Finca Flichman 'Misterio' Malbec 2006
Mendoza $9.95 (28803)
This is amazing value for the quality. The wine is full of concentrated dark fruit and berries with prominent notes of spice and toast. It's dry, medium-full bodied, with good grip from the tannins. There's real substance here, along with structure and complexity, and it's excellent with rich red meat dishes. (RP)
La Vieille Ferme Blanc 2006
AOC Côtes du Luberon, France $11.45 (298505)
Delivering incredible value, this medium-bodied gem punches well above its price. It's pretty uncomplicated—screw cap, no oak ageing with only 10% barrel fermented—but what a lovely wine. Hints of tropical fruit and mineral on the nose, the flavours are in the Granny Smith apple and white peach zones. It's quite textured, almost creamy, and it finishes clean and refreshing. Delicious sipped on its known, it pairs particularly well
with roast or clay baked chicken. (VH)
Terra d'Aligi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004
DOC Montepulciano d'Abruzzo $11.95 (28530)
Every now and again, an excellent wine at an excellent price hits the LCBO shelves. Word gets around, stocks sell out, people wait for new shipments?. Could this be the next one? It's a remarkable wine for the price, with classic and concentrated flavours of cherry, spice and dried fruit, a high-toned texture, and excellent balance. Dry, with moderate tannins, it's a total pleasure to drink with tangy, dry cheeses and with a whole range of pastas and meat dishes. (RP)
Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2006
DOC Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico $10.95 (24422)
Easily recognizable in its funky bottle, this Verdicchio delivers vintage after vintage. This latest one delivers solid fruit flavours of apple and pear with fine citrus notes. It's dry, medium bodied and crisp, and it's excellent with seafood and fish. (RP)
Vinha do Poeta 2004
DOC Dão $9.95 (613935)
This red, made from three of the region's indigenous varieties, delivers very good value. You'll find a tangy texture, focused flavours of bright red fruit, and good complexity. Dry and medium bodied, it's excellent with pizza and red meats. (RP)
Viña Mayor Crianza 2001
DO Ribera del Duero $15.95 (19901)
This is a delicious red that offers fruit flavours of sweet plum and cherry with a hint of spiciness. Dry and smooth-textured, with a light tannic grip, it's excellent with roasted red meats like lamb chops. (RP)