WINES FOR LAST-MINUTE SHOPPERS
When it comes to navigating crowded mall parking lots, we can’t help you. But we can suggest some wines that will make thoughtful host and hostess gifts, or even quick and easy gift ideas. These foolproof selections by Christopher Waters will make that fi
Miguel Torres Altos Ibéricos Crianza 2014 Rioja, Spain $14.95 (LCBO 527291)
Coming from one of Spain’s best known wineries, Altos Ibéricos is an enjoyable red wine produced with 100 per cent Tempranillo. The mix of juicy fruit and cedary notes (from aging in American oak barrels) makes for an enjoyable red wine that’s flavourful with an appealing smooth texture. This bottle — regular price $14.95 — is even more attractive considering it’s on sale for $12.95 at LCBO outlets until Dec. 31.
Cantina di Negrar Corvina 2015 Verona, Italy $9.85 (LCBO 519199)
Corvina is the dominant grape used to produce Amarone and Valpolicella. It’s increasingly being used to produce one-grape wines, like this light and juicy red from the Cantina di Negrar co-operative. Sweet cherry, peppery and floral notes add charm to this affordable red, which would pair nicely with a meat lover’s pizza or spaghetti and meatballs.
Desiderius Pongrácz Brut Cap Classique Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Western Cape, South Africa $16.95 (LCBO 404111)
Made with the same method and mix of grapes as wines made in Champagne, Pongrácz is a traditional method sparkling wine produced with a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There’s an enjoyable mix of spicy and honeyed notes here and a refined effervescence that makes it taste like a much more expensive wine.
Gonzalez Byass & Co. Castell de Vilarnau Brut Reserva Cava Penédes, Spain $14.95 (LCBO 515254)
Here’s another remarkable and great value Cava, this one from family owned Gonzalez Byass. The multicoloured wrap label on the bottle might not strike everyone’s fancy, but the crisp and refreshing sparkling wine inside promises to please most palates. It’s fruity and fun, which means it’s pretty much tailor-made for holiday entertaining.
La Ferme du Mont Première Côte Côtes du Rhône 2015 Rhône Valley, France $17.95 (LCBO 251645)
This is a serious Grenache blend that is delightfully rich and complex. Look for ripe fruit and spicy flavours on the charming nose and palate. It’s nicely structured and has nicely balanced acidity and tannin (the textural element in wine that imparts a bitter sensation) that makes it enjoyable now or a candidate to cellar for two or three years.