Hey, I get it. It’s back to school time, you’re digging deeper into debt, but the time always comes when a little wine’s in order. When you have to go super-cheap with wine, there are a small amount of good options, a bigger amount of not-so-good options, and a massive amount of horrible, horrible stuff.
If I only had 10 bucks in my pocket and needed to grab a bottle of something, here are 10 wines I’d be likely to reach for.
All of them are available in good supply at BC Liquor Stores, so you should be able to track ‘em down, no problem.
You may note that I haven’t included vintages this week. At these price-points, these kinds of wines are made in high volumes and get a reputation for dependability and, more than anything, consistency.
Whether you happen upon the 2011 or 2012, it really shouldn’t make much of a difference. Three whites and seven reds, I’ve arranged both colours from lighter to heavier styles.
Enjoy!
Grass Hopper Grüner Veltliner | Hungary | $9.99
Refreshing, dry and lime-y, get to know this aromatic, white grape variety that offers plenty of delight from Eastern European countries like Austria and Hungary. Get it nice and cold, it’s patio sippin’ at its finest.
Fairhills Viognier | South Africa | $7.99
I can’t really say this has many viognier characteristics; there are no peaches, orange blossoms, or honey for a country mile, but if your thing is crisp, citrusy and herbal whites with good expression of minerality, you should dive right in.
Hardy’s Stamp Series Chardonnay Sémillon (pictured) | Australia | $8.99 until August 31/$10.99
Classic Aussie chardonnay flavours of apples and tropical fruit are streamlined by a little sémillon in the mix, giving all that fruit a wave of clean, lemony notes to ride.
Farnese Sangiovese Daunia | Italy | $9.99
The red and purple fruit here is light and jovial with a smattering of white pepper alongside fresh-picked basil and thyme.
Castano Lujuria Monastrell Merlot | Spain | $9.99
Dark plums and blackberries pave the way for both red and black licorice cameos, all resulting in a generous and juicy quaffability.
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet | Australia | $8.99
The Shiraz brings black and purple berry fruit with a few turns of the ol’ pepper grinder, while the Cabernet comes running up from behind with currants and a hint of eucalyptus. Nice to get a classic sense of place, or terroir, at this quite-reasonable price.
Grao Vasco Dao | Portugal | $9.99
Italian plums and strawberries appear to have been drizzled with a little balsamic reduction and cloves here. While the fruit flavours have good intensity, the wine keeps a nice, medium body that you’ll find makes it easy-drinkin’.
Parallelo Salento Primitivo | Italy | $8.39
A nod to potpourri on the nose makes way for candied dark fruit, orange liqueur, cardamom, allspice and star anise. Quite reminiscent of mulled wine at Christmas, and perfect for cold, rainy nights.
Fonseca Periquita | Portugal | $9.99
Blackberries, stewed blueberries, a hint of Kalamata olive and a couple flecks of dark, bitter chocolate all have a slight hint of vanilla sailing through.
Castano La Casona Old Vines Monastrell | Spain | $9.99
When I get asked about a good wedding wine, this is always near the top of my list. It drinks like something way pricier, and is always a crowd pleaser with black fruit and mocha flavours, all kept bright and lifted with a hint of spearmint.
Do you have a favourite cheap and cheerful wine? Let me know! I’m on Twitter at @KurtisKolt
