Here we are, well into Vancouver’s brief summer season. Time for my semi-annual list of best wine buys under $25 or so.
As with previous lists, I have used $25 as the maximum cutoff price (with one bonus wine exception). I’ve also limited the list to wines widely available at BCLDB liquor stores, so that you have a reasonable chance of finding them.
As I’m concentrating on summer-suitable wines, this means mostly whites, with a couple of lighter reds and a rosé. I’ve limited the list to ten wines that have a good QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) and which I would be confident serving to guests. Note several Italian whites, as these offer great value for money and real complexity, in my humble opinion. And just a reminder that these are my own personal selections: no one has paid me or provided free samples, to taste and list these particular wines.
The 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 noted are currently correct, include all taxes, and rounded up/down to the nearest dime. Happy hunting!
1. Quinta do Ameal Vinho Verde Loureiro, Minho, Portugal $19.55 Fresh minerality, with citrus notes, salinity and racy acidity. Organic, with a low alcohol level (11%), making it perfect for light summer fare or just sipping on its own. Great value from a highly rated Vinho Verde producer.
2. Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Italy $20.70 A longtime favourite and great value for money, this entry-level Verdicchio, one of Italy’s many native white grapes, gives real pleasure and is capable of developing honeyed complexity with some bottle aging.
3. Janare Falanghina del Sannio DOP, Italy $23.00 Delicious ‘older’ style Italian white from native Falanghina grape; rich, creamy, full-bodied, with hazelnut notes emerging with some bottle age.
4. Barone di Valforte Pecorino, Colli Aprutini IGP, Abruzzo, Italy $23.00 Another Italian white from native grape Pecorino, this has bracing acidity underpinning the fresh crisp fruit, with a medium-bodied mouthfeel.
5. Domane Wachau Grüner Veltliner Terraces, Austria $23.00 If you can get past the name, this is a crisp, dry white wine with a delicately aromatic nose, rounded palate with hints of honey, mineral and some spice.
6. Chateau Barbebelle Rosé Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France $23.00 A delicious, light, yet surprisingly elegant rosé from Provence, heartland of this refreshing style of pale pink grenache-based rosé wine. Expect fresh strawberry, cherry and white flowers. Great value.
7. Chateau de Pierreux Brouilly AOC, Beaujolais, France $23.00 A lighter style of red wine from one of the ten Beaujolais Cru appellations, representing the top quality level of Beaujolais. Scrumptious floral, fragrant, Gamay-based juice. Chill in fridge for 10 minutes before opening. Yes you read that correctly. Trust me!
8. Domaine Guisset Cotes du Roussillon, France $23.00 A terrific value red blend (Syrah, Carignan, Grenache) from France’s southernmost red wine appellation – the Roussillon, this has stony minerality, red and black fruits, and spicy garrigue notes. Perfect BBQ wine.
9. Chateau la Besage Grand Cuvee, Bergerac, France $24.15 A Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, with well-balanced ripe fruit, toasty oak and supple tannins. Like a Right Bank Bordeaux, only way cheaper.
10. Careme Terre Brulée Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa $23.00 A fine example of classic Cape Chenin Blanc, with complex, layered flavours of white stone fruits, lime and minerality. From 40+ year old Swartland vines.
SALE ALERT: On sale ($2 off) at the BCLDB until the end of August.
Bonus White Wine:
Adegas Valminor Davilo O Rosal, Rias Baixas, Spain
SALE ALERT $25.87
Yes this breaks the $25 limit, but hits it out the park: a complex blend of native Spanish grapes Albarino, Loureiro, Treixadura, with tropical notes, aromatic herbs, stony minerality, all wrapped up in a smooth, elegant taste. Best of all, it’s on sale at the BCLDB until the end of August.