WHITE
BIG HOUSE WHITE 2009
(California, U.S.)
A sharply reduced price makes one of California’s most amusing whites—a fresh, perfumed, multi-grape blend—a no-brainer for parties (The cost of this wine has increased to over $10 since this article was published.). LBCO 173286
CASAL THAULERO 2009 OSCO PINOT GRIGIO
(Abruzzi, Italy)
Casal Thaulero’s flavourful and refreshing pinot grigio blows away the rest of the Italian competition. LCBO 73163
CONO SUR 2009 RIESLING
(Bío Bío Valley, Chile)
This barely off-dry riesling from a hot new cool-climate wine region in southern Chile combines Niagara-like freshness with Chilean tropicality. LCBO 156653
DUNAVÁR 2008 MUSCAT OTTONEL
(Hungary)
For less than $8, Dunavár makes a fragrant, dry muscat that pairs well with all manner of spicy seafood, steamed mussels, sushi and ginger-accented dishes. LCBO 565812
QUINTA DA AVELEDA 2009 VINHO VERDE
(Vinho Verde, Portugal)
The best vinho verde at the LCBO is a light, zesty, almost spritzy white with a maritime feel. It’s perfect for lively parties that start on the half shell. LCBO 89995
TRAPICHE 2009 ASTICA SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON
(Cuyo, Argentina)
This bright white blend delivers fantastic richness and freshness for less than $8, highlighting the best of both grapes: sauvignon’s zestiness and sémillon’s savoury green olive flavours. LCBO 359083
RED
BEAULIEU VINEYARD 2007 COASTAL ESTATES CABERNET SAUVIGNON
(California, U.S.)
Another slashed California price reveals a surprisingly ripe, complex cabernet brimming with ripe berry and woodsy notes. LCBO 569871
CASTAÑO 2007 LA CASONA MONASTRELL
(Yecla, Spain)
For oenophiles who like soft, juicy reds brimming with blueberry flavours, Castaño has it all. It’s great with hearty fall and winter fare. LCBO 143743
CONCHA Y TORO 2009 XPLORADOR CARMENERE
(Central Valley, Chile)
Chile’s signature grape usually offers depth beyond its price; this new label captures even more of that classic cassis, mint and chocolate. It’s an easy way to elevate a weeknight meal. LCBO 177816
DROSTDY-HOF 2009 MERLOT
(Western Cape, South Africa)
South African reds generally have great complexity, but Drostdy-Hof takes complexity
to a shocking level for $10 with a tumble of raspberry, herbs and earthiness. It’s outstanding with roast beef. LCBO 345371
FARNESE 2008 NEGROAMARO
(Abruzzi, Italy)
Farnese adds to its string of hearty, smooth and almost sumptuous southern Italian reds with this cherry-scented, lush negroamaro. LCBO 143735
TRAPICHE 2009 SYRAH
(Mendoza, Argentina)
This bargain-priced black syrah captures all the density and ripeness of modern New World syrah-shiraz with a catchy, drier style that pairs well with grilled meats. LCBO 26898
UPDATE: The cost of one of the wines has increased to over $10 since this article was first published. Toronto Life regrets the error. 2/3/2011
Interestingly not one Ontario wine on that list.
January 31, 2011 at 8:54 am | by ChristineIt always saddens me that none of these lists include local wines. What’s a cheap wino who cares about carbon footprints and local sustainability to do?
January 31, 2011 at 9:35 am | by nicoleHow do you think Toronto Life come up with this list ? They got a free bottle from the LCBO of all these wines to advertise them to get them selling off the LCBO shelf. Hence, Ontario wines dont need this, so its called, you wet my appetite, I will wet yours…DUH to TL!!!
January 31, 2011 at 10:14 am | by PeeSorry, I can’t type a comment, I’m still laughing too hard at the thought of a drinkable, let alone a good, bottle of Ontario wine under $10.
January 31, 2011 at 4:34 pm | by MatthewUnfortunately, Ontario wineries cannot produce the volume or manage the labour costs, etc., to compete at this price level. we should be grateful.
January 31, 2011 at 10:08 pm | by JoanneAbsolutely Ontario wines can compete – check out Pelee Island wines – fabulous! A quick search on LCBO turned up 658 products under $10 some of them may be swill but you can’t think that none of them are drinkable. Wow talk about self loathing oenophilist snobs!
February 1, 2011 at 5:54 am | by RosieOntario wines suck!!! Except for Pelee Island. Then we have the problem with overpriced wines (and lack of selection)from the LCBO that we have to deal with…ever wonder why the first question asked by Customs: “how much alcohol did you purchase”???!!! Not “are you bringing in any dangerous goods/arms”???, no, it’s just about the booze!!! Of course the good sheep Ontarians, I mean, people simply do as told and don’t complain….well, guess what? We deserve it!!!
February 1, 2011 at 7:05 am | by AreThoseReal?Casal Thaulero – our favourite! Light, refreshing, and CHEAP!! The only Pinot Grigio we buy.
February 1, 2011 at 8:06 am | by Sandra NobleA.T.R. has not tried all Ontario wines- as he/she has never been to the wineries in the East…whereby the productions are smaller and excellent! They are not all sold in the LCBO- as they are newer and smaller yields. Until you have had them all…silly comments are just that.
February 1, 2011 at 8:09 am | by DesignergirlSecondly, everyone does not like the same wine. Start tasting!
Quite frankly, I have had all the whites and really do not like any of them.
However, that does not deter me from playing the wine game- taste a new one weekly and see what you like. It’s all personal choice.
I agree with DG regarding ATR’s comments. Ontario has many outstanding wines that are either in limited supply or not available in the LCBO. I would suggest heading to the Niagara region for some wine tastings to educate yourself. Pelee Island is hardly a good example of a great Ontario wine. Check out smaller vineyards such as Lailey and Organized Crime before commenting on how much Ontario wines suck as this is simply an uneducated opinion.
February 1, 2011 at 8:41 am | by Seriously...I agree 100% with the commenters who urge people to travel to Niagara to check out the product first-hand. We all suffer due to the demands that the LCBO places on winemakers – if you can’t deliver a gazillion cases you don’t get listed. Talk to a local winemaker while you taste their treasures and you’ll hear all about it. GO LOCAL!
February 1, 2011 at 9:30 am | by BWVerThank god! No Ontario wines on the list! I know there are some palatable, even good Ontario wines out there but you have to go directly to the wineries and throw down a minimum of $40. For good wines under $10, I’d definitely stick to the more established wine regions.
February 1, 2011 at 10:03 am | by BasilI just visited our LCBO in Hamilton and found only 1 red wine on the list. Must be in limited supply?
February 1, 2011 at 11:07 am | by MartinAccording to the LCBO Website, the price for Big House White has been raised to $13.
February 2, 2011 at 8:51 am | by Andy SaitoI do much better with Ontario whites than reds. I’m almost always disappointed when I buy Ontario reds as I’m a Cab Sauv lover through and through. And you have to admit it, Ontario wines are generally more expensive for the quality you get.
February 2, 2011 at 10:01 am | by Lovetoeat