.Keep this secret: these five LCBO wines are cheaper than they should be. Toronto Star
There’s something special about discovering a wine at a party that tastes luxurious but is surprisingly affordable. When that wine is easily available, it often becomes a new favourite to share with friends and family. The good news is, that great wines like these aren't just a stroke of luck. They possess certain qualities: they're clean, well-balanced, concentrated, complex, and long-lasting. They have the right texture and don’t rely on excess sugar to enhance their flavour
Understanding these details isn’t necessary to enjoy them. Quality wine is something you can taste, smell, and feel. You recognize it immediately, much like appreciating Jennifer Aniston’s great hair without knowing her beauty routine.
Usually, high-quality wines come with a hefty price tag, but not always. Here are five excellent bottles at the LCBO that offer incredible value for their price. Let’s keep this a secret between us and the LCBO.
NV 13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc from Niagara Peninsula, Ontario (LCBO 28420, $29.95). Toronto Star
NV 13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc VQA Niagara Peninsula Ontario (LCBO 28420, $29.95)
The NV 13th Street Winery Blanc de Blanc VQA Niagara Peninsula Ontario is an exceptional find for under $30. This "brut nature" style wine has just 3g/L of sugar, making it bone dry yet balanced, avoiding any tartness. Each sip starts with delicate citrus and limestone aromas mixed with a hint of almond. It has a crisp, refreshing taste with flavours of lemon, salt, slate, and a light biscuity note. Tiny bubbles create a creamy fizz, leading to a long, citrusy finish. Comparable to more expensive blanc de blancs, this wine scores a 93 and pairs perfectly with puff pastry cheese straws.
Montguéret Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé, France, $22.95 (LCBO 16439). Toronto Star
NV Montguéret Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé, France (LCBO 16439, $22.95)
For a great sparkling pink wine, try the NV Montguéret Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé from France. Priced at $22.95, it has 8g/L of sugar, keeping it relatively dry yet balanced with plenty of fruit flavour. This crémant offers raspberry, rose petals, grapefruit, and seashell aromas, and a taste that adds hints of oven-fresh bread. It ends with a textured, persistent finish. Scoring a 93, this wine pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon blinis.
Attems Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC 2023, Italy, $19.95 (Vintages 707). Toronto Star
2023 Attems Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC, Italy (Vintages 707, $19.95)
The 2023 Attems Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC from Italy proves Pinot Grigio can be a serious wine. Priced at $19.95, it has a lovely chalky base with aromas of lanolin, lemon, beeswax, white flower, white cherry, and yellow plum. It offers a concentrated, complex taste with a long finish. This classic, elevated Pinot Grigio scores a 94.
Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir 2022 from Chile, $16 (LCBO 36816). Toronto Star
2022 Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir D.O. Leyda Valley, Chile (LCBO 36816, $16)
Pinot Noir can be pricey, but the 2022 Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir D.O. Leyda Valley from Chile is an outstanding exception at $16. It has a deep colour and aromas of earth, black fruit, iodine, smoked violet, and graphite. The taste is smooth and ripe with floral, spicy, and earthy notes. Scoring a 94, this versatile wine pairs well with meat, mushroom dishes, or cheese and charcuterie.
Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold 2022 from France, $24.95 (Vintages 23729). Toronto Star
2022 Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold, France (Vintages 23729, $24.95)
Orange wine, made by fermenting white wine with skins, offers unique flavours. The 2022 Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold from France, priced at $24.95, stands out. It has a golden hue and aromas of spiced peach, yellow plum, honey, and white grapefruit. The taste includes white pepper, briny olive pit, and orange pith, with a dry, slightly bitter finish. Scoring a 91, it pairs beautifully with salted Marcona almonds.
One of these wines may become your new favourite or a regular in your collection.
