culture
Unwined: What Does Value Mean, Anyway?
The best word to describe my favourite wines is “value.” The easiest measure for what that word means, in the food and drink world, is bang-for-buck.
I’ll be honest: there aren’t a lot of sub-$10 wines that pass their way through my house. That doesn’t mean that decent wines in that price range don’t exist, but it’s easier to find great wine in the neighbourhood of $10 to $25. Here are a few wines currently available in Vintages that will have you drinking like a high roller without having to spend too much of your hard-earned dough.
2013 Hidden Bench Estate Riesling – Vintages 183491 – $23.95 – **** – Hidden Bench is a great producer, with not a weak wine in their entire portfolio. On this particular wine, there’s great balance with a nice bright acidity and just a hint of sweetness on the finish. It’s a wine that would make a great addition to the patio or cottage, no food pairings necessary. A solid Ontario Riesling, it’s tasty now but will also age gracefully for five to 10 years if you decide to add it to your cellar.
2012 Redstone Cabernet – Vintages 415828 – $19.95 – ****+ – In one word: “Wow!” There are great notes of cedar, vanilla and even pencil shavings on the nose of this Cab, layered over tart blackberry and currant. Like the Hidden Bench Riesling, this bad boy drinks great right now, but the tannins in this wine will soften over the next five years and make it even easier to drink. Redstone is the new project from the same people who bring you the fantastic wines from Tawse, and hits the same benchmark for quality that you would expect from its sister winery.
2013 Lailey Unoaked Chardonnay – Vintages 299776 – $14.95 – ****+ – Who said unoaked Chardonnay is boring? With this budget offering, you’ll find flavours of apple, peach, and melon that unravel themselves in your mouth with a nice creamy texture on the mid-palate. And, though there’s good acidity on the finish, the fruit flavours linger long after each sip. Light, crisp and uncomplicated, this pairs easily with chicken burgers, light pasta dishes, and seafood.
2013 Raven’s Roost Pinot Noir – Vintages 415828 – $22.95 – **** – Coyote’s Run consistently makes some of the best, and most affordable, Pinot Noir from the province. Raven’s Roost is no exception. Its flavours of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry on the nose stay strong even after the wine hits your mouth, with a great balance of acidity and earthiness on the finish. This wine is one that’s great to enjoy on its own, or to pair with lamb, burgers, or pizza.