Welcome to the Best Wine Buys Under $25 Winter 2018, the second edition of my semi-annual list of recommended wines in British Columbia, following my first ever Summer 2018 Best Wine Buys post. As before, I have used $25 (more or less) as the maximum cutoff price. And once again I’ve limited the list to wines that are currently available at BC government (BCLDB) liquor stores, not because I’m a great fan of the BC liquor monopoly (I’m most decidedly not!), but so that you have a reasonable chance of finding them, although some may not be available in every store. If that’s the case for you, ask your local liquor store to have it delivered there for you (they will usually do this free of charge).
In this second Best Wine Buys list I’m concentrating on winter-suitable wines, which for me means mostly reds, with a couple of whites and fortified/dessert wines. I’ve limited the list to ten new wines that I have enjoyed, which I think have a good QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) and which I would feel confident serving to my guests. And again, just to be clear, these are my own personal selections: no one has paid me anything, or provided free samples, to taste and list these particular wines. Best value countries continue to be South Africa, Argentina, Italy and – especially – Spain.
Wines are listed by ascending price, and not by preference or ranking. I’ve provided a short tasting note for each wine listed. Unless specifically noted, I have not provided vintages, since these wines are ready to drink now and in most cases you will find whatever is the current year on the shelf.
The prices below include all taxes (but not the 10c bottle deposit) and are rounded up/down to the nearest dime. Several of the selected wines are currently discounted at the LDB, but only until December 29, 2018. The prices below reflect the discount. Happy hunting! And do let me know what you think, by commenting on this blog post.
1. Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, France $17.25 (on sale)
This delicious, crisp, fresh Languedoc white goes perfectly with the oysters harvested from the nearby Etang de Thau, but will go just as well with our local West Coast oysters, which are at their best this time of year.
2. Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2012/13, Portugal $17.25 (375 ml bottle)
A great way to get introduced to the sweet pleasures of the fortified wines of Port. The LBV style has extended oak aging and is ready to drink on release. Buy this half-bottle or go for the full bottle available at $27.58 (on sale). Drink with dessert, nuts, blue cheese etc.
3. Monasterio de las Viñas Gran Reserva 2010, Cariñena, Spain $20.70 (on sale)
This blend of Grenache, Tempranillo and Carignan from the Cariñena region of Spain is a great example of barrel- and then bottle-matured Spanish red wine. Great with spicy, savoury meat stews.
4. Masroig Sola Fred, Montsant, Spain $23.00
This Carignan-based red wine from Montsant in Catalunya is fresh, fruity and unoaked, with an aromatic nose and sweet fruit palate, and a long, grippy finish. Terrific value.
5. Teodosio Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata, Italy $23.00
A full-bodied yet smooth red from the southern Italian Basilicata region’s highly-regarded Aglianico grape variety. Expect truffle, blackberry, spices and dark chocolate. An under-the-radar value wine.
6. CVNE Viña Real Rioja Crianza, Spain $23.00 (on sale)
A relatively lightly oaked (12-14 months in French and American oak) Rioja from one of the most respected Rioja producers. This is 90% Tempranillo, offering up notes of cinnamon, clove and forest fruits, and good fruit/acid balance.
7. Amalaya Malbec, Salta, Argentina $23.00 (on sale)
An expressive, complex, fruit-driven malbec-dominated red blend from high altitude vineyards in the far north of Argentina, with elegance, good structure, fresh acidity and a long finish. Versatile.
8. Glen Carlou Grand Classique, Paarl, South Africa $24.71 (on sale)
A classic Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and other varieties, this is an excellent value Meritage that offers elegance, length and balance. Will go well with lamb, roast beef, or can be cellared for several more years.
9. De Morgenzon Chardonnay DMZ, Stellenbosch, South Africa $25.30
This will appeal to those who like their whites creamy and full-bodied, yet well balanced. De Morgenzon’s premium chardonnay is even more impressive, but sadly unavailable here, and it would certainly break the price limit anyway.
10. Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva, Tuscany, Italy $25.86 (on sale)
Fresh, racy and elegant with vibrant acidity and polished tannins, this wine goes perfectly with Italian pasta, tomato-based dishes, and hard cheeses. Always good value and even more so with $2 off currently.