Curva Tinto 2016
Many of the Douro’s port houses are making table wines from the same grapes they use to produce port. One such wine, now on Vintages’ shelves, is Calem’s Curva Tinto 2016. An equal blend of four of the primary port grapes – Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca – this wine is dense purple in colour with a cedary, plum nose; it’s medium-bodied, dry, with a flavour of mulberries tinged with oak spice, ending on a firm note of tannin and freshened with lively acidity. It costs $15.95 and would make a great partner for barbecued ribs, steak or hamburgers. Attractive label too. That’s Calem’s Curva Tinto 2016 from Portugal. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($15.95, Vintages #631499)

Rustenberg Petit Verdot Rose 2018
With the rosé season in full swing, here’s a tasty item from South Africa’s Stellenbosch region – Rustenberg Petit Verdot Rosé 2018. Bright light pink in colour, it shows an attractive, spicy, gently honeyed, fresh strawberry-watermelon nose with a light honeyed note. It’s dry, light to medium-bodied with a fresh, tangy flavour of ripe strawberries and a lingering, bright finish. This versatile, well-balanced crowd-pleaser offers great value at $13.95 from Vintages outlets. Pour it while the barbecue heats up – or with a platter of charcuterie. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($13.95, Vintages #451773)