Think varietals, bouquets and tannins are only for people with Riedel stemware and fat wallets? Good news: You don’t have to spend a lot of dough to be poncey about wine! The Grid’s Wine Ponce scoured, sniffed and swirled his way through this season’s offerings to find the best bargains for fall. Here are his top 25 picks for everyday tippling (under $10), kicking back on weekends (under $15) and celebrating grand occasions (under $20). Cin cin!
WEEKDAY WINES (under $10)
Rocca Ventosa Trebbiano 2010, $7.45
For a cheaper and better alternative to Pinot Grigio, this basic vino bianco has citrus aromas, with refreshing lemon drops melting on the tongue and a fleshy grapefruit finish. “It’s, how you say, wissout zee edge.” Use it to steam mussels, then finish the bottle with dinner. LCBO #430249
Trapiche Astica Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2010, $7.55
From Argentina’s mountainous Cuyo region, this bargain is blended in the style of classic white Bordeaux. At this price point, you’re expecting a cheap perfume along the lines of Fergie’s Intense, but with honey, melon and a whiff of pineapple, it’s more Diptyque. Racy and zesty with crisp acidity, this baby is for piscivores. LCBO #359083
Mezzomondo Negroamaro Salento 2009, $7.95
Check the labels: Just about every bottle of red wine claims that it goes well with “meats and strong cheeses.” This full-bodied number from the heel of Italy’s boot actually lives up to the claim–—Negroamaro translates to “black bitter.” A quick swirl releases cherries, plums and licorice, and a sip brings on ripe fruit tempered with espresso and a hint of leather. A house red for carnivores who just got laid off. LCBO #588962
Vila Regia Douro 2009, $7.95
On those nights when you’re too tired to cook and throw a rotisserie chicken into your shopping cart, this vinho tinto from Portugal’s Douro region has got your back. Yielding pure cherry and raspberry on the nose, it smells a bit too fruity to drink with food, but it’s surprisingly balanced with firm acidity and a whisp of smoke. For maximum pleasure, chill 30 minutes before serving. LCBO #464388
Castillo de Monseran Garnacha 2010, $8.95
From the tiny appellation of Cariñena, northeast of Madrid, this grenache smells like a cheap date—specifically, in this case, a wallop of bumbleberry perfume. But on the palate, it has something interesting to say, as cinnamon and cloves spice up the fruit and soft tannins seguay their way into a nightcap. Doubles as a great addition to a big, backyard barbecue—just make sure you serve it slightly chilled. LCBO #73395
Feudo Arancio Grillo 2008, $8.30
If you’re bored of the ubiquitous white varietals, throw this Grillo into the fridge—especially when Mediterranean-style seafood is on the menu. A tropical nose of jasmine, banana and honeydew melon seduces, while the smooth finish beguiles. Unlike Don Corleone, there is something appealingly honest about this Sicilian. LCBO #114710
Farnese Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2010, $7.95
Since rosé is synonymous with al fresco sipping, open a bottle of Farnese’s big pink in the dead of winter and forget about wind-chill factors and salt-stained boots. Let it roll around your mouth like a wildberry Jolly Rancher. A solid backbone of acidity keeps the fruit in check and helps this wine finish dry and crisp. LCBO #233429
Cono Sur Viognier 2010, $9.95
Few whites at the LCBO deliver as much bang for your buck as this Viognier from Cono Sur, a Chilean powerhouse committed to environmentally friendly winemaking. Full-bodied, it has a gorgeous bouquet of apricot and honeydew, a silky mouthfeel and a long, peachy finish. Serve this smooth operator with Indian food. LCBO #64287
Cusumano Nero d’Avola 2010, $9.95
Sicily’s workhorse grape, Nero d’Avola rarely disappoints. This one smells like a cigar box overflowing with ripe cherries, but it’s light on its feet with a solid backbone of acidity. It has “Wednesday pasta night” written all over it, especially if spaghetti with meatballs or a cheesy frozen lasagna is on the menu. LCBO #143164
Xplorador Carmenère 2010, $9.95
Carmenère is a rare Bordeaux blending grape that is almost extinct in France, though it has gained serious traction in Chile. This entry-level wine from Concha y Toro has intense blackberry and cedar on the nose, a solid core of juicy blueberry fruit and mouthwatering acidity. Open with a meaty stew left over from the weekend. LCBO #177816
Next page: Weekend Wines (under $15)
