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yLike stepping outside footloose and shoe free, impromptu aperitifs are one of the hot season’s best perks. From a drink with fellow parents in the alley to family barbecues, or just because friends drop by without a text, you’ll need a few bottles on hand to accommodate those fun moments. With that in mind, our experts reveal their must-try red wines, white wines, a bubbly and a Quebec rosé and aperitifs to be perfectly prepared for spontaneity.

Whites

J. Mourat Chenin de Jardin 2021


❤ Why Julie loves it

Regrouping to date 120 hectares of vine, Vignobles Mourat represents one of the largest Loire Valley territory engaged in organic agriculture. A proud defender of the Vendee, Jérémie Mourat produces a pure Chenin, maximising a bright fruit and minerality bringing complexity to the ensemble. Superb!

Prà Otto Soave Classico 2021


❤ Why Éric loves it

Associated with the Soave DOC revival, Graziano Prà puts his incredible talent to use in this Garganega cuvee born from vineyards aged 30 to 60 years. Notes of jasmine, honeydew, white pepper and lime intertwine in a very elegant mouth. The kind of white wine we like to serve with pesto pasta or shrimp spring rolls.

Reds

Parajes del Valle Monastrell Ecologico Jumilla 2020


❤ Why Julie loves it

Located near the Mediterranean coast south of Valencia, the Jumilla appellation has accustomed us to rather powerful wines made from the Monastrell grape, better known as "Mourvèdre" in France. But this high-altitude cuvée manages to reveal freshness and balance, while not overdoing it on fruit extraction. An organic and quite easy-drinking gem you’ll enjoy served slightly chilled with a vegetarian pizza or a local charcuterie board.

Meinklang Burgenland Neusiedlersee 2020


❤ Why Éric loves it

This Austrian family estate is on the rise and produces everything according to the precepts of organic and biodynamic farming. Enhancing the fruity nature of the wine, whole-bunch intracellular fermentation is used to craft this blend of Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and Saint-Laurent, delivering a beautiful thirst-quenching wine. A sure hit with a roast chicken or a tuna steak.

Mil Historia Bobal 2020


❤ Why Éric loves it

North-west of Valencia, the Manchuela appellation area attracts attention thanks to its privileged location that favours the production of balanced wines. Perched at more than 1,100 meters above sea level, the 120 hectares of Alto Landon are among the highest in Spain. This estate works wonders with the Bobal variety, as showed by this cuvée with notes of blackberry, violet, black cherry and spices. The perfect partner for pork skewers or grilled sausages.

Rosé wine

Côte de Champlain Coquillages 2021


❤ Why Éric loves it

Two years of research led the current owner and winemaker Christian Dubois to this land of Saint-Théodore d'Acton. Where the melting of the glaciers has given way to the Champlain Sea, the soils offer the particularity of containing shells which bring an interesting dimension to the wines. Seductive with its beautiful salmon hue, it smells of strawberry and barley sugar, complete with mineral notes. A perfect match for a wide variety of salads or a vegetarian pizza.

Bubbly

Ca di Rajo Lemoss Frizzante


❤ Why Julie loves it

Made with the same grape variety used in the production of Prosecco, the best-selling sparkling wine in the world, this very "dry" version offers you a cuvée from the Glera grape variety but in a "natural sparkling" version. While the fermentation, which started with wild yeasts, will end in the bottle and give it its fine bubbles quite naturally, it will not have as sustained an effervescence as classic sparkling wines. The perfect aperitif for sunny days!

Aperitif

Amermelade


❤ Why Julie loves it

Anyone who has a weakness for bitter Italian liqueurs will fall in love (if they haven't already) with this local version, developed by Spiritueux d'Iberville. Its scents of citrus fruits and fruits such as bergamot, peach and apricot are joined by aromas of eucalyptus and rose. Your best ally to enjoy as a spritz by adding sparkling water, sparkling wine and ice cubes.

Pastis

Distillerie Fils du Roy La Grande Hermine Pastis Bas-Laurentien


❤ Why Julie loves it

With or without pétanque, let yourself be seduced by this Bas-Saint-Laurent pastis! The caraway used in its elaboration is grown in the gardens of the distillery. You will also find scents of star anise, green anise and fennel, as well as hints of vanilla and licorice. Neither sugar nor coloring have been added, making it less sweet than French pastis, and its translucent colour will blur on contact with water as it should. A tip from the producer: it will be at its best with four parts water for one-part spirit. Cheers!

White vermouth

Val Caudalies Lab Doux


❤ Why Éric loves it

Friends since high school, Guillaume Leroux, Julien Vaillancourt and Alexis Perron launched Val Caudalies in the spring of 2005. A mandatory stop on the Quebec wine route, the vineyard offers products made from apples and grapes. Their sweet vermouth has a surprising aromatic complexity reminiscent of orange peel, spices, white fruits, nutmeg and absinthe. Alone, on ice or in cocktails, you will discover one of the best vermouths of the province.

Photo: Valeria Bismar