If you’re looking for a deal on easy drinking white for your next party head over to the Italian section and look for the big Dragani.
This wine is much improved in the 2010 vintage and scores for refreshment, pleasantness and value. Must warn you that it’s a heavy bottle – may want to ask for a carry-out!
DRAGANI 10 PINOT GRIGIO/TREBBIANO, Abruzzi, Italy 620583 2L/$16.95
Last month I told you about the Moscato boom in the US and offered a few LCBO recommendations.
Here’s another hit selling for the beautiful price of $9.95. And how could you not like the colourful packaging? Chill, unscrew and let this frothy/sweet,/musky wine wash your cares away.
Moscato is the ultimate, low alcohol, Summer afternoon wine.
BOTTER N/V Moscato, Puglia, Italy 239517 $9.95
Burgundy is the home of Chardonnay but you usually have to spend big bucks for quality wines. Not any more as the folks at Loron are offering a gem at an everyday price. I raved about the 08 vintage in my Billy’s Best Book and the just arrived 09 is even better. Steely mineral freshness combined with a tease of richness. Quite elegant too Exciting aperitif and first course partner. I could drink a ton of this. Amazing value. And you gotta love the fun/modern label. Thanks Loron.
LORON 09 Chardonnay, Burgundy, France 167155 12.95
THE LOW DOWN: Vintages serves two purposes: the supply of high-priced wines for those that need them, and the supply of everyday-priced wines in styles not available at regular LCBOs. My picks are mainly from the later category – wines for the enthusiast seeking adventure in their drinking.
South Africa is this week’s star in Rosé, especially the sparkling. Check out Ch. Ferran and I’m sure agree that good white Bordeaux is due a come-back. John Howard has the most impressive Niagara cellar at Megalomaniac and his semi-dry Riesling is no slouch either.
Fans of Cabernet Franc will want to explore the original from Chinon and if it’s a hit of Tuscany you’re after look for Castellani Chianti. Stratus is also offering rustic in the form of an earthy Rosé. Barbaresco is usually a bit pricy but not so the seductive Santa Vittoria, and my blockbusters from Argentina and France also offer great value.
I did find one wine – Groth Chardannay, in the catalogue’s high priced and high score feature that delivers some magic.
Slainté.
Billy
ROSÉ
wine style: sparkling dry Rosé
GRAHAM BECK Brut Rosé, South Africa 175588 $18.95
Best value sparkling Rosé on the planet. Classic Champagne styling and elegance. A no-brainer to kick off summer events. Get a case.
wine style: dry Rosé
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF 2010 Rosé ‘The Wolftrap’, South Africa 169409 $12.95
Dry Rosé with a little smokiness – the perfect BBQ partner. Light the charcoal!
THE LOW DOWN: A really good line up of summer whites for refreshment or lazy time sipping. And a local sparkling with the style and feel of Champagne.
You’ll find lots of charm and seduction in my three rich red picks, and Piccini Chianti Riserva is an amazing buy for fall and winters dinners. For something rustic check out Featherstone Cab Franc or Madiran from the southwest of France.
A fun and a substantial Rosé will ensure you’re covered in that department. Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything to recommend in the Argentinian or PEC features.
SPARKLING
wine style: dry sparkling
JACKSON TRIGGS 06 Sparkling Brut ‘Entourage’, VQA Niagara 234161 $22.95
The austere Champagne style with warm, toasty flavours. Seriously good and under-priced. Enjoy before and with the meal.
Billy: Yikes! Clearly I didn't drink ENOUGH.
Thanks....
Stu: Oops. Product name next to the photo notes: France. Last time I checke...
Kato: Loved Spain's Gran Feudo we had a few nights ago...great food wine....
billy: Muga is certainly better value than those cheeky French numbers....
Billy: ahem...hey you're suppose to give kudos to your teacher! not talk abou...
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