Ontario whites are representing in the good value whites category. Some old world classics of note in the red wine category.
Fortified
Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setúbal 2017 VINTAGES#: 996181 $14.95 Setúbal, Portugal. This is not as hearty as a Port or Madeira at 17% ABV but certainly has its place in European tradition. In Portugal it is called ‘Abafado’ and makes me think of a Sunday afternoon where Portuguese families gather in their ‘second’ kitchen with friends and family. Glasses are topped up regularly along with dishes of biscuits and lupini beans. Expect notes of spice, citrus, nuts, honey. It would also go very well with an after dinner charcuterie board of figs, nuts, chocolate and dried fruits!
Sparkling
Cygnus Organic Brut Nature Cava VINTAGES#: 352856 $18.95 Penedès, Spain represents good value, scoring low 90s. Wine and Spirits Magazine says the Brut Nature is a definite step above the simple Brut in quality for only a small increase in price. Expect citrus, yellow apple and well balanced acidity vs creaminess.
Traditionalists have a chance to pick up De Chanceny Brut Crémant de Loire VINTAGES#: 515262 $19.95 Loire, France. Decanter world Wine Awards 2019 gave it a 95. Expect an apple/mineral nose with apple and citrus on a creamy palate. ‘Good length and some complexity’.
Rosés
You can enjoy a classic Provence Rosé in Ophélie Rosé 2020 VINTAGES#: 20083 $17.95 Provence, France. Syrah with a touch of Grenache that lends a bit of spicy berry to the mix. Won Gold at the Concours International de Lyon. Enjoy with Spicy Strawberry Salad or grilled pork tenderloin.
White Wines
Ontario whites are dominating the value category this release!
Featherstone Four Feathers 2020 VINTAGES#: 341586 $14.95 Ontario, Canada always scores highly with Vic Harradine of winecurrent.com and this one is no exception. A Riesling blend with apple, pear, apricot and orange blossoms on the nose and a plate of spicy peach, rosewater and hints of herbs. Good acidity and texture, with a decent finish. Serve with peach crostini, Brie with a fruit chutney on any dock or deck or beside a Swedish Shrimp Sandwich.
South Africa offering in the value category this release is Avondale Jonty’s Ducks Pekin White 2018 VINTAGES#: 439554 $16.95 Paarl, South Africa. An organic, aromatic blend of Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Semillon and Viognier with fruit, melon tones. Scores around 90 points among various reviewers. If aromatic and flavourful appeals to you serve this up with BBQ Chicken and Jezebel Sauce or peach chutney.
Another Riesling offering in Redstone Limestone Vineyard South Riesling 2018 VINTAGES#: 38125 $18.95 Ontario, Canada. Rick VanSickle of winesinniagara.com gives it a 92 and describes a ‘gorgeous’ nose of lime, grapefruit, and notes of petrol, green apple and mineral. Good tension on the palate with lime, lemon, honeycomb and stony minerality. Sounds like classic Riesling attributes! Drink now with Thai bowls or chili shrimp.
13th Street June’s Vineyard Riesling 2019 VINTAGES#: 147512 $19.95 Ontario, Canada. Sara d’Amato of winealign.com calls this ‘immensely satisfying with a long, honeysuckle finish’ and gives it a 90. She notes a savory-salty contrast and plum and peach on the palate. Sounds delightful and good expression of one of Ontario’s best grapes.
Fans of Old World classic styles will be interested in Jean-Pierre Sève Mâcon-Solutré 2018 VINTAGES#: 18641 $19.95 Burgundy, France. A fresh, balanced Burgundian Chardonnay, full-bodied and rich with apple, pear and subtle oak. Think about this one for your Thanksgiving table or now with Seared Scallops with Warm Bacon Dressing.
Red Wines
Barossa Valley offers its bounty in the form of 3 Rings Shiraz 2018 VINTAGES#: 15495 $17.95 South Australia, Australia. Recognized as good value, scoring low 90s, expect classic bramble berry and spicy black plum. Cherry and chocolate appear on the palate. Well balanced an admirable finish, enjoy with spicy ribs, burgers or steak.
Year after year, Carpineto Chianti Classico 2018 VINTAGES#: 356048 $19.95 Tuscany, Italy delivers consistent quality and classic Chianti. Antonio Galloni of vinous.com gives it a 91 and describes it as ‘austere’ with ‘red cherry, mint, white pepper and chalky notes’. Expressive and vibrant, decant for an hour or so if drinking now and enjoy with classic Spaghetti and Meatballs or Osso Bucco.
Château Paul Mas Clos des Mûres 2018 VINTAGES#: 286393 $19.95 Languedoc, France is Syrah dominated blend with licorice, plum and black olive hints. A big wine but with fine tannins, scoring low 90s. Best plan to enjoy this with a hearty grilled steak or smoky ribs now through 2025.
Manoir de Mercey au Paradis 2018 VINTAGES#: 20913 $25.95 Burgundy, France is widely recognized as great value in a Burgundy, scoring low 90s consistently. Expect cherry notes with violets and cinnamon. Enjoy it now with grilled lamb chops, duck or veal.
