Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Extra Brut Franciacorta.Supplied
With the final flip in this year’s calendar fast approaching, it’s a good time to focus on wines that offer comfort and warmth to friends and family.
These 10 bottles are singled out for offering more quality than their price might suggest – some might say, they “punch above their weight.” They are great options for entertaining and gifting needs, even if the one benefiting is yourself.
There are medium- to full-bodied reds, ranging from pinot noir through an assortment of syrahs and syrah-based blends to a blue-chip cabernet, to consider.
The white selections offer a mix of richness and refreshment, including two stellar values from South Africa worth seeking out. Finally, a stylish Italian sparkler tops the list because bubbles are always a good idea no matter what time of the year it is.
Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Extra Brut Franciacorta (Italy), $46.95
Inspired by a trip to Champagne, Ca’ del Bosco created one of Italy’s most popular sparkling wines with its blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot blanc. The style is dry and refined, with a toasty and crisp character, serious texture and fine bubbles. The citrusy flavour gains depth from peach and honeyed notes. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, $46.50 in Quebec, $56.20 in New Brunswick, $51.98 in Nova Scotia, $52.99 in Prince Edward Island, $57.99 in Newfoundland.
Chäteau L’Hospitalet Grand Vin La Clape Rouge 2021 (France), $41.95
This ripe and rewarding syrah-based blend comes from Gerard Bertrand’s extensive portfolio of wines from the Languedoc. Located in Narbonne, Château L’Hospitalet has been developed to be an impressive resort hotel. Its namesake red is an organic and biodynamic-certified wine with impressive concentration and length that doesn’t lose focus or freshness. The core of red fruit gains interest from herbal and peppery notes. Drink now to 2031. Available in Ontario.
Grgich Hills Estate-Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (United States), $116.95
Grgich Hills is a leading proponent of regenerative and organic agriculture in Napa Valley. It’s nice to see that vineyard focus extend into a winemaking style that’s unadorned compared with the conventional (richly concentrated) Napa model. This full-bodied cabernet offers a mix of juicy fruit and savoury flavours as part of its integrated and polished character. Decant for best enjoyment. Drink now to 2035. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta.
Mullineux Kloof Street Old-Vine Chenin Blanc 2022 (South Africa), $22.95
Kloof Street is the entry-level label from South African winemakers Andrea and Chris Mullineux. Made with chenin blanc grapes from three old-vine vineyards (40 years and older) located in Swartland, this offers floral and honey notes with the pear, yellow apple and lemon zest flavours. The creamy texture, which adds to the easy-to-appreciate style, is kept in check by a refreshing tangy and stony finish. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $29.99 in Manitoba, $23.10 in Quebec (2023 vintage).
One Pound Per Acre Shiraz 2022 (Australia), $9.95
One Pound Per Acre is a value-price label from Australia that sources fruit from the vast Riverina region in New South Wales. This simple shiraz is ripe and smooth, thanks to the plushness that comes from 6 g/litre residual sweetness combined with 14-per-cent abv. Expect fresh fruit flavours (blackberries, plums) with cedar and pepper notes that carry through to a clean finish. Drink now. Available in Ontario.
Rustenberg Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (South Africa),$15.95
A ripe and refreshing sauvignon blanc from Stellenbosch, this captures the aromatic and fruity character of the variety. Nicely balanced with bright acidity and pear and peach coupled with citrus freshness make this a great all-purpose white to enjoy as an aperitif or with a meal. Drink now to 2026. Available in Ontario.
Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2022 (New Zealand), $21.95
The darker and riper expression of Marlborough pinot noir might not please purists, but flavourful styles such as this are enjoyable all-round reds with mass appeal. Certified organic pinot grapes are used to produce this silky-textured wine with a core of black cherry/berry with savoury and smoky notes from aging in French oak. This is more funky than fruity when opened; decant or use a big-bowl glass for best enjoyment. Drink now to 2026. Available at the above price in Ontario, $21.99 in British Columbia, $28.29 in Nova Scotia, $26.11 in Newfoundland.
Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2022 (Australia), $29.95
Torbreck is a notable producer of rich and intense red wines from the Barossa, but it’s nice to the personality of Woodcutter’s Shiraz continue to evolve. This big, full-bodied shiraz is balanced and approachable with layers of silky tannins adding structure to the payload of dark fruit, peppery spice and chocolate flavours. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, $39.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $42 in Nova Scotia.
Westcott Estate Chardonnay 2022 (Canada), $29.95
Made in a rich and ripe style, this broadcasts intense toffee and butterscotch notes over yellow apple and spice notes. The style is more bold and generous than cool-climate restraint, perhaps owing to the significant crop reduction due to winter injury in the vineyards surrounding this Jordan, Ont., winery. Drink now to 2026. Available at the above price in Ontario or $32 direct from westcottvineyards.com.
Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2020 (France), $18.95
Wines from Xavier Vignon continue to be well-represented in many parts of the country. They offer consistently enjoyable styles, starting with this textbook representation of the Rhône syrah-grenache blend. Expect a nicely balanced red with lovely fragrance and flavours suggesting juicy cherry/berry flavours with spicy and sandalwood accents. The crowd-pleasing style makes it a natural for entertaining. Drink now to 2027. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $27.99 in Saskatchewan, $18.60 in Quebec.