Sharing wines with real personality is one of the best ways I know to spread joy. Whether they are classic or recognizable labels or more novel and modern expressions, the right sort of wine for this moment conveys unique characteristics, such as distinctive aroma or flavour profiles or regional charm.
These eight seasonal red recommendations range from a trio of Italian labels that offer plenty of character and authenticity in the glass to age-worthy cabernets and a malbec with taste and sophistication going for them.
There’s also the latest release from Finca Villacreces, a family-owned property in Ribera del Duero, located near regional hero Vega Sicilia and a vineyard that belongs to Pingus (a critically acclaimed cult producer). Pruno is as celebrated for its satisfying taste as its affordable price by regional standards. Although big and powerful, this has terrific balance and freshness.
Waters on Wine: Nine cozy white wines to enjoy this winter
Ranging from bright and juicy to serious and concentrated, these are winning styles that promise to make a meal more memorable. They’re also solid candidates for gifting or cellaring as the case might be.
Each represents good value, whatever the price, as well as good drinking, which is another reason to celebrate.
Bolla Valpolicella Classico 2023 (Italy), $17.45
Supplied
Rating: 88
A classic pizza, pasta and burger red, Bolla’s classic Valpolicella promises a bright and juicy character that’s easy to appreciate with a meal. Its cherry and berry flavour gains interest from spicy and earthy accents. This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $18.99 in British Columbia ($16.99 until Dec. 27), various prices in Alberta, $20.99 in Saskatchewan, $18.99 in Manitoba, $17.25 in Quebec, $19.63 in Nova Scotia, $20.64 in Newfoundland.
Masi Campofiorin IGT 2022 (Italy), $24.75
Supplied
Rating: 90
First produced in 1964, Campofiorin helped pioneer the ripasso category in the Veneto. The wine’s style gains added flavour, complexity and body from a second fermentation with the leftover grape skins from Amarone. The 2022 vintage shows cherry/berry fruit with spice, herbal and cocoa notes rounded out by a velvety texture and fresh finish. This has 13 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Vegan friendly. Drink now to 2040. Available at the above price in Ontario, $27.99 in British Columbia ($23.99 until Dec. 27), various prices in Alberta, $28.99 in Saskatchewan, $25.99 in Manitoba, $24.80 in Quebec, $31.99 in New Brunswick, $25.74 in Nova Scotia, $27.29 in Prince Edward Island, $28.05 in Newfoundland ($25.05 until Jan. 3).
Meerlust Rubicon 2022 (South Africa), $59.95
Supplied
Rating: 93
One of South Africa’s enduring, iconic labels, Meerlust Rubicon was first produced in 1980 from cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc grapes grown on the estate in Stellenbosch. The 2022 vintage also includes petit verdot, which contributes to the perfumed nose that suggests a heady array of dark fruit, earth and baking spices. The fruit is appealingly juicy and concentrated and the structure is full-bodied and elegant. Decant for best enjoyment. This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2045. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta.
Perez Cruz Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Chile), $22.95
Supplied
Rating: 91
Established in 2002, Perez Cruz is an ambitious red wine producer with vineyards planted on the higher slopes of Maipo. This reserve label is produced from a selection of vineyards and barrels from the estate, resulting in a fruity and focused red with upfront ripe cassis fruit as part of its bright and age-worthy character. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2033. Available in Ontario.
Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo 2022 (Italy), $42.95
Supplied
Rating: 92
Vietti’s regional nebbiolo conveys serious charm and complexity for its price. Made in a fresh and firm style, this aromatic red delivers a mix of red berry fruit with floral, earthy and peppery accents. An impressive red with structure and excellent length, this is a great introduction to the grape. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2031. Available at the above price in Ontario, $74.99 in Manitoba (the Pourium), $43.50 in Quebec.
Villacreces Pruno 2022 (Spain), $24.95
Supplied
Rating: 91
This tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon and merlot blend from Ribera del Deuro shows beautifully ripe fruit with a creamy and textured palate thanks to 10 months aging in American and French oak barrels. The balanced style is approachable and crowd-pleasing. This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, $28.99 in British Columbia, $24.30 in Quebec, $30.73 in Nova Scotia.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Australia), $44.95
Supplied
Rating: 94
Coming from a cooler growing season, this is a more polished expression of Wynns classic cabernet. Savoury, bay leaf and minty notes add fragrance to the core of concentrated dark fruit flavours. Full-bodied and beautifully structured, this is sure to mature gracefully. This has 14 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2048. Available at the above price in Ontario, $40.99 in British Columbia ($37.49 until Dec. 27), various prices in Alberta, $36.99 in Saskatchewan, $45 in Quebec, $45.08 in Prince Edward Island.
Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2023 (Argentina), $44.95
Supplied
Rating: 91
Produced with malbec grown in the top sites in the Uco Valley, Concreto takes its name from its aging in concrete amphoras. Free from the oxidative effect and flavour from oak barrels, the finished wine has a youthful purple colour and dry and vibrant character. The texture is chalky thanks to the tannin structure with blueberry and plum fruit on offer with some floral and sage notes. It’s still tightly wound, so decant for best enjoyment. This has 14 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $52.15 in Manitoba, $45 in Quebec, $45.59 in Nova Scotia.