Fontanafredda Briccotondo ‘Piemonte’ Barbera 2008
DOC Piemonte $15.95 (72348) 13.0% alcohol
This is a subtle, balanced wine whose appeal unfurls on the palate. Expect intense, clean, lightly spiced almost floral, fruit aromas. Dry and lightly oaked, it’s mid weight and very approachable with fruit to the fore—black cherry, plum and raspberry—a smooth texture, soft tannin and fresh acidity. The mid-length finish displays fine nuances of cinnamon toast, pepper and dark chocolate. Very enjoyable with meat and vegetable lasagna. This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select LCBO stores. (Susan Desjardins)


Herdade do Esporão ‘Reserva’ 2007

DOC Alentejo, Portugal $25.95 (606590) 14.5% alcohol
A Vintages Essentials product, you should find it always available in select stores. This is a red blend of the indigenous Trincadeira grape, Aragonês (a.k.a.Tempranillo) and Cabernet Sauvignon that dishes up an alluring nose of leather, dark berry fruit, espresso roast and gamy notes. On the palate it’s medium-full bodied with juicy red cherry and pomegranate wrapped in a grainy tannin underpinning. A wine that ratchets up a notch with food, give it a go alongside Swiss steak or grilled and smoked back ribs. (Vic Harradine)


Sella and Mosca ‘Cannoneau Di Sardegna Reserva’ 2006
DOC Cannoneau Di Sardegna, Italy $14.95 (425488) 13.5%alcohol
Brimming with great value and luscious fruit, this Cannoneau a.k.a. Grenache earned its final ½ star on value. Lifted aromas of red licorice, red berry fruit and toasty oak presage a steady wash of racy fruit flavour with red currant, pie cherry and pomegranate to the fore. It’s nicely balanced with a lengthy, dry finish that layers on black currant and spice. This is a Vintages Essentials product that comes from southern Italy with the promise of always being available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)