British Columbia

Having big fun this summer? Consider big wine, columnist says

Check out Barbara Philip's picks for big wine at a big value — with quality not an afterthought.

You'll be boxing clever with this week's wine picks

On Arrested Development, Buster Bluth, played by Tony Hale, made a huge mistake when he confused his mother's emergency supply of boxed wine for a giant juice box. Do not make this mistake. (VotrePetitChou/YouTube)

Good things come in small packages, but when it comes to wine, the reverse isn't necessarily true.

That's according to On The Coast's Master of Wine Barbara Philip. She says good wine can come in large volumes and at a good value, and that means you can host great summer events for a great price.

"If you are having people over for a party this summer, consider buying wine in a magnum bottle or even bag-in-box," she told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn. "The wines make for fun presentation and sharing."

Here are Philip's picks for good wine at a good price in a good size.

Gazela. Vinho Verde. Portugal. 1.5L $16.99

"Crisp and quaffable and light in alcohol, Vinho Verde matches beautifully with a hot day. Try with a simple green salad or delicate seafood."

Monasterio de las Viñas. Cariñena Crianza. Spain. 2008. 1.5L $19.99

"The Reserva from Monasterio de las Viñas is one of the most popular Spanish wines in B.C. and the Crianza is new to the market. Its medium body weight and spicy notes make it a good pairing with BBQ beef ribs."

Houchart. Côtes du Provence Rosé. France. 2015. 1.5L $39.99

"The look of this beautiful provençal-shaped bottle reminds me of bistros in France where they drink more rosé than white wine. Chill it in a large ice bucket for your next patio gathering.

Carawine. Terre de Siciliane Bianca. Italy. 3L $32.99

"Delicious bag-in-box that will last in your fridge for a couple of weeks if your guests don't finish it. It is a highly drinkable blend of Trebbiano, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio made to be simple and fresh."

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast