Hooray for House Wine!

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/house_wine

Dear Sukasa Style Wine Wednesday readers, seasons change, leaves turn colour but our love for wine never wanes.

One doesn't necessarily want to open that 2005 Left Bank Bordeaux or dust off that 1996 Barolo just yet because there's a special occasion for everything special in life but we also know that life remains too short to drink plonk, so what's the solution? We all need a good house wine at home to open at the ready regardless of the occasion.

The challenge here is to dig up some picks with a high QPR: it should taste good without breaking the bank. Given the premiums we pay in Ontario over most North American jurisdictions, that is a challenge but here are some picks to consider that come in at less than $12 for a standard 750ml bottle and that are representative of a variety of styles.

Remember, these aren't necessarily the most complex wines; they taste good, can be served with a variety of foods and are, in our opinion, a great value that you can enjoy with your loved one and that surprise guest.

OSBORNE SOLAZ TEMPRANILLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON

LCBO 610188 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 11.45
Made in: Rueda, Spain
By: Osborne Y Cia
Wine, Red Wine
12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Style: Medium-bodied & Fruity
Varietal: Blend
Sugar Content: 9 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: D - Dry
Tasting Note
Dark ruby colour; strawberry, fruit compote, tar, smoke and plum aromas; dry, medium bodied palate with medium body, plum and currant flavours and moderate tannin on the finish.
Serving Suggestion
Tapas, barbecued spareribs, burgers or roast poultry.

  

THE PAVILLION SHIRAZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON

LCBO 222299 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 11.90
Made in: South Africa
By: Boschendal Estate Wines
Wine, Red Wine
14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Style: Full-bodied & Smooth
Varietal: Blend
Sugar Content: 5 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD - Extra Dry
Tasting Note
Bright ruby with purple highlights; cassis, cherry and oak spice; dry, medium to full bodied; ripe black fruit flavours, with a touch of spice, soft tannin in medium length finish
Serving Suggestion
Serve with lamb kabobs or pepper steak

PELEE ISLAND GEWURZTRAMINER RIESLING VQA UMBRELLA

LCBO 109991 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 11.95
This is a VQA wine
Made in: Ontario, Canada
By: Pelee Island Vineyard Inc.
Wine, White Wine
12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Style: Aromatic & Flavourful
Varietal: Blend
Sugar Content: 16 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: D - Dry
Tasting Note
A fragrant white wine with an inviting nose of peach and ripe exotic fruit. Fresh acidity balances the slight sweetness with a clean finish.
Serving Suggestion
Try it with full flavoured cheeses, spicy Asian cuisine or seafood.

THELEMA MOUNTAIN RED

LCBO 222570 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 11.95
Made in: South Africa
By: Thelema Mountain Vineyards (Pty) Lt
Wine, Red Wine
14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Style: Full-bodied & Firm
Varietal: Blend
Sugar Content: 5 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD - Extra Dry
Tasting Note
Deep ruby; plum, black cherry, with spice and smoky aromas; dry, medium/full body; black fruit flavours with pepper and smoky notes in the finish, meduim tannins
Serving Suggestion
Serve now with lamb burgers or cellar for 1 - 2 years

HARDYS STAMP SERIES SEMILLON CHARDONNAY

LCBO 335638 | 750 mL bottle

Price $ 9.95

Made in: Australia

By: Constellation Wines Australia

Wine, White Wine

13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Style: Full-bodied & Rich

Varietal: Blend

Sugar Content: 7 g/L

Sweetness Descriptor: D - Dry

Tasting Note

Light golden colour; popcorn, tropical fruit and pineapple aromas; dry, medium-full body, round flavour, balanced peach and citrus with a tropical fruit finish.

Serving Suggestion

Cream sauced pasta, boiled lobster

YVON MAU COLOMBARD CHARDONNAY VDP
LCBO 627265 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 8.95
Made in: Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France

By: Yvon Mau Et Fils
Wine, White Wine
11.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Style: Light & Crisp Varietal: Blend

Sugar Content: 12 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: D - Dry
Tasting Note
Pale straw; delicate citrus, grassy and apple aromas; dry, light bodied with crisp acidity, candied citrus, pear and apple flavours.
Serving Suggestion
Serve as an aperitif; scallops with lemongrass; grilled pork; fish or mussels.

 Blog Post by Arijit Banik for SukasaStyle