Cavit ‘Collection’ Pinot Grigio 2010 

IGT delle Venezie, Italy $11.65 (99218) 12.0% alcohol

Floral and citrus aromas intro this light-medium bodied, nicely textured, crisp, refreshing white. It’s brimming with flavour—melon, grapefruit and racy citrus. It finishes dry, looking for a large bowl of mussels steamed in white wine sauce. It’s value-laden deserving a spot in your cart. (Vic Harradine)


Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.55 (195511) 12.5% alcohol
Well priced, from one of Niagara’s elite producers. Aromas of exotic spice and herbs, cedar and spiced black plum presage a medium-bodied, creamy-textured river of Bing cherry, ripe black berry and racy cranberry to the fore. It showcases a balanced aftertaste that’s brimming with spiced, dark berry fruit, plummy notes and plenty of charm. This pours well alongside white pizza, roast chicken or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)


Corona de Aragona ‘Old Vines’ Garnacha 2009
DO Cariñena, Spain $11.95 (253591) 13.5% alcohol
Toasty, earthy and red berry on the nose, this is balanced and brimming with fruit-forward flavours with red berry, cherry and black currant flavours mingling with spiced black plum and sprigs of herbs. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with a supple tannin underpinning. Good drinking now poured with spaghetti Bolognese or meat-laden pizza, earning a ½ star for value. (Vic Harradine)


Concilio Pinot Noir 2008
IGT Vigneti Delle Dolomite, Italy $11.95 (257030) 13.0% alcohol
This over delivers on flavour and price-quality ratio. Cherry, dark berry fruit and spice on the nose, it washes over the palate with delightful waves of sweet and tang—ripe berry fruit and excellent acidity. It’s balanced and robust with a flavour-packed finish. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)


Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine’ Brut Non Vintage
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (217521) 12.0% alcohol
This was aged in bottle 30 months after secondary fermentation. It’s a stylish, classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir showcasing aromas of toasted brioche, stone fruit, citrus and a mineral quality. Dry and medium bodied, there’s ample creamy mousse and a silky texture. Tangy fruity notes and clean minerality offer subtle balance through a long-lasting, lightly toasty finish. Great for sipping during the holiday season or add a splash of icewine for a Kir Catharine. (Susan Desjardins)