Here is a roundup of great value wines that are perfect for holiday parties, meals and gifts.
Sparkling
Desiderius Pongrácz Brut Cap Classique Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Western Cape, South Africa VINTAGES#: 404111 $16.95
This has generous toasty bread notes on the nose and palate. Quite lively and a little bit spicy with great tension and acidity. Remember this one for your holiday oyster pairing! For that matter make it your Holiday house sparkling at this price! Very good value. Tasted Nov 22, 2019 www.thewineloverskitchen.com 90
Belcanto di Bellussi Extra Dry Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Veneto, Italy VINTAGES#: 53215 $19.95
Prosecco doesn’t get much better than this… a Superiore from the best region and Extra Dry tends to suit our North American palates. At this price you can stock up and serve with appetizers, brunch, midnight toasting or just afternoon sipping!
White Wines
Domaine de Rochebin Chardonnay Mâcon-Azé 2017
Burgundy, France | VINTAGES#: 156943 $17.95
This rich Chardonnay has ripe apple tones with hints of spice and a flinty minerality on the nose. It is full bodied and rich on the palate with lemon and ripe red apple tones. Nicely structured, this wine will stand up to pork roast or savoury poultry dishes. Very good value. Tasted Nov 15, 2019. www.thewineloverskitchen.com 90
2027 Cellars Wismer Vineyard Fox Croft Block Chardonnay 2017 Ontario, Canada VINTAGES#: 421362 $22.95
Beside getting a 94 score from Rick VanSickle , he says $23 for this quality wine is CRAZY. 2027 Cellars are always good bets for quality and dependability but this one is ‘mind-blowing’. Would make a great gift or enjoy with any holiday meal or party.
Red Wines
Irony Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 California, USA VINTAGES#: 12189 $19.95
A trusted producer with Paso Robles grapes is a combination that has a lot going for it. This one is described as ‘luscious dark fruit and chocolaty notes wrapped in velvety tannins.’ Yum…
Victoria, Australia VINTAGES#: 10581 $32.95
A fruit driven and rather refreshing Shiraz. The co-fermentation with 5% Viognier is giving it a bit of a lift. With generous red plum on the palate, it is well balanced and elegant leaning toward the old world style. Would be wonderful with rack of lamb. Tasted Nov 22, 2019 www.thewineloverskitchen.com. 93
Peter Lehmann The Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
South Australia, Australia VINTAGES#: 12331 $21.95
This Shiraz opens with enticing, fresh aromas of peppery raspberry and currants. Fruit driven with generous red fruit and cassis on the palate. This highly approachable, well balanced wine will be a crowd pleaser. Serve with pepper steak. Good value. Tasted Nov 22, 2019 www.thewineloverskitchen.com 91
Jean-Luc Colombo Le Pavillon des Courtisanes Cairanne 2016
Rhône, France | VINTAGES#: 120717 $21.95
This blend of Grenache and Syrah has abundant dark fruit on the nose and palate. Tannins are well integrated. At 14.5% alcohol it is a bit hot on the long finish. This is a substantial wine that will pair well with hearty beef dishes. Very good value. Tasted Nov 15, 2019. www.thewineloverskitchen.com 90
Storia Antica Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso 2017 Veneto, Italy VINTAGES#: 273672 $17.95
Ripasso by nature of it process always has a bit more depth than many wines. This one has ‘ripe, sweet dark fruit with touches of chocolate and pepper spice…in a refined package.’
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2017 Tuscany, Italy 750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 964221 $29.95 Score 92
Looking to go a bit upscale? This entry level wine from a renown Super Tuscan producer got a 92 score from Monica Larner of robertparker.com. 2017 was a very dry year that led to highly concentrated fruit. Winemaker’s notes say ‘A pleasant bouquet of ripe red fruits and spices is sustained on the palate by crisp acidity and an open, enveloping tannic structure.”