It is our firm belief that when it comes to wines and spirits there is quality in every price range. To illustrate this we enlisted some help from those who live, breathe and sell wine for a living.
Their mission? To suggest the best-value drink under $20 they would be happy to receive from a pal with more taste than dosh; and the brilliant wine or spirit they would most love to see under the tree from the dripping-in-cash and oh-so-generous uncle Bob (or aunt Roberta).
Offerings this year include numerous selections from Spain, the land of stellar bargains, and of course lots and lots of bubbles. It is a celebratory time of year after all.
This is part one, look for part two December 1.
.jpg) La Posta Tinto Red Blend |
 Purple Angel, Montes |
 El Petit Bonhomme |
 Cordero Barolo Enrico |
 20 Year Old Rare Tawny |
 Rojo Garnacha |
Graham Usher and Bill Medak, Unwined Fine Wines Spirits & Ales, (City Centre and St. Albert)
From my cash-strapped friend
Nuviana Vina de la Tierra (Aragon, Spain) $13
A delicious Tempranillo and Cabernet blend from Spain’s Cava country, good enough for Saturday night, worthy of twice the price.
From rich uncle Bob
Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Porsche Cube (Scotland) $550
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Collection by Porsche Design Studio is the shared vision of two iconic luxury brands, and traditional and high-tech technologies, paying homage to both the traditions and the future of this expression of excellence in blended whisky.
Amanda leNeve, Color de Vino Wine & Spirits
From my cash-strapped friend
2013 Chateau Pas du Cerf Diane (Cotes de Provence, France), $20
The girly girl in me can’t resist pink and there are lots of great options in the under-$20 category. My new fave? Provence producer Chateau Pas du Cerf’s Diane. Its pretty red fruit coupled with a silky body, followed by the lingering finish keeps you going back for more. It’ll hold up well to cooler weather — rosé is not just for summer, you know!
From rich uncle Bob
Tantalus Sparkling Riesling 1500mL (Kelowna, British Columbia), $139.
Magnums! Preferably something sparkling like Tantalus’ sparkling Riesling or the Bollinger Cuvee Brut, but any magnum will do. Trust me, you’ll look pretty cool pulling out that bottle to share with your friends. Sabre it and you’ll blow their minds.
Ryan Everitt, Trialto Wine Group
From my cash-strapped friend
2013 La Posta by Laura Catena (Mendoza, Argentina) $18.
La Posta refers to la posta del viñtero (tavern of the grape grower) the humble roadside bars scattered across the countryside where growers meet to drink wine, laugh and tell stories, agreeing to agree or disagree about whose grapes are best. The blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah has lively aromas of red cherries and raspberries infused with mocha and spice.
From rich uncle Bob
2011 Purple Angel, Montes (Colchagua Valley, Chile) $60.
This superb wine represents a whole new dimension for Carmenère, the long-lost grape variety that popped up in Chile after being presumed extinct in Bordeaux, its original home. Expect the spiciness typical of the grape and ripe and gentle tannins, tasting of alluring wild red berries, spicy black fruit and dark chocolate.
Jenni Onyschuk, Keg n Cork Liquor Company
From my cash-strapped friend
El Petit Bonhomme (Jumilla, Spain) $17
I fell in love with the Bonhomme at wine school (WSET Advanced). Since then I’ve made it a point to bring it to ladies nights, birthdays, you name it, it’s always a hit. I feel that the creation of this wine was out of love. Just look at the back label, perfect for anyone who likes a good story to go along with their vino. The blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah makes a well balanced, juicy, enjoy now, with or without food wine that doesn’t compromise quality for the affordable price point. Created by a Canadian, who chose to deliver a delicious Spanish wine.
From rich uncle Bob
1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (Napa Valley, California)
This wine revolutionized how the world perceives wine, proving that you don’t need to be old world to be amazing. I don’t imagine I’ll be able to buy this particular wine, as it demands over $11,000 at auction. But maybe one day, one can dream.
Hayley McRae, Vendemmia International Wines
From my cash-strapped friend
Leone de Castris Copertino Rosso DOC (Puglia, Italy) $19
It’s hard not to love this wine from 85 per cent Negroamaro and 15 per cent Malvasia Nera, packed with bright red fruit and subtle earthy nuances. It’s a unique and thoughtful wine that won’t bust your budget — a crush-worthy drink.
From rich uncle Bob
Feudi di San Gregorio DUBL Aglianico Rosato; DUBL Falanghina; DUBL Greco (Campania, Italy) $132
Lovers of bubbles would be thrilled to find this collection of interesting and cool sparkling wines from southern Italy. Star winemaker Riccardo Cotarella collaborated with cult Champagne producer Anselme Selosse to create superb traditional method sparkling wines from the indigenous grape varieties of the region.
Barb and Susan Giacomin, Winequest Wine & Spirit Brokers
From my cash-strapped friend
2013 Navarro Lopez Rojo Garnacha (Navarro, Spain) $17
This ripe red makes me salivate like an old guy at a peep show. Bountiful juicy, pert candied fruit with perfect vibrancy caresses the palate. Red and black fruit mingle with subtle spice. It’s sooooo appealing and desirable, I feel like I need to look over my shoulder to see who is watching when I unscrew the cap.
From rich uncle Bob
Anvers 20 Year-Old Rare Tawny (Australia) $68.
Voltaire said “better is the enemy of good.” So watch out all you good tawny ports, this Aussie tawny might just be better. Rich flavours of honeycomb and roasted almond with less acidity than classic versions, giving a finish that is smooth and supple. Rare indeed, with the last release being in 2011 (2007 before that) Ah, decadence, light up my Cohiba!
Not all wines at every store.