This week, without fanfare, I'm trotting out a clutch of seriously good-value wines, all under $20 but worth separating from the pack.
Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Kono is the second label of well-known Maori-owned winery Tohu. There's no shortage of inexpensive Kiwi Sauvignon blanc on the market these days but this drop is just a cut above most with up-front gooseberry and tropical notes. It's very clean on the palate with bright, juicy acidity and a crisp clean finish. It is sourced from various Marlborough valleys, including Awatere. Think oysters on the half shell, or salad with goat cheese (BCLS, $15.99, 89 points).
Cristalino Reserva Cava
These guys have a well earned rep for making decent, inexpensive bubble but it's worth spending the extra dollar or two for the "reserva," which delivers some toasty, earthy notes with apple tones and solid mouthfeel. A good value, festive reception wine (private stores $15-$18, 90 points).
Lovico Gamza 2011
It's been a while since I tasted Gamza (at least a couple of decades), so when this bottle showed up at my headquarters I was keen to try it. Gamza comes from the Suhindol region in central Bulgaria. Nothing fancy, but this is a well made dry red, with bright red berry fruits prominent, a definite edge and a core of keen acidity that's a shoo-in for pizza, pasta and tomato-based sauces (BCLS $12.96, 89 points).
Casa Ermelinda 2012 Monte da Baia Tinto
Portugal is hot right now, and well made, affordable wines like this are part of the reason. A modern blend of Castelao (50 per cent), Touriga (20 per cent), Syrah (20 per cent) and Cabernet (10 per cent) yields a fruit-driven style with good structure and length, especially for BCLS $12.99, 90 points.
Grilos 2011 Another good value, this time with only indigenous varieties Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Jaen. Medium-bodied red with appealing dark plum and cherry notes, approachable tannins and a touch of oak (BCLS $14.99, 90 points). Vina Falernia Syrah 2010 Here's a perfect winter drop for hearty winter fare like stews or braised cuts. Falernia is Chile's most northerly winery, located in the spectacular Elqui Valley, far away from the country's other regions. Hand-picked, fermented on skins and partly barrel-aged, this Syrah sports meaty and black peppery notes with a plush, black-fruited palate underpinned by savoury streaks with approachable tannins. Excellent value at $17.99, 91 points.
Vina Zaco Rioja 2011
Modern-styled Rioja at a wallet-friendly price, thanks to large-scale production. Not complex but well made with forward toasty notes plus bright plum, anise and cherry flavours that persist through an easy-drinking mid palate, with firm tannins and a persistent end. (Everything Wine $19.99 and other stores, 89 points.)
It's never too early to be thinking about this spring's wine festival. Some serious deals are afoot for early birds right through Dec. 31. This year's theme country is Australia, and the global focus is Syrah, which means you'll have a great chance to taste a broad spectrum of old world Syrah (generally) new world Shiraz and everything in between. Hustle over to vanwinefest.ca and you can score a $10 saving on all international festival tastings, including the two-hour Saturday matinee, Feb. 28, which can be had for $58. It's only two hours long, as opposed to three, which is just fine for some people. Discounted tickets for the evenings are $79 from $89. This year's tastings feature 170 participating wineries from 14 countries pouring more than 750 wines. However, you need to move quickly as only 300 discounted tix are on offer for each tasting.
You can also get $25 off a gold pass (access to all six tasting room sessions plus the gold pass lounge and VIP reception), or $10 off gold pass tasting lounge tix for Friday and Saturday nights. And if you want to stay the night at a participating downtown hotel, you can get an international tasting ticket for free.
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
