Mostly anyway, a few others well worth your search

It’s not often that I venture into the $10 range for wine unaccompanied. But maybe I should, you never know what you might find. At the recommendation of my chiropractor, I was on the search for an $11 (Canadian funds) South African, Cab Sav, Stormy Bay. Thinking that my chiropractor can probably afford to drink any wine he wants, knowing that I am a bit of a wino, so he wouldn’t steer me down the path of a vintage Thursday, would he???? While in the liquor store, there just happened to be a gentleman working away, so I took the opportunity to ask him if he had tried Stormy Bay. “I certainly have, and it is pretty good for the price.” Kind of what I expected. But he added, “if you are interested in a couple of other cheapy reds, follow me!” So, I did.

In the Italian section of the store, he suggested a $9 Fantini Montepulciano D’abruzzo that I must admit was very acceptable, and way more value for the price. The one that stole the show by far in this price range, Periquita, $11 from the Jose Maria Da Fonesca family in Portugal. Funny thing, that 20 years ago I was buying Periquita by the case on a regular basis. For one reason or another I just moved into the higher priced range (Vintages Section in Canada) and just never went back. Even funnier, I picked up one for starters and a week later I bought a case.

About the same time while visiting my brother he introduces me to a Chianti which he claims is now his house wine Castiglioni Frescobaldi, $16.20 but just so happened that it was currently on sale for $3.00 off, whoo hoo, admittedly it was pretty good so I couldn’t resist the sale opportunity.

Moving it up a notch in price and a big jump in taste, my buddy Brian brought a Paso Creek Cab Sav from my favorite part of California wine country Paso Robles. $18.95 but another on sale, 2 bucks off at the time, so yes picked up a few of those too!

Without further ado, here they are, threw in a cheapy white, and a few others too!

Portugal

Fonseca Periquita Red 2020: $11.00 A Portuguese secret

What you can Expect: Maybe the biggest bang for the buck wine in the world – say’s me! The very first wine ever bottles in Portugal (1850). Made with the native castelao grape, it is extra dry and medium-bodied, easy drinking, full of flavor.

Spain

Ardal Crianza 2014: $23.95 Ribera del Duero, Spain

What you can Expect: Yes, we ate lots of meats last month. And this might have been the best of the bunch! Another aged Spanish gem that is worth every penny. Dark red with big and bold flavors. 90 points with Wine Enthusiast for a reason.

Italy

Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti DOCG 2020: $16.20 Tuscany Italy

What you can Expect: Another steal. A very solid Chianti for the price. Medium bodied deep red in color with red berry aroma and taste.

Fantini Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC 2019: $9.05 Abruzzo, Italy

What you can Expect: A little light when you first open and at first sip. As it opens aromas and flavor of this Montepulciano D’Abruzzo come alive.

Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel del Monte, Nero di Troia 2014: $24.95 Puglia, Italy

What you can Expect: I think I need to pay more attention to Southern Italian reds. With age comes flavor as is the case with this beauty. Smooth full bodied and flavorful. Perfect with any meats.

South Africa

Stormy Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2020: $11.05 Western Cape, South Africa

What you can Expect: A little on the light tasting for my liking. For 11 bucks though it is OK. It was my Super Bowl wine with wings, chili and would come in handy on a night when you don’t need another bottle …… but you do anyways.

California, USA

Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020: $18.95 California, USA

What you can Expect: Love this region, produced great tasting wines without the Napa price. Easily can pair this with any red meats. Full bodied, bold character, smooth and flavorful!

Woodbridge By Robert Mondavi Chardonnay: $13.95 California, USA

What you can Expect: Pale yellow golden nectar! A hint of chardonnay butter but still dry and medium body and a finish that says “more please.”.

Bourbon

Michter’s Us1 Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon: $91.95 Kentucky USA

What you can Expect: A beautiful coppery colored medium with a hint of butterscotch and a great lengthy and spicey finish.

Widow Jane Aged 10 Years Blend of Straight Bourbons: $106.45 New York USA

What you can Expect: Every once in a while, you go out on a limb. Spend over a hundred bucks on a Bourbon from New York State, who would have thought. Think of a very, very smooth whiskey, maybe a fine Canadian Crown Royal and up the ante and you have Widow Jane. A very pleasant surprise.