July 8 2023 LCBO Vintages Release -Wine Picks <$40

The July 8 2023 LCBO Vintages Release is limited to on-line orders and a few flagship stores. It's a short read folks but there are a few gems.

If you need to stock up then you might want to check out the June 24 2023 LCBO Vintages Release -Wine Picks <$40 for a much greater selection of good value.

Sparkling Wines

De Chanceny Brut Crémant de Loire, Loire France VINTAGES#: 515262 $24.95 This gets a 92 from Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 and makes a good value alternative to traditional Champagne. A blend of 64% Chenin Blanc, 21% Chardonnay, 15% Cabernet Franc with a delicate mousse, aromas of pineapple and stone fruit and citrus and green apple freshness on the palate. A long finish rounds out the picture.  Enjoy on its own or with Strawberry Chicken Salad Sandwiches.

White Wines

Nortico Alvarinho 2021 Minho, Portugal Vintages # 471300 $16.95 Alvarinho makes a fantastic summer wine. This one is crisp and fresh with floral, peach, lemon, apple and grapefruit notes. Throw in some saline-infused minerality and lively acidity for a refreshing pour. Enjoy with Cucumber Salad with Kiwi and Canteloupe.

Kew Vineyards Fumé Blanc 2020 Niagara Escaprment, Ont, Canada Vintages# 415604 $20.95 A local Sauvignon Blanc that has seen 5 months in oak is being well received. Dry, it is showing stone fruits, citrus, creamy notes and well integrated oak. Enjoy with grilled Fish Tacos.

Paolo Conterno A Val Arneis 2021 Piedmont, Italy Vintages # 30273 $24.95 Arneis is a medium acidity, aromatic dry, white wine. If you like Pinot Gris chances are you will find Arneis intriguing as well. This one gets a 91 from Monica Larner of robertparker.com. Look for lime, cooling citrus, bergamot and crushed limestone. A sturdy wine at at 14% ABV. Enjoy with Shrimp Saffron Pasta Salad.

Red Wines

Chilensis Single Block Garnacha 2018 Valle de Maule, Chile VINTAGES#: 28592 $23.95 This gets a 91 from James Suckling. Look for red fruit, cherries with some herbality and vanilla notes. Medium body, chalky tannins and fresh acidity round out the picture. Enjoy with Sour Cherry Glazed Ribs.

Vinchio Vaglio Vigne Vecchie 50 Barbera d'Asti 2020 Piedmont, Italy Vintages # 32489 $28.95 Score - 93 Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022. Tasting notes indicate it is rich and intense with ripe plums, blueberries and cherries. Fresh with ripe round tannins on the broad and long finish. Enjoy with Venetian Duck Ragù.