent Riesling with just a kiss of sweetness. Completing the white wine selections are a Fiano from Campania and a dry Pinot Gris from Wairarapa, New Zealand.

My rosé recommendations include a Bandol composed of 65% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, and 15% Cinsault, along with a Côtes du Rhône Rosé made from approximately 70% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah. For sparkling wines, my picks include a Champagne blended from 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 25% Pinot Meunier, as well as a Loire sparkler crafted entirely from Chenin Blanc.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 - AOC, France (#14081) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION MERLOT 2021 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#26669) (XD) - $19.95
• D'ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2021 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#713040) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE PONCIÉ BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES ROUGE 2022 - AOC, France (#48908) (XD) - $19.95
• LOS CLOP PARAJE ALTAMIRA RESERVA MALBEC 2023 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#49711) (XD) - $22.95  90+ pts  wine review
• BACHELDER KIRBY SINGLE VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2023 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#45139) (XD) - $29.00
• BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2018 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#642496) (XD) - $32.95
• KTIMA GEROVASSILIOU RED 2022 - Vegan, PGI Epanomi, Greece (#32378) (XD) - $38.95  OFE  91+ pts  wine review
• ROBERTO SAROTTO BAROLO 2021 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#49375) (XD) - $39.95  91+ pts  wine review
• BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019 - Sustainable, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#300012) (XD) - $64.95

White Wine:

• M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2024 - AOP, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $16.95
• MITRAVELAS WHITE ON GREY MOSCHOFILERO 2025 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#49094) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• PADDY BORTHWICK PINOT GRIS 2025 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#555516) (XD) - $19.95
• JANARE FIANO 2025 - DOP Sannio, Campania, Italy (#528786) (XD) - $19.95
• AHI KA BLACKMORE GROWER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Dillons Point, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#41803) (XD) - $20.95
• PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2024 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#946848) (XD) - $21.95
• CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#341792) (XD) - $22.00  90+ pts  wine review
• BOUTARI ASSYRTIKO 2025 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#44246) (XD) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
• JACKSON-TRIGGS GRAND RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#25368) (XD) - $24.95
• SIEGEL NARANJO VIOGNIER 2024 - Sustainable, Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#37759) (XD) - $27.95
• CHARLES BAKER LAUNDRY VINEYARD RIESLING 2024 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#46059) (D) - $34.95
• CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH CHARDONNAY 2024 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#16093) (XD) - $36.95  92+ pts  wine review
• DIVERGENCE GRIMSBY HILLSIDE VINEYARD FRONTIER BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#51974) (XD) - $53.00  OFE  91+ pts  wine review
• ARGYROS CUVÉE EVDEMON ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#51195) (XD) - $116.95  OFE

Rosé Wine:

• E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2025 - AOC, France (#225003) (XD) - $23.95
• BASTIDE DE LA CISELETTE LOU PIGNA BANDOL ROSÉ 2025 - AOC, Provence, France (#49431) (XD) - $26.95  OFE

Sparkling Wine:

• LAUDACIUS MONTLOUIS-SUR-LOIRE BRUT NATURE SPARKLING - Traditional Method, AOP, Loire, France (#49418) (XD) - $31.95
• FRESNE DUCRET LE CHEMIN DU CHEMIN BRUT 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#49032) (XD) - $68.95  OFE

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July 4, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Nothing But Chardonnay

Here are my top wine picks from the July 4, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). After the last release focused on wines not named Chardonnay, this release's feature story is titled "Nothing But Chardonnay" and is a Chardonnay wine lover's delight. Overall, this is a very good release with 99 products offered, and everything should be readily available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature story that focuses on the noble Chardonnay grape varietal. Of the fourteen wines featured as part of the thematic, six wines are included among my top Chardonnay wine picks. These days, Chardonnays tend to be crafted using various methods ranging from fermentation in stainless steel to concrete to various barrel types, and almost always aged in one of these vessels. Looking at my Chardonnay recommendations, the wine by Rustenberg was wild fermented using indigenous yeast and raised entirely in stainless steel tanks, while the Australian Chardonnay was wild fermented and aged in French oak barriques. The Novellum was mostly vinified in tank with a small portion aged in barrel. The complex versions are the wines by Henry of Pelham, Stratus, and Planeta, which were all fermented and aged in barrel.

My top red wine picks from this release begins in Bordeaux with the excellent Pessac-Léognan that is crafted with 65% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, while the Fronsac is made with 100% Merlot. Staying in France, the Côtes du Roussillon-Villages is composed of Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, while the Régnié is from Beaujolais and crafted with Gamay. The rest of my remaining red wine picks are all mono-varietal wines, beginning with a pair of dynamite Pinot Noirs, one each from Prince Edward County in Ontario and Central Otago in New Zealand. From Italy, both Riserva Chianti Classico wines are made with 100% Sangiovese, while the Etna Rosso from Sicily is crafted with Nerello Mascalese.

There are a number of white wine recommendations outside of Chardonnay in this release, with the only blend coming from Costières de Nîmes in Rhône, and it is composed of 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 10% Marsanne, and 10% Viognier. From Greece, there is a fine Malagousia, as well as an Assyrtiko. There is also a lovely Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, followed by a Verdicchio from Marche. And lastly, there is a Picpoul from Midi, a varietal we don't see too often in our market.

Among my rosé wine picks, the only mono-varietal rosé is a Pinot Noir from New Zealand, while the rest are all blends. The dry rosé from Provence is composed of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, while the rosé from Abruzzo is a 70/30 blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The last rosé is a blend of Castelão and Cabernet Sauvignon from Portugal.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• LUIS GURPEGUI 147 ANIVERSARIO TEMPRANILLO 2021 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#37088) (XD) - $15.95
• GREEK WINE CELLARS FLOWERS XINOMAVRO 2023 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#49583) (XD) - $17.95
• GÉRARD BERTRAND HERITAGE AN 1886 LES ASPRES GRENACHE/ MOURVÈDRE/ SYRAH 2022 - AOP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#413245) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU MAYNE-VIEIL FRONSAC 2019 - Sustainable, AOC, Bordeaux, France (#14469) (XD) - $19.95
• HOSPICES DE BEAUJEU CUVÉE MARQUISE DE VAUDREUIL RÉGNIÉ 2023 - AOC, Beaujolais, France (#49860) (XD) - $23.95
• FIRRIATO LE SABBIE DELL'ETNA ROSSO 2021 - DOC Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#219592) (XD) - $26.95
• LORNANO LE BANDITE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#230672) (XD) - $29.95
• LOVEBLOCK PINOT NOIR 2022 - Sustainable, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand (#313924) (XD) - $29.95  92 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE ROCHEMORIN PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2022 - AOC, Bordeaux, France (#48823) (XD) - $39.95  93 pts  wine review
• FÈLSINA BERARDENGA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#32304) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• CLOSSON CHASE CHURCHSIDE PINOT NOIR 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Unfiltered, VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#265074) (XD) - $55.00

White Wine:

• LE JADE PICPOUL DE PINET 2024 - AOP, Midi, France (#350124) (XD) - $17.95
• ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO 2024 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#588814) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• RUSTENBERG WILD FERMENT UNWOODED CHARDONNAY 2024 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#48202) (XD) - $18.95
• NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY 2024 - France (#390781) (XD) - $19.95
• FILODIVINO SERRA 46 VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO 2023 - DOC, Marche, Italy (#49371) (XD) - $19.95
• MAS DES BRESSADES TRADITION BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, AOP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#701094) (XD) - $20.95  88 pts  wine review
• VILLA MARIA WAIRAU VALLEY RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#536201) (XD) - $24.95
• SMALL WONDER LANDSCAPE CHARDONNAY 2024 - Tamar Valley, Tasmania, Australia (#50127) (XD) - $28.95
• DOMAINE COSTA LAZARIDI SINGLE VINEYARD MALAGOUSIA 2024 - Vegan, PGI Drama, Greece (#30609) (XD) - $32.95  91+ pts  wine review
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2024 - Sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#616466) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• STRATUS CHARDONNAY 2025 - Vegan, Sustainable, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#267856) (XD) - $35.20
• PLANETA CHARDONNAY 2024 - DOC Sicilia Menfi, Italy (#485102) (XD) - $56.95

Rosé Wine:

• CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA ROSÉ 2025 - Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal (#50311) (XD) - $13.95  88+ pts  wine review
• S DE LA SABLETTE COTEAUX VAROIS-EN-PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 - AOP, France (#23757) (XD) - $17.95
• ERADUS SADIE ROSÉ 2025 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#43353) (XD) - $19.95
• TORRE ZAMBRA INCASTRO ROSA 2025 - Vegan, Sustainable, IGT Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy (#50316) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review

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June 20, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Beyond Chardonnay + Rosés from Provence

Here are my top wine picks from the June 20, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). The theme of this large release is titled "Beyond Chardonnay", while the mini-thematic takes a very brief look at rosé wines from Provence. With 117 products, this is one of the largest releases of the year, which includes a new batch of Online & Flagship Exclusives (OFE). Overall, it is a very good release, and all the wines should be readily available for purchase both online and in-store at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature story that is titled "Beyond Chardonnay" on the cover of the magazine, while in our media documents it's listed as "Anything But Chardonnay." Regardless, the meaning is the same, offering some fine white wines crafted using varietals not-named Chardonnay. In all, there are twenty delicious alternative white wines, of which five are included among my top white wine picks. The only blend among the bunch is a Côtes du Rhône Blanc that is crafted using a blend of 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8 % Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and 2% Grenache Blanc. There are a couple of Sauvignon Blanc wines, one by Hidden Bench in Niagara, and the other is by Eva Pemper in New Zealand, as well as a Verdejo from Spain. The last wine from the thematic is actually an Orange Wine (skin-fermented white) from Chile that is crafted with the Torontel varietal.

My top red wine picks from the main release begin in Tuscany with a Riserva Chianti Classico that is mainly Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Colorino in support. The 2021 Chianti Classico is crafted with 100% Sangiovese, while the 2022 Chianti Classico is a blend of mainly (92%) Sangiovese. From Spain, the 2015 Rioja is composed of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Mazuelo, and 10% Garnacha, while the 2019 Rioja is a blend of 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, and 2% Garnacha. Also from Spain, the Priorat is crafted with 43% Garnacha, 21% Syrah, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Cariñena. The only other blend is from Chile, and it is composed of 65% Carignan and 35% Carmenère.

All of my white wine recommendations from the main release are mono-varietal wines and, somewhat ironically, it begins with a top Chardonnay from Argentina. There are also a trio of Sauvignon Blanc wines, one each from Marlborough, South Africa, and Sicily. Unique wines in this release include a Pinot Grigio crafted using the Ramato method, an Albariño from Uruguay, and the native Antão Vaz from Portugal.

Among my top rosé wine picks from this release, one is from the mini-thematic featuring Rosés from Provence, and it is composed of 50% Grenache Noir, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carignan, and 10% Syrah. There is a trio of local, dry rosés worth your attention, with the versions by Stratus and Queylus both crafted with 100% Cabernet Franc, while the rosé by Fielding is a blend of 60% Gamay and 40% Pinot Noir. The last rosé recommendation is from Spain, and it is a blend of Garnacha Tinta and Viura.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• GOMERSAL SHIRAZ 2022 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#49383) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• P.S. GARCIA MALA FAMA 2021 - Valle de Itata, Chile (#50282) (XD) - $19.95
• THE COLONIAL ESTATE EXPLORATEUR OLD VINE SHIRAZ 2023 - Barossa, South Australia (#50676) (XD) - $19.95
• ZUCCARDI MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS MALBEC 2024 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#49616) (XD) - $19.95
• CLOS DE TAFALL 2022 - DOQ Priorat, Spain (#574616) (XD) - $22.95
• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $23.95  91 pts  wine review
• CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#680496) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review

• PLANETA PLUMBAGO NERO D'AVOLA 2022 - DOC Sicilia Menfi, Italy (#19491) (XD) - $24.95
• ESCUDERO SOLAR DE BECQUER RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#49819) (XD) - $27.95  91+ pts  wine review
• MONCHIERO LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2023 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#50758) (XD) - $27.95
• SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA CRIANZA 2019 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#313726) (XD) - $30.95  OFE
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - 68th Vintage, Coonawarra, South Australia (#84996) (XD) - $44.95
• KEINT-HE GREER ROAD SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2023 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#51802) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• CASTELLO MONSANTO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#719864) (XD) - $58.95  OFE

White Wine:

• VIDIGUEIRA ANTÃO VAZ 2024 - DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#50928) (XD) - $16.95
• BERONIA RUEDA VERDEJO 2025 - Vegan, DO Rueda, Spain (#461327) (XD) - $16.95  review coming soon...
• ATTEMS RAMATO PINOT GRIGIO 2025 - DOC Friuli, Italy (#111732) (XD) - $19.95
• EVA PEMPER SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#48078) (XD) - $19.95
• GORGHI TONDI MAREMEO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#49062) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• GARZÓN RESERVA ALBARIÑO 2025 - Uruguay (#646802) (XD) - $23.95  91+ pts  wine review
• E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2024 - AOC, France (#290296) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
• MATURANA NARANJO TORONTEL ORANGE WINE 2024 - DO Valle del Maule, Chile (#556217) (XD) - $24.95
• SOUTHERN RIGHT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - WO Cape Coast, South Africa (#512277) (XD) - $24.95  OFE
• LOVEBLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#22851) (XD) - $24.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ROSOMEL VINEYARD FUMÉ BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#68825) (XD) - $29.95
• CATENA ALTA HISTORIC ROWS CHARDONNAY 2023 - Sustainable, Mendoza, Argentina (#139964) (XD) - $39.95

Rosé Wine:

• MUGA ROSÉ 2025 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#603795) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
• FIELDING ROSÉ 2025 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#53421) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU PARADIS ESSENCIEL AIX-EN-PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 - AOP, France (#48978) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE QUEYLUS ROSÉ 2025 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#32902) (XD) - $24.95
• STRATUS CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2025 - Vegan, Sustainable, Estate Grown, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#43598) (XD) - $32.20

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