Thank you, readers, for your messages in response to my recent Cheap Thrills column. Clearly, it hit the spot with many of you – which isn’t surprising, as more than 30 per cent of wines sold in BC are less than $13 a bottle.
Finding satisfying wines at these price points is like hitting the jackpot, and I love sharing the winnings. Despite a large selection, though, relatively few compel me to recommend them. When I drink a glass of wine, I want it to taste like the grape it’s made from or recall the region from which it hails. It should refresh my palate, make me hungry and, most of all, entice me to take another sip. Otherwise, I’d rather have a gin and tonic.
I promise to continue seeking out sub-$13 wines. In the meantime, the price points just above this bargain territory offer fertile hunting ground for wine lovers. The $15-$20 price band represents about 25 per cent of wine sales, and spending in this category continues to grow. (Conversely, sales of wines under $13 are declining.) As such, I’ve rounded up as many picks in this sweet spot as I could squeeze in. And while the shelf prices quoted below don’t include tax, I’ve calculated it so you’ll hand over no more than a $20 bill when you reach the till.
In short, though not as cheap as those $13-and-under selections, these are even more thrilling. And as an extra bonus, a few of them are on sale at a limited-time-only (LTO) discount until Oct. 29.
2015 Mertes Landlust Organic Riesling • Mosel, Germany • LTO $12.99; regular $13.99
Light in body and alcohol (11 per cent) but full of flavor, with tons of lemon/lime zippiness and green-apple acidity balancing out a pleasant sweetness.
2015 Grey Monk Pinot Gris • Okanagan Valley, BC • $15.99
A BC classic at a good price, this Pinot Gris offers pear, peach and candied-ginger flavours against a lively backbone. Finishes with a kiss of sweetness.
2014 Batasiolo Langhe D.O.C. Rosso • Italy • LTO$14.99; regular $16.99
Here, Piedmont’s trio of important red grapes – Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo – come together for a bright and savoury mouthful: fresh cherry and fragrant floral notes framed by subtle tannin.
2014 Emiliana Novas Organic Carménère Cabernet Sauvignon • Colchagua Valley, Chile • LTO $14.99; regular $16.99
Pronounced flavours of mint and blackcurrant with underlying tobacco and coffee notes. Will satisfy anyone seeking a bold yet round red.
2014 M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon-Villages AOC • France • $15.79
A gregarious blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan from southern France’s wild and sun-soaked Roussillon region. Layered with licorice, black raspberry, baked rosemary and lavender.
2014 La Posta, Tinto Mendoza • Argentina • LTO $15.99; regular $17.99
Argentina’s flagship Malbec grape is joined by Bonarda and Syrah in this juicy number. Dark cherry, dried plum and mocha lifted by smoked black pepper.
2014 Bleasdale Second Innings Malbec • Langhorne Creek, Australia • $16.49
Along with ripe blackberry and blueberry, nuances of clove and bay leaf give balancing freshness. And it’s hard not to like those soft, velvety tannins.
2014 Vale do Bomfim Duoro DOC • Portugal • $17.49
You’ll need an extra 20 cents for this one when you get to the checkout, but I promise it’s worth it – and more! Intriguingly earthy and firm, yet full of fleshy black plum and gorgeous violet notes.
• Prices exclusive of taxes. All wines available at BC Liquor Stores.
