Argentina

Packaged in an attractive gift pack, you get both of the following for $19.95 and it’s the only way you can purchase the sparkling wine, it’s not available separately. The wildly popular red Shiraz/Malbec can be purchased on its own and as it’s the new 2009 vintage, it’s reviewed in detail.


Familia Zuccardi ‘Fuzion’ Brut Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
Mendoza Available only in Gift Pack (131409) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of perfumed white flowers, citrus and spice waft from the glass of this racy, crisp and refreshing sparkler. There’s a lovely explosion of tangy citrus rind and spice-infused yellow peach on the palate while it finishes zesty and clean with a lip-smacking surge of lemon-lime. A crowd-pleaser served before the meal, it’ll also pour well with sea food and shell fish under a drizzle of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)


Familia Zuccardi ‘Fuzion’ Shiraz/Malbec 2009
Mendoza $7.45 (83188) 13.5%
Red cherry, grape bubble gum and spice-driven aromas curl from the glass of this light-bodied blend. There are tangy flavours of tart cherry and cranberry mingling with sweet berry fruit on the mid palate delivered with a light texture that’s virtually oak- and tannin-free. This bistro-styled red pairs well with a plate of mixed deli meats, spicy black olives and roasted red peppers. (Vic Harradine)

Australia

Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
McLaren Vale $17.95 (91702) 14.0% acohol
Here’s a robust red bursting with aromas of dark fruits, spices, earth, minerality and fennel seed. Rich dark fruits—cassis and blackberry—are matched by clean acidity and supported by fine tannins. The long fruity, spicy finish also displays traces of cocoa and black licorice. Well structured, this wine can cellar for 3-5 years, so buy a few bottles. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile

Concha y Toro ‘Casillero del Diablo Reserva’ Sauvignon Blanc 2008 

DO Central Valley $10.95 (578641) 13.0% alcohol
This opens with expressive and pungent aromas of grass, nettles and asparagus. On the palate it’s light bodied with a nice mouth feel and a tangy wash of flavour with loads of lip-smacking white grapefruit, gooseberry and lemon-lime flavour. Dry, crisp and mouth-watering on the finish, this is the perfect foil for a mesclun salad drizzled with olive oil and topped with crumbled goat cheese. (Vic Harradine)


Concha y Toro ‘Frontera’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008 

DO Central Valley $8.45 (116426) 750 mL $14.95 (286187) 1500 mL 12.5% alcohol
Another good-value red with two convenient sizes to choose from, this opens with aromas of spice and berry fruit then splashes on the plate with dark cherry and mixed field berry fruit. It’s lightly textured and finishes dry with nuances of red currant and spice-infused cranberry. This pairs well with pizza, lasagna or spaghetti Bolgnese. (Vic Harradine)


Concha y Toro ‘Frontera’ Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 

DO Central Valley $14.95 (669093) 1500 mL 12.0% alcohol
This red blend—60% Shiraz, the balance Cabernet Sauvignon—opens with funky aromas of forest floor, black pepper and dark berry fruit before delivering a steady wash of red currant, black berry and sweet cherry flavour. The spine of acidity portends a lovely pairing with Swiss steak or a mushroom, green pepper and pepperoni pizza. (Vic Harradine)

France

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve Particulière Champagne Non-Vintage 

AOC Champagne $49.85 (537605) 12% alcohol 

This froths over with value and versatility, it’s also food friendly and flavour packed. There’s a persistent stream of fine bubbles in the glass and silky texture on the palate. Mid weight with a nice mouth feel, it sports a lifted nose of white flowers, peach, and baking bread. Alluring flavours abound with zesty citrus and crisp green apple predominant. Take along as a hostess gift, serve to friends, sip on its own or pair with appetizers and lighter mains. (Vic Harradine)

Italy

Astoria Prosecco ‘La Robinia Extra Dry’ Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco di Valdobbiadene $12.80 (593855) 11.0% alcohol
A well-priced, bright, dry sparkling wine, this Prosecco presents floral notes with hints of citrus and brioche. The light airy mousse dances crisply on the palate and offers tangy citrus and tree fruit flavors. A medium-long finish refreshes and awakens the appetite. Consider it to kick off a festive gathering. (Susan Desjardins)


Montalto Nero d’Avola/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
IGT Sicilia $9.95 (621151) 14.0% alcohol
Another great value option, this purple-hued wine has rich aromas of dark berries—blueberries and blackberries—as well as cinnamon toast. It’s medium to full bodied with a plush texture and strong dark fruit flavors. Well balanced, it has a long fruity finish with a hint of char and silky tannins. Enjoy it with hearty meat-based sauce and pasta. (Susan Desjardins)


Montalto Pinot Grigio 2008
IGT Sicilia $9.95 (73148) 13.0% alcohol
The subtle aromas are primarily pit fruit, floral and spice while the tangy flavours wash over the palate in gentle waves with Granny Smith apple, melon and zesty citrus rind to the fore. It’s light on its feet, clean, crisp and refreshing throughout showcasing its affinity for sea food. Pair with skillet-seared tilapia, steamed mussels or store-bought fish and chips. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand

Stoneleigh Chardonnay 2007
Marlborough $16.95 (288795) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of tropical fruit, spiced ripe apple and nutty, toasty notes waft from this mid-weight nicely textured Kiwi. There’s a generous wash of flavour on the palate with ripe pear, yellow plum and lemon pie filling while the lingering finish is crisp and refreshing with flavours of key lime pie and white grapefruit. This is paired perfectly with pan-seared scallops, prawns or fish under a squeeze of fresh lemon over a bed of greens. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario

Creekside Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007
VQA Ontario $13.95 (620724) 12.0% alcohol
Pungent grassy herbaceous aromas abound in this lip-smacking racy gem. Dancing lightly on the palate, it provides a steady wash of zesty flavour with white grapefruit, ripe pineapple and hints of mint predominant. The finish is crisp and mouth watering, looking for a heaping plate of lightly breaded and skillet-fried calamari rings sprayed with a generous squirt of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Portugal

Otima 10 Year old Tawny Port
DOC Douro $22.95 500 mL (566174) 20.0% alcohol
This light-on-its-feet Port is ready to drink and chockfull of value. It’s also light coloured, but don’t be fooled, it delivers a creamy smooth mouthful of heavenly sweet flavours with candied orange peel, toffee and crème brûlée to the fore. Versatile, it’s a lovely way to end a meal, either sipped on its own or with blue-veined cheese, spice cake, chocolate or fruit desserts. You can drink at room temperature or slightly chilled and it will stay fresh a week or two by storing in the fridge once opened. (Vic Harradine)

South Africa

The Beach House 2009
WO Western Cape $9.95 (122390) 12.0% alcohol
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, this is a well-made wine at a great price. Fermented in stainless steel, it has pungent grassy aromas with a hint of tropical fruit. It’s juicy and fresh with tangy citrus notes. The long zesty finish will make it a real hit, whether you’re at the beach, or just wishing . . . (Susan Desjardins)


Bellingham Wines Shiraz 2006
WO Paarl $13.95 (554360) 14.0% alcohol
There’s also 8% Viognier enhancing the flavours in this medium-bodied, nicely textured red. Look for charred campfire and dark berry fruit bouquet on the nose. It bathes the palate with rich fruit flavours of black currant and spice-infused tart cherry. It’s mid weight with a nice mouth feel delivering a long finish of espresso beans and dark toasted oak. Lovers of RSA reds will especially appreciate this aged Shiraz. (Vic Harradine)

Spain

Finca La Chamiza ‘Classic Series’ Cabernet/Merlot 2009
Mendoza $7.95 (620476) 13.7% alcohol
Planning a party – this wine’s for you! A bright ruby color, the wine has winning aromas of ripe berries and vanilla. It’s uncomplicated and fruity with a balancing acidity and perceptible light tannins. The medium-length finish has notes of ripe fruit, white pepper and cocoa. For the price, it’s great value, earning its final ½ star because of it. (Susan Desjardins)


Freixenet ‘Carta Nevada’ Cava Brut Non-Vintage

DO Cava $11.75 (74757) 12.0% alcohol

Made in the manner of Champagne, this is versatile and affordable. It’s an outstanding selection as an aperitif, food wine or a special occasion bubbly. A muted nose of toast and citrussy zest leads to a lovely burst of white peach and watermelon in the mouth. This lighter-styled sparkler has a crisp, clean finish that would pair well with seafood or chicken appetizers. Stock up. (Vic Harradine)


Freixenet ‘Cordon Negro’ Cava Brut Non-Vintage

DO Cava $13.95 (88591) Gift pack w/ 2 flutes (898478) $18.25 12.0% alcohol
Perhaps the most popular bubbly in North America, the familiar black bottle is also packaged in a black gift box with 2 flute glasses—you can purchase either. This opens with lifted and friendly aromas—hints of baking bread, floral, mineral and citrus notes. It delivers a fine bead of persistent bubbles, a lovely froth in the mouth and crisp refreshing flavours of lemon zest, zippy red currant and juicy ripe pineapple. It finishes on the same racy note—lip-smacking delicious. If flying solo this Holiday Season take this to the party, you won’t be alone long. (Vic Harradine)


Freixenet ‘Cordon Rosado’ Cava Rosé Brut Non-Vintage

DO Cava $12.95 (352369) 12.0% alcohol
A lovely salmon-pink in the glass, the aromas are strawberry and pungent notes of spice-laden citrus. All Freixenet sparklers are made with local grape varieties—Trepat and Garnacha here—but in the same labour-intensive manner as Champagne. This delivers smooth and refreshing flavours of red berry and Montmorency cherry mingling with ruby red grapefruit. It’s clean and refreshing on the finish leaving you looking forward to the next sip. (Vic Harradine)