It’s always a good idea to have a few bottles of wine tucked away for those impromptu gatherings on the deck with friends on hot summer evenings.

Taking as my guide the wonderful summer scents from our gardens and vegetable patches, I’ve chosen wines with a floral nose and a taste of summer berries. Wines with pleasant acidity that will provide freshness and liveliness on their own or with light meals.

White

From the Lieubeau family, here’s a muscadet whose vintages have become favourites at the Mont-Tremblant SAQ. A very slightly iodized wine with an enticing texture. Citrus and a touch of saltiness strengthen the flavours. It’s juicy, straightforward and quite dry.

Rosé

This rosé from a terroir in Argentina is really surprising. Very delicate for the price. Scents of wild berries, but not too strongly. The judicious mixture of grapes is sure to please.

And red

Perricone is one of the many grapes native to Sicily. Delightful scents of raspberry with delicate tannins. Elegant and intense, with a light aniseed flavour in the finish.

At cocktail hour… a cocktail inspired by flavours of Québec

Gin & Tonic: A gin from the Québec terroir, preferably dry gin with a can of tonic water. Tip: try adding some Québec strawberries and freshly picked basil, crushed in the mortar and pestle to release the scents and flavours.

Stir with a branch of rosemary, allow to steep for half an hour, then filter finely to obtain the liquid. A splash of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and…Bob’s your uncle!

Your health!

Famille Lieubeau. Le voyage extraordinaire 2018: $17.05  #13312679

Finca Las Moras. Pink is in the air 2018: $11.95   #13963658

Caruso & Minini. Perricone 2016: $17.10   #13862179