Italy

Barone Ricasoli ‘Brolio’ Chianti Classico 2007
DOCG Chianti Classico $23.95 (3962) 13.5% alcohol
A step up from most in this price range, you’ll enjoy aromas of cherry, lilac and earthy tones on the expressive nose. There’s excellent purity of fruit with dark succulent Bing cherry, black licorice and spiced black plum flavours galore. It’s mid weight, beautifully textured and sports a well-balanced, fruity and lingering aftertaste. Whether you see it in stores or catch it on a restaurant wine list, give it a try. (Vic Harradine)


Masi ‘Campofiorin’ 2006
IGT Rosso de Veronese $17.45 (155051) 13% alcohol
From a wonderful vintage, this double-fermented blend opens with a burst of dark berry fruit and spice box aromas. There’s a balanced, rich and compelling surge of flavour in the mouth with mushroom, black juicy cherry and blueberry to the fore. It dishes out a lovely texture, perfectly integrated oak, deft balance and a lingering finish underpinned by ripe supple tannin for structure. (Vic Harradine)


Masi ‘Costasera Amarone Classico’ 2006
DOC Amarone della Valpolicella $37.35 (317057) 15.0% alcohol
This begins with a quiet nose of crushed dark fruit and hints of floral notes. Restrained and purposeful, it delivers a steady wash of racy flavour with ripe strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate predominant. It’s mid weight and nicely textured sporting a fruity finish laced with dusty tannin. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours then pair with braised veal shanks. (Vic Harradine)


Mezzacorona ‘Reserva’ Pinot Grigio 2007
DOC Trentino $15.95 (32714) 13% alcohol
Hand-picked fruit that saw some oak before bottling is the basis for this medium-weight nicely textured white. Deep yellow in the glass, the aromas of floral and peach segue crisp and racy flavours of apple, pear and pineapple on the palate while the zesty finish layers on grapefruit rind and a hint of spice. Pair with pasta in creamy mushroom sauce. (Vic Harradine)



Secco-Bertani Ripasso 2006 

DOC Valpolicella Valpantena $16.80 (12443) 13.0% 

Firm and focused, this lives up to its breeding—a century and a half of winemaking expertise, prime selection of estate-owned fruit, 18 months in oak. The alluring nose is full of spice and cherry aromas while the palate is blessed with a persistent stream of balanced fruit flavour—pie cherry, sweet ripe mulberry and racy red currant. It’s medium weight and nicely textured with a lingering, dry, slightly tannic finish of tangy cranberry and a tell-tale Ripasso bite. This pairs perfectly with pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario

Cave Spring Cellars Gamay 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (228569) 12.5% alcohol
Earthy and red cherry aromas waft off the subtle nose of this food-friendly gem. There are oodles of pie cherry, spiced black currant and racy cranberry flavours that course over the palate and through the mouth-watering finish. Light on its feet and nicely textured, it adds hints of raspberry on the zesty finish. Pour slightly chilled with meat-laden pizza or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)


Henry of Pelham Family Estate Riesling Icewine 2007
VQA Niagara Escarpment $49.95 375 mL (430561) 9.5% alcohol
Tantalizing aromas of spiced Granny Smith apple, mineral notes and candied citrus waft from the glass of this value-packed beauty—only $44.95 from November 8-28. It’s full bodied and chockfull of texture with rich and concentrated flavour—honeyed pear, sweet tropical fruit and spice-infused white peach delivered through the lingering textured finish. One of life’s few affordable luxuries one can serve or gift. (Vic Harradine)

Portugal

Fonseca ‘Bin 27 Fine Reserve’ Port Non-vintage
DOC Porto $16.95 (156877) 20% alcohol
Dark fruit aromas—plum, raisin and field berry—drift from the glass of this sweet and succulent dessert wine. Ripe and generously textured flavours flow over the palate with spice cake, black plum compote and currants predominant. This is best sipped at the end of a meal on its own or with a mixed plate of hard aged cheese and nuts or with dark chocolate. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)


Fonseca ‘White Port’ Non-vintage
DOC Porto $13.75 (276816) 20% alcohol
Talk about value—1 ½ ounces of Port mixed with an equal amount of club soda over ice, and you’ve the ingredients for 17 welcoming drinks at your next gathering. Golden yellow in the glass, the aromas and flavours are almonds, sweet honeyed pear and caramel apple. Nicely balanced, it’s a refreshing spritzer—flavourful, festive and downright delicious. (Vic Harradine)

Spain

Torres ‘Coronas’ Tempranillo 2006
DO Catalunya $13.25 (29728) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of lilac, crushed dark berry and red licorice open this value-packed red—the price-quality balance is tipped well in your favour. Ripe succulent fruit flavours wash over the palate of this medium bodied gem with mulberry, juicy Bing cherry and spiced black currant predominant. This is smooth as satin and über approachable with a lengthy finish that’s balanced, warm and fruity. (Vic Harradine)