Lighter reds perfect on lazy summer days

Light reds are not yet understood in North America. People regard them with the kind of suspicion they once had for small cars.

But look how we've changed our attitude toward compact cars. Maybe we can also learn to like lighter wines, especially red wines made in the Beaujolais style.

These wines are light, refreshing and fun to be with -- especially in warm weather, and early in the evening.

We need to get over the idea that every red wine has to feel like a Cadillac -- something excessive -- because often the mood we're in doesn't call out for a rich solution. Many social occasions -- especially with friends and a platter of appetizers -- are best served by a lighter wine that doesn't seek the limelight. Save the Shiraz for dinner.

Anyone who has visited the Mediterranean area will have experienced a lightly chilled light red at a sidewalk cafe. They're perfect with appetizers. Try my following Greek selection with some mildly hot snacks.

Niagara's Ch. Des Charmes does a version of Gamay (the Beaujolais grape) that's loaded with French country atmosphere. It's lively and gutsy. Think Brie and baguette and a lazy Saturday afternoon.

LCBO Vintages is offering an amazingly good Chardonnay today for only $12.95 -- CONO SUR 07 Chardonnay, Chile (#61911 $12.95). Forget the usual expectations around Chardonnay-- this is the virgin edition.

It's fresh and pure as a spring breeze. While it appears simple at first, a lovely, velvety texture and delicate fruit flavours unfold as you drink.

It's very much in the suggestive style of traditional French wines. Perfect now, it could evolve into a stunner in a year's time. Without a doubt, it's one of the best wine buys I've tasted in a long time. Load up -- there's no better house wine to be had.