These Wines Will Deliver On Taste And Quality Without Breaking The Bank
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Drinking great wine doesnt mean you have to fork over your entire paycheck, and it certainly doesnt require sacrificing quality for quantity. There are plenty of inexpensive wines available that are made from responsibly-farmed fruit, have little manipulation in the cellar, and most importantly, taste delicious. From pinot noirs to chardonnays, here are the best cheap wines across a variety of categoriesall of which are around $25 and under.
Best Australian Red: Penfolds 2017 Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz
Region: South Australia, Australia | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Black cherries, Cassis, New leather, Fruit cake
Penfolds, unquestionably the greatest winemaking estate in Australia, is best known for its iconic wine, Penfolds Grange. Chief winemaker Peter Gago made it his mission to produce well-structured wines with deep flavors and, as he puts it, a propensity to age.
While Grange is primarily shiraz, with a splash of cabernet sauvignon sourced from specific sites in South Australia, Penfolds’ Bin 389 combines 54% cabernet sauvignon with 46% shiraz and is often referred to as Baby Grange. Plus, this wine comes at a more approachable price tag than the Grange.
Region: Mendoza, Argentina | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Cherry compote, Salty dark chocolate, Cedar spice
Achaval-Ferrer’s Quimera blend is a wine of remarkable precision: Co-founder Santiago Achaval, one of the most respected winemakers in Argentina, and winemaker Roberto Cipresso comb the vineyards, tasting grapes and hand-selecting vines specifically for this blend. In 2014, they conceived a dynamic and complex blend of 50% malbec, 24% cabernet franc, 18% merlot and 8% cabernet sauvignon.
Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain | ABV: 14% | Tasting Notes: Spiced plums, Forest underbrush, Cigar box
Good to Know:
Wine House Beer & Spirits
Wine House Beer & Spirits stocks over 150 imported and local wines, all at an affordable price. Whether you fancy Prosecco straight from Italy, or even Snoop Doggs 19 Crimes Cali Red you name it, this wine store sells it! To sweeten the deal, promos and packages like two-for-one or wines plus beers are on standby for your next dinner party, while special wine tastings and events often grace the calendar throughout the year.Where:Order via the website, or visit the store: Jl Raya Kerobokan No. 66, Kerobokan, p. +62 361 737 217, e. Open daily 9am 8pm.
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Best Red: Bacchus ‘gingers Cuve’ Pinot Noir
Region: California, USA | ABV: 13% | Tasting Notes: Red fruit, Potting soil, Cedar
Finding California pinot noir for under $15 isnt difficult, though seeking out quality bottles can be a challenge. This sustainably-produced wine by Bacchus, however, ticks both boxes.
Founded by David Gordon, wine director at Tribeca Grill in New York, Bacchus creates excellent, reasonably-priced bottles from vineyard sites across California. Notes of candied red fruit, cedar spice and potting soil dominate this wines zesty and refreshing palate. Sip with roast poultry, grilled fish or portobello mushroom burgers.
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When shelf-shopping, the lowest row is unworthy of your palate, while the top row is typically overpriced. As for Row 3, there are almost always gems! Seth Dunagan, Wine Director at Helen
Best Chilean: J Bouchon Pas Salvaje
Courtesy of Plonk Wine Club
Region: Central Valley, Chile | ABV: 12.5% | Tasting Notes: Red fruits, Cherry, Wild Strawberry, Floral
Never heard of País before? If you love earthy, medium-bodied reds with tons of acid, then this historic grape needs to be on your radar.
Produced from organically farmed vineyards in the heart of Chiles Central Valley, this flavor-packed wine jumps with notes of wild strawberries, red flower petals and wild herbs. For a crowd-pleasing red that promises to satisfy the masses, look no further than this tasty, budget-friendly option.
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Best Organic: Larkmead 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California | ABV: 14.7% | Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, Tobacco, Fresh-turned earth, Dark chocolate
This winery, under the watch of winemaker Dan Petroski, doesn’t just focus on making world-class wine. Petroski helps shed light on the necessary work for studying climate change, and in 2015, Larkmead converted to organic farming practices.
Cabernet collectors should stockpile wines from the 2016 vintage, which are high in naturally vibrant acidity due to a moderate growing season. Hallmark signifiers are deep, dark fruit and a distinct freshness, all of which the 2016 Larkmead has in spades. Adding to that are incredibly alluring brown spices, fresh-turned earth and tobacco wrapped in dark chocolate, with mouthwatering purple violet notes and firm, dusty tannins.
This is a wine to contemplate over many hoursand, ideally, over the next decade, with a bottle or two every year.
Region: Carneros, California | ABV: 14.5% | Tasting Notes: Red cherries, Bramble, Brown spices
Proprietor Rich Frank, a former Disney executive, bought his eponymous winery in 1992 and released his first wine a year later.
This 2018 release is a full-bodied pinot noir with lively red fruits, deep concentration, firm acidity and sturdy tannins, which will help it develop over a few decades in a cool, dark cellar.
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Good to Know:
Best Chillable Red: Domaine Chapel Charbonnires Fleurie
Courtesy of Vivino
Region: Fleurie, Beaujolais, France | ABV: 13% | Tasting Notes: Dried cherries, Potting soil, Pepper
After a chance meeting at the legendary Domaine Lapierre in Beaujolais, Michele Smith and David Chapel fell in love, relocated from New York and established their eponymous estate back in 2015.
Today, the duo is making some of the regions most exciting and easy-drinking wines, including this stunning cuvée from Fleurie. High-toned flavors of raspberries, dried cherries, potting soil, pepper and fresh-cut herbs lead to a thirst-quenching finish.
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Best Overall: Marcel Lapierre ‘raisins Gaulois’
Region: Beaujolais, France | ABV: 12.5% | Tasting Notes: Cherries, Red fruit, White pepper
In the world of affordable wines, it doesnt get better than Lapierres ‘Raisins Gaulois.’ This bottle is produced by one of Beaujolais’ most highly-regarded winemaking families. Organic, well-made and seriously easy to drink, this wine is loaded with flavors of tart cherries, juicy red fruit and white pepper. Serve slightly chilled with charcuterie, cheese, Taco Tuesday favorites and more. Youll never go wrong with this bottle.
Although The Beer Store And Lcbo Are Closed On The Statutory Holiday Many Of The Citys Favourite Craft Breweries Are Not
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Since Victoria Day is a statutory holiday, many of Canadas favourite alcohol providers will be closed. However, theres no need to go dry this holiday weekend weve compiled a list of places where you can find your buzz other than the LCBO and the Beer Store.
The Wine Rack has three locations in Toronto that will be open on Victoria Day:
- On Sunday, the Wine Rack on 1235 Bay St. will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Victoria Day, it is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- A Wine Rack on 472 Yonge St. will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. On Victoria Day, it is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- The Wine Rack on 10 Dundas St. E will be open on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and open on Victoria Day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
There are also a number of independent craft brewers in Toronto, many of which have retail stores that will be open throughout the long weekend.
Here is a roundup:
Amsterdam BrewHouse at 245 Queens Quay
This brewery has a beautiful waterside view and offers a wide selection of chilled brews.
Hours: Sunday and Monday
Bandit Brewery at 2125 Dundas St. W
Located in the heart of Roncesvalles, Bandit Brewery has 20 beers on tap including signature drinks such as the Hoppelganger and Dundas West Coast.
Hours: Sunday and Monday
Bellwoods Brewery at 124 Ossington Ave.
For a laid back time, check out the microbrewery that was once an art gallery.
Hours: Sunday and Monday
Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery at 42 Liberty St.
Hours: Sunday and Monday
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Best Pinot Grigio: Elena Walch Pinot Grigio
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Alto Adige, Italy | ABV: 12.5% | Tasting Notes: Pear, White pepper, Citrus
Pinot grigio often gets a bad reputation, as much of it is mass produced, thin, and lacking in flavorhowever, we can promise you that those stats immediately dissipate upon first sip of Elena Walchs bottling. Now spearheaded by her daughters, Karoline and Julia, Elena Walchs 60 hectares of Alto Adige-based vines are all sustainably farmed, with respect for the environment put first. The wine was entirely vinified in stainless steel tanks, though a short period of sur-lie aging adds a pleasant texture to the wines light-bodied mouthfeel. This bright and zesty Pinot Grigio shows flavors of salty pears, white pepper, citrus, and fresh cut herbs. Pair with a variety of fresh hors doeuvres or simply sip on its own and enjoy as a lovely aperitif wine.
Related:The Best Chardonnays
If youve seen it in a commercial, avoid it, this is capitalism taking advantage of you, explains Dunugan. However, there are European producers making beautiful, organic wines but saving a fortune on glass. You can also recycle the packaging.
Best Ros: Domaine De Triennes Ros
Region: Provence, France | ABV: 12.5% | Tasting Notes: Strawberry, Cream, Citrus zest
Known for its sandy beaches, lavender laden fields and sun-drenched days, the French region of Provence is also renowned for its rosé wine production. Still, not all Provencal pinks are created equal. Finding a high-quality producer is always key when searching for affordable wine, and rosé is no exception.
Triennes is a joint venture between Aubert de Villaine and Jeremy Seysses, two of Burgundys most talented vignerons, or winemakers. This bottle is produced from organically-farmed fruit and is loaded with flavors of tart strawberries, cream and citrus zest. Serve chilled with French-inspired snacks for an escape to sunny, southern Provence.
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA | ABV: 14.3% | Tasting Notes: Raspberries, Black cherry, Vanilla
Good to Know:If Im looking for a wine from a place like Washington, then Im going straight to blends, says Andrew Januik, winemaker at . He recommends trying wines produced from a variety of growing sites, citing larger AVAs and growing areas as key. These wines also often have less oak on them and can drink better than their more expensive counterparts, especially early on, he says.
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What Is A Good Sparkling Wine
Buy Sparkling Wine In Canada
You can find a good selection of sparkling wine for sale online with My Wine Canada. We are proud of our offerings and have available for sale some of the finest sparkling wine in Canada. Order your sparkling wine online with My Wine Canada today.
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Best White: Domaine De La Ppire Muscadet
Courtesy of Drizly
Region: Loire Valley, France | ABV: 12% | Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, Green apple, Crushed rocks
In addition to local legends Jo Landron and Domaine Luneau-Papin, Domaine de la Pépière is regarded as one of the highest-quality muscadet producersand the price point makes the deal all of the sweeter. Although the region is extremely varied and complex, wines produced here are mostly made for immediate consumption, prices remain relatively low.
This tasty bottle is the result of direct-pressed fruit fermented with native yeasts and sur-lie aging for 4-8 months prior to bottling. The wine is racy, refreshing, and loaded with minerally goodness. Expect flavors of grapefruit, green apple, and crushed rocks. If oysters or raw bar favorites are on the menu, this wine is a no-brainer .
Styles Of Sparkling Wines
There are several different styles of sparkling wine. The most popular type is brut, which is a dry style that is very food-friendly. On the opposite end of the spectrum is demi-sec, a much sweeter version. Expect flavours of strawberry, apple, pear, nuts and vanilla with fresh aromas of apple, pear and baked bread.
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Educate Yourself So You Can Find The Best Places To Buy Wine
You want to buy the best wine for the money online, but how? Where can you find great value wine? Which online wine stores deliver quality without big markups?
If youre reading this article, its a safe bet that you have purchased a bottle of wine at some pointperhaps at a restaurant or wine shop, or even at a winery. Its also a safe bet that at some point youve wondered if youll have to take out a second mortgage to support your habit .
Given that the more wine we drink, the more refined our palates become, we have to ask several important questions if we are to be fiscally responsible wine consumers: why is this grape juice so expensive? Who decides what I will pay? And how can I continue drinking delicious, quality, interesting wine without losing my shirt? . To sum it up, you want to find the best wine at the best price. We want to help you with your quest.
Let’s start with the easy part. What are the costs associated with making wine?
What If My State Doesnt Allow Wine To Be Shipped In
There are several states that dont allow any alcohol to be shipped in. In these cases, youll need to find a retailer in your own state that ships wine and work with their site to find what youre looking for. Wine-Searcher is probably a great way to look for a reliable shipper if you dont know the best retailers in your area. Here is a list ofstate wine shipping regulations to help you determine if you can receive shipments.
Always look for a site with real-time inventory and clear shipping methods. Avoid fly-by-night sites that list ghost inventory and overcharge for shipping.
Do you have a favorite online retailer that helps you find your favorite wines? Let us know in the comments!
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How Do I Choose My Wine
Its important to think about the date of your wedding and the forecast. If its going to be hot and sunny, go for refreshing wines like rose and Sancerre rather than red. As we enter fall, heartier reds can join the menu. Its also important to think about your the food pairingis there meat on the menu? Fish? All of these things should impact how you choose your wine. Liquor providers, like Total Wine & More, for example, offer consultations for couples to help determine how much wine to buy and what kind, which they recommend scheduling three to five months in advance.
Katie and her husband knew which Chardonnay they wanted to have, but to choose the Cabernet, they invited Katies mom over to do a blind taste test of four brands paired with snacks. We talked about the notes and flavors and gave them ratings. We bought one bottle we thought we all would really like, and we ended up hating it compared to the other bottles, so Im really glad we did that, she says.
What Is Sweet Wine Called In Germany
There are two categories of German wines that cannot be classified as trocken or halbtrocken: Sss and Sss. In some cases, the term liebliche is used to describe wines with no more than 45 grams of residual sugar in the wine. It is likely that a German wine label does not say trocken or halbtrocken.
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Trust Us Wine Recommendations
When we are particularly impressed with a wine from an exceptional vintage or site, we study it closely. This includes tasting it on numerous occasions, looking to plumb the depth of its quality and understand its potential development. We mean it when we say: Trust us! Youll only ever hear this for a wine whose quality has impressed us so much that we believe in our hearts youll like it too. Give us a ring and well describe the wine for you in detail we stand behind every suggestion we make with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If it isnt to your taste, return the rest of the bottle to us and well refund you.
Our Trust us! wines also inherently represent excellent value with few exceptions, these arent 100 point wines, since those dont need our recommendation to gain attention.
Aged wines in particular must be tasted regularly to understand how they are developing over time. For that reason, every single one of our Trust us! wines has been tasted in the past 12 months.
In our view, theres little to be gained from professional ratings issued over 5 years ago while a bottle might well have been worthy of 100 points when first sampled, it may no longer be presenting so exquisitely 30 years later.
So: Trust us! We stand behind this label with heart and soul.
