Cheap and Cheerful Vintages
It appeared that our readers enjoyed receiving the list of wines under $10.00 in our previous newsletter. Based on this feedback, we decided to try various “Cheap and Cheerful” wines under $10.00 from countries around the world at our June meeting. We were delighted with our “finds” and would like to share our experiences with our readers. We have selected three wines that we believe you will enjoy trying this month. On an ongoing basis, we will endeavour to feature a Cheap and Cheerful wine in the $10.00 range as well as our other selections as we continue our explorations of wine regions throughout the world.
Our next meeting will be hosted by Linda Hasler in her party room on July 7th. The host selects two white and two red wines for the group to taste and rate with accompanying snacks, of course. Stay tuned…..
Canyon Road – 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (Highly Recommended)
Reviewed by Timothy Sulisz
My interest in this wine was piqued by an article from Carolyn Evans Hammond in the April 2, 2022 edition of the Toronto Star called the Top 10 under 10. In this article, she described the Canyon Road – 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon as a velvety California wine at a cost of $9.95 that rates a 91 out of 100. Further, she states “Saturated and pure, this cassis scented sipper erupts with a jammy hint of black-currant goodness imbued with milk chocolate, wild blueberries and a touch of cedar. It is not wildly complex or terribly serious, but it’s stylistic on point and very well-priced.”
The LCBO further states “Based in California’s Alexander Valley, Canyon Road is known for well-made wines with true varietal flavours. The Cabernet Sauvignon delivers lifted notes of fig, smokey oak, coffee bean and cedar, in a fruit-forward and crowd-pleasing style. Soft tannins and balanced acidity make this a versatile wine for entertaining.” It has 13% alcohol with10 g/L of sugar. This wine is the one of the most popular wines from California, and has been getting more popular over the past year.
Further, other reviewers described it as “a delicious wine that finishes smooth and supple, that you can enjoy with barbequed meats and hearty pasta dishes. It will pair well with beef, duck and game birds.
Caynon Road produces other wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and both these wines are rated highly as well.
Magnotta Classics – Chardonnay (Good Value for the Money)
Reviewed by Ruth Warren
For the wine tasting this month, I had Magnotta Classics Chardonnay, which is available at the Magnotta wine stores. The store that I go to is on Dixie Road, just south of Dundas. This is a medium body dry wine that is soft and aromatic and is good served with fish or chicken. The alcohol content is 12% and the cost of a 750 ml bottle is $8.80.
Toro Bravo -Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc (Recommended)
Reviewed by Elaine Dulmage
At $8.50 a bottle, I would recommend this wine as something I would buy again to have at home, but maybe not to serve to company.
The LCBO describes this wine as a zesty Spanish blend that ticks all the boxes for white wine enjoyment. The verdejo grape brings texture to the blend while the sauvignon blanc supplies fruit and acidity. Look for aromas and flavours of citrus – grapefruit, with hints of herbs, nuts and lime zest and a soft, balanced finish. Pair with pork, fish or tapas. Alcohol content 11.5%.
I like it very cold.
To read the review from Carolyn Evans Hammond of Toro Bravo – Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc from La Mancha in the September 6, 2019 edition of the Toronto Star:
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 