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For many, it can be hard to pick from the many available options of wines for holiday hosting.
Much depends on taste and budget, which is why I’m sharing recommendations for enjoyable bottles that can rise to meet different occasions. These are wines that stood out in recent tastings based on offering good value – around the $20 mark – in terms of their flavour and are on my shopping list to prepare for the season of giving and gathering ahead. Each offers more quality than their price or label might suggest.
There are satisfying bubblies to welcome guests or raise a toast, a selection of hearty red wines to enjoy as mellow sippers or complement a meal, and two stylish alternatives to tried-and-true chardonnay or pinot grigio selections. They all deliver a pleasurable experience whether served on their own or with food. If you’re shopping early, it’s a good idea to buy a few additional bottles in case of last-minute party invitations or unexpected drop-ins.
More festive selections, including celebratory Canadian wines, will feature in coming columns.
Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Chile), $19.95
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Rating: 90
Owned by the Chadwick family, Arboleda is located on a heavily forested 1,450-hectare property in the Aconcagua Valley, about an hour’s drive north of Santiago. The vineyards, which are 37 kilometres from the coast, benefit from warm sunny conditions and cool ocean breezes that develop ripe wines with refreshing characters like this appealing cabernet. Expect a mix of classic cabernet aromas and flavours, such as cassis and cherry with savoury and vanilla notes. This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario and Quebec, $23.99 in British Columbia (2020 vintage), various prices in Alberta, $23.83 in Newfoundland.
Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (South Africa), $19.95
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Rating: 90
The Cathedral Cellar label is named after the historic vault where South African co-operative KWV aged its brandy and wine stocks. The range includes multiregional blends of popular grape varieties. For this cabernet sauvignon, grapes were harvested in Stellenbosch, Swartland and other regions to produce a layered red wine with juicy fruit, sweet spice and cigar box notes. A robust wine with structure and intensity that you don’t need to match with food to enjoy its complex charm. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario ($16.95 until Nov. 30), $19.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $20.85 in Quebec.
Ferzo Abruzzo Pecorino Superiore 2023 (Italy), $17.95
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Rating: 89
Ferzo is a premium label produced by Abruzzo’s largest winery, Citra. Made with the pecorino grape, this vibrant white has become a consistent favourite offering tremendous quality for its price. The new vintage displays upfront floral and saline notes that add interest to a core of citrus, apple and tropical fruit. A finely textured palate and refreshing finish makes for a versatile wine to enjoy with or without food. This has 13 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2027. Available in Ontario.
Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique Brut Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Rosé Sparkling (South Africa), $24.95
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Rating: 91
This top South African sparkling wine producer continues to deliver some of the best value bubbly in the world. This sophisticated rosé underwent secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in fizzy wine with a satisfying creamy texture that reveals red berry and toasty flavours as part of a balanced and elegant character. This has 12 per cent ABV and 7 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available in Ontario.
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Invivo X, by Sarah Jessica Parker Blend 6 Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Marlborough), $21.95
Rating: 91
This is the sixth vintage of sauvignon blanc released by Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker and New Zealand-based Invivo Wines. Parker works with the winemaking team to blend her preferred style of Marlborough sauvignon, amplifying its fruity character to showcase ripe tropical fruit, melon and lime (rather than herbal and zesty) notes as part of its invigorating personality. This has 13 per cent ABV and 7 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, $25.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $27.15 in Quebec (2022 vintage).
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Les Jamelles Cabernet Sauvignon Pays d’Oc 2021 (France), $17
Rating: 87
A cheerful expression of cabernet from the South of France, Les Jamelles makes the most of its pretty fragrance and easy-going dark fruit flavours. This is simple, balanced and ready to drink. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $19.85 in Nova Scotia.
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Monte Antico 2020 (Italy), $17.95
Rating: 88
A blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot from Tuscany, Monte Antico presents a simple yet flavourful character with a juicy core of dark fruit rounded out by licorice, leather and spicy oak accents. A solid red that’s built for the dinner table. This has 13 per cent ABV and 7 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, $21.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $20.10 in Quebec, $23.79 in New Brunswick, $22.98 in Nova Scotia, $23.98 in Newfoundland.
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Vilarnau Barcelona Reserva Brut Organic Cava (Spain), $16.95
Rating: 88
Part of the Gonzalez Byass family, this Catalan producer works with organically grown varieties to produce a clean and frothy wine that’s a cut above sparkling wines selling at this price. The mix of citrus and apple flavours to a tart and bright character makes this an enjoyable aperitif or base for mimosas, spritzes or other sparkling wine cocktails. This has 11.2 per cent ABV and 9 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2027. Available in Ontario.