Behold: some beautiful bargains!

While costs rise everywhere, these solid picks have lowered their prices

We’re used to seeing costs climb. It’s happening all around us with food, fuel and housing. But some wines at the LCBO have actually dropped in price, and they’re not just limited time offers. Though there’s some of that too. So here’s the good news.

From sunny California comes the 2021 Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon, which has dropped one dollar ($19.95, down from $20.95 LCBO) making what was already a solid value an even better one. Each glassful opens with the sweet perfume of macerated blackcurrants and black cherries, a dusting of cocoa power and a dollop of cream. Then, the wine drenches the palate with expansive goodness that tastes robust and plush, velvety and full-bodied. Shadowy allusions of roasted nut, melting chocolate and vanilla bean lend interest while bright, mouth-watering acidity keeps it quenching and juicy. Score: 91

Pour this sub-$20 red with braised beef and onions on homemade pappardelle or a big bowl of mushroom stroganoff.

From Mendoza, Argentina comes the 2023 Bodega Toro Centenario Malbec, which dropped one dollar (LCBO, $10.95, down from $11.95). Expect billowy aromas of dark fruit laced with licorice root and smoked meat followed by a crush of black forest fruit, poached plums and slate on the entry. The structure is firm, hemming in the full fruit and making the wine supremely table friendly. And the long salt and pepper finish adds to that happy fact. This inexpensive but honest value expression of Argentina’s flagship variety drinks like a wine worth more than its price. Score: 91

Meat and Malbec is an easy win. Always. So consider this bottle for the first grilled steaks of the season.

With spring right around the corner, plan for patio season by keeping a bottle of Lambrusco on hand because one of the bestselling brands of that sweet-tart, red fizz from Italy just went down in price.

The NV Chiarli Grasparossa di Castelvetro Lambrusco DOC from Italy is now $1.50 less than it was last year (LCBO, $12.95, down from $14.45). With just eight per cent alcohol and that classic blackberry character scored with a gentle earthiness and a squirt of sweet orange, this wine is easy to chill down, splash in your glass and serve with a few nuts, olives or potato chips. Score: 90

Though Lambrusco is an easy pre-dinner drink or cocktail alternative, it’s also the quintessential picnic wine. It’s ideal with a basket full of ham and cheese sandwiches on good bread. Bring on the warmer weather.

While the prices for these wines are lowered and locked at Ontario liquor stores, two limited time offers also deserve to be on your radar — a Pinot Grigio delle Venezie and a Chianti Classico Reserva from Italy. Both bottles are two dollars off till the end of March.

Lovers of dry, crisp whites will want to snap up the 2022 Gabbiano Cavaliere d’Ora Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC from Italy (LCBO, $14.95 till March 31, reg. $16.95). This ridiculously refreshing white offers a dry whip of easy vinosity that almost glows star-bright in the glass and streams in with suggestions of citrus and seashell. The impeccable balance makes the wine taste glossy smooth and pure while the finish leaves the palate seasoned with a touch of lemon zest and cool brine. Score: 90

This sprightly Pinot Grigio is the perfect pairing for pan-fried fish with rice and lightly steamed vegetables — drizzled with butter and sprinkled with salt.

Or, for a bit more of a splurge, buy a bottle of the 2020 Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG from Tuscany, Italy (Vintages Essential, $22.95 till March 31 reg. $24.95). This wine is a real bargain — even at full price.

The fragrance of this Tuscan wonder is ethereal. Let your mind follow the sheer, shifting allusions of truffle, pink peppercorn, black cherry and cinnamon stick that emerge from the glass.

Then, it sweeps in like liquid silk, polished to a high sheen, with suggestions of red fruit, flowers, stone and spice.

Immediately enchanting, the wine tastes seamless and complex, poised and sophisticated. And each sip tapers to a long, languid finish.

Could sell for more than $25. Score: 95

This Chianti Classico Reserva is in its prime and is a dinner party waiting to happen. Menu options include grilled pizza, wild mushroom risotto or a roasted, crackling-coated porchetta. Any of those dishes will help the wine sing.

With prices rising all around us, it’s nice to see the opposite taking place from time to time. Especially now that tax season is upon is and saving is top of mind.

CAROLYN EVANS HAMMOND IS A T ORONTO-BASED WINE WRITER A ND A FREELANCE CONTRIBUTI NG COLUMNIST FOR THE STAR. W INERIES SPONSOR SEGMENTS O N HER YOUTUBE SERIES BUT D ON’T SELECT THE WINES SHE REVIEWS. HER OPINIONS ARE HER O WN. PRICES SUBJECT TO C HANGE. REACH HER VIA EMAIL: CAROLYN@CAROLYNEVANSHAMMOND.COM