Cavas Hill ‘1887’ Cava Brut Non-Vintage
DO Cava, Penedes, Spain (370866) $13.20 11.5% alcohol
This has creditable provenance, hailing from Penedes, with premium production standards—made in the traditional method (2nd fermentation in the bottle you purchase) from the Holy Trinity of Cava grapes—Xare-lo 50%, Macabeo 35% and Parellada 15%. It’s light on its feet, fairly skipping over the palate with fine-bead bubbles of lemon and tropical fruit flavours. There are a lot of fine-bead bubbles for very little money. (Vic Harradine)

   
Colio ‘Girls’ Night Out – BFF’ Red 2013
VQA Ontario (415299) $12.95 13.0% alcohol
A delightful blend of the Cabernets and Shiraz, this rolls over the palate with good texture showcasing savory aromas and flavours of roasted herbs, racy red currant and cherry mingling with tangy passion fruit. Pour on its own or serve with a charcuterie, mixed deli platter, pizza or wings. There’s good value in this latest addition to the über-popular BFF brand. (Vic Harradine)