Best Value Wines under $25

Zesty & Mineral

Gilvesy winery is located in the outskirts of Lake Balaton, near an ancient dormant volcano, in Hungary. Hungarian expat Robert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada to start this exciting project involving native grape varieties and volcanic soils.

This blend is light and fresh. On the nose, it's all about hints of mint, lemon and fresh cucumber, while on the palate it's zesty, with notes of green apple and citrus fruit.

It's delicious when paired with summer meals: fresh salads dressed with dried fruits such as cranberries and walnuts, grilled fish with potatoes and zesty ceviches.

Fresh & Crisp

Located on the hills that rise from the Adriatic Sea and neighbouring the coastal town of Vasto in Abruzzo, the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations.

This vegan-certified wine made from Pecorino grapes is elegant and delicate, and shows aromas of grapefruit, apricots and nectarines. On the palate is pleasant, fresh and light-bodied. This Pecorino wine has a special saltiness and an aftertaste of bitter almonds.

Wines made from Pecorino pair extremely well with Pecorino cheeses drizzled with a bit of honey as well as vegetables, fish and white meats.

Fresh & Mineral - The Pinot Grigio Killer

Wines from Soave are made with the local grape Garganega. Cantina Tessari has its vineyards in the volcanic hills above il Castello di Soave, which is the original - or 'Classico' - wine growing area in Soave, the best vines are located here.

Tessari’s golden straw coloured Grisela is the backbone of the vineyard; a delicious entry level wine that is meant to be enjoyed on any occasion. Melba toast, elderflower and chamomile aromatics fill the glass with a notable mineral quality. The taste of crushed seashells dance on your tongue with a fun duo of stone fruit and citrus. The finish is refreshing with balanced acidity.

Grisela is excellent as an aperitif. Perfect with light appetizers, rich Italian seafood, risotto with black squid ink or on its own.

Mellow & Salty

Cantina Barbera is located in Menfi, on the west coast of Sicily. The vineyards, that are farmed following organic and biodynamic practices, are about one mile from the Mediterranean Sea: an uncontaminated deep blue sea. The low cliffs and sandy dunes create a beautiful environment for the grapes to thrive, and are also protected by the Belice River Natural Reservation Fund.

Fresh and pleasant like the briny wind blowing from the Mediterranean, this Inzolia comes from young vineyards and is a charming white wine that offers pure Sicilian pleasure at every sip. The wine has a fresh and charming bouquet of pear, broom and almond blossoms that melt into lush and intense scents of white peach and fine herbs. On the palate, it's juicy and tastes of white orchard fruit and is well balanced by a fresh acidity and an intense saline quality.

Pair this wonderful and textured white with rich fish dishes, Moroccan cuisine and other spiced meals. It is also great with fresh salads and grilled vegetables.

Floral & Salty

Cantina Barbera is located in Menfi, on the west coast of Sicily. The vineyards, that are farmed following organic and biodynamic practices, are about one mile from the Mediterranean Sea: an uncontaminated deep blue sea. The low cliffs and sandy dunes create a beautiful environment for the grapes to thrive, and are also protected by the Belice River Natural Reservation Fund.

Kalìo is a Sicilian word used to describe the buzzy noise of popcorn, the same noise that friends make when catching up at a party. The wine is made with laughs, talks, and funny jokes. This 100% Perricone is a lively ruby colour with violet shades. The nose is a playful blend of red berries and geranium flowers. The smooth tannins enrich a medium-bodied palate, where spicy notes of star anise and ginger stand out against a persistent saline background.

Kalìo pairs well with red meats, pasta dishes and cheeses, and it is a very interesting companion to spicy fish soups and grilled tuna fish.

Ripe & Fruity

Pardevalles is recognized for being one of the driving forces behind the D.O Tierra de León, betting on the development of the indigenous grape varieties Prieto Picudo and Albarín Blanco.

This 100% Prieto Picudo rosé is intense and fresh on the nose.  Rich and hypnotizing aromas of raspberry, strawberry, herbs, citrus and red rose petals jump out of the glass.  These flavours follow through on the palate, which is both powerful and flavourful, while maintaining great freshness.

Enjoy this one on its own while basking in the sun.

Elegant & Crisp

Château Haut Grelot is located near the Gironde Estuaire, north of the town of Bordeaux. Haut Grelot has been making wine and taking great care of their vineyards since its establishment in 1920!

This is a classic Bordeaux blend: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon & 5% Muscadelle. It's a floral, crisp and elegant wine that offers exotic fruit aromas: grapefruit, gooseberry and wild herbs that intermingle with ample citrus fruit on the palate. It has a generous weight, roundness and a perfect balance that let's you savour every drop.

Perfect to drink by itself or pair with seafood, chicken, fresh salads and cheese boards.

Floral & Fruity

A collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme to create wines from their favourite regions. This Cinsault/Syrah is made from bush vines planted in Koffieklip soils in the Southwestern of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

It has a brilliant medium purple colour in the glass. On the nose, it's all about fresh ripe red & black fruit: cherry, strawberry, wild raspberry; with hints of intense spice, it also has a granite minerality. On the palate it is light-bodied, with a vibrant acid and grippy though delicate tannins. It intermingles with surprisingly powerful fruit & spice; punching above its weight in flavour. It is very balanced with low alcohol.

This light red pairs with all manner of dishes: from barbecue meats to grilled salmon and veggies, to spicy dishes.

Full & Fresh

Mas Carlot is situated in the south of the Rhône Valley, extending across 76 hectares of pebbly land southeast of Nîmes. This blend of 60% Roussanne, 30% Marsanne and 10% Viognier is outstanding.

An elegant white that offers up notes of peach marmalade, apricots, honeyed pears, candle wax and a touch of buttered brioche. With a good fresh acidity as well as abundant fruit and flavour, this attractive, medium-bodied wine overdelivers.

Pair this rich white well with shellfish, chicken, veal, pork and vegetables prepared with savoury butter, cream or mild cheese-based sauces.

Bright & Juicy

At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar.

Le Devoy checks in as a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. It has terrific notes of forest floor, cracked pepper, flowers and darker berry fruits as well as medium-bodied richness, an elegant, supple texture and notable purity of fruit. This wine has considerable charm and appeal and makes for a great everyday bottle.

Pair this wine with just about anything!

Bold & Earthy

Unlike many winemakers, Frederic Brouca is largely self-taught and took no formal courses on viticulture or winemaking.  His concept of growing grapes and winemaking focuses on reducing human intervention in the processes, and making it as natural as possible.

This single-vineyard blend of Grenache, Syrah & Carignan offers a perfect combination of balance and power. Rich dark fruit and savoury roasted meat notes pop from the glass. The flavours are vibrant with a rich symphony of red, blue and black fruits along with a peppery spice note and a long, clean finish. 

Pair with hearty winter stews, grilled lamb chops or enjoy on its own in front of a cozy fire after a long day.

Bold & Floral

Located on the hills that rise from the Adriatic Sea and neighbouring the coastal town of Vasto in Abruzzo, the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations. In 1980, the family decided to convert the farm to organic, becoming one of the first ten wineries in all of Italy to be certified. 

This vegan-certified wine is made from hand-picked Montelpulciano grapes cultivated at 250 meters in the sunny hills of Abruzzo. The healthy grapes macerate on the skins for 15 days and age in concrete tanks. Expect intense floral aromas of violet on the nose that intermingle with fruity notes of strawberry and black currant, backed with fragrant hints of cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate is full-bodied, round and with a long fruity aftertaste.

This bold Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs well with flavourful dishes, such as hoisin and balsamic glazed lamb chops or seared mushrooms with garlic and thyme.

Rich & Elegant

Château Tour de Gilet is located in Ludon Médoc, 16 km north of Bordeaux in the Médoc area. The Château was built on the foundation of an ancient abbey from the 12th century. Lots of little streams, called Jalles, cross the vineyard to drain the soil and to improve the quality.

A unique Bordeaux wine in that it is largely dominated by Petit Verdot (70%, with Cabernet Sauvignon in addition). The nose is intense and elegant, rich in fruit and sweet spices, completed with pastry and floral nuances. The palate is supple, generous and round, supported by fine and silky tannins and well integrated oak.

This bold wine will go very well with roasted meats. Thinking of some delicious burgers with blue cheese...

Bright & Creamy

Our favourite bubbly wine is back for its 8th vintage and as always, made in partnership with Lighthall Vineyards in Prince Edward County. This is a small batch “Brut Blanc” Cuvée, made using the Charmat method bottled as VQA Ontario. This vintage shows a blend based on early pick Niagara Peninsula Vidal from St David’s Bench with Prince Edward County Riesling from South Bay.

We had an instant crush on this new vintage: the beautiful bubbles are so nicely integrated and complement the wild floral aromas of the Vidal, all backed by the bracing acidity and orchard fruit of the South Bay, Prince Edward County Riesling. Dangerously delicious in the glass, this wine is built for both celebration and gastronomy.

The Ward 5 Brut Blanc’s very well balanced acidity makes it perfect to pair with oily and fatty foods, such as cheese boards, salmon, roasted chicken or even fish and chips!

Juicy & Fresh

Punset is an innovator when it comes to organic wine. Inheriting the estate in 1982, Marina Marcarino is a fifth generation winemaker.

This red is called 'Neh! after a popular Piedmontese slang used to finish a sentence, similar to  'eh. It is a blend of Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo, the local red grapes in Piedmont.  This wine has deep fruity aromas with red summer fruits, like black cherry, strawberries and raspberries. The colour is dark ruby and the wine shows good structure, acidity and medium body with a distinct earthiness.

Punset Neh! is an everyday wine, perfect with all kinds of food and even by itself. Uncork this bottle any time and enjoy it!

Bright & Creamy

Arguably one of our best values in bubbly. This cava is made from Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Mas Codina is a 40 hectare estate in the Alt Penedès which dates back to 1681. This Cava Brut Nature Reserva was hand-harvested from 20 to 30-year-old vines and estate bottled. Farming is 100% organic on the estate. Though it does not say it on the label, the wine is 100% single vintage and is aged on its lees for a minimum of two years before release.

This Cava has a lovely, fruity nose with ripe yellow pear, a hint of vanilla and soft biscotti notes. It is light to mid weight, slightly creamy yet firm and dry on the finish.

Cava is fantastic with fresh salads, crudités, raw oysters and summer dishes like Spanish Gazpacho. It's creaminess makes it a perfect pairing for roast chicken and all kinds of fish.

Fresh & Juicy

Produced by Villa Calcinaia, who is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, near the village of Greve-in-Chianti. This Tuscan estate has been home to the Capponi family since 1524, and continues to be owned by them to this day.

This wine displays notes of red cherry, cranberry and mineral aromas. It's smooth, medium bodied and dry with vibrant red fruit flavours, soft tannins and bright acidity.

Chianti Classico wines are awesome with fatty dishes and tomato sauce-based meals, such as pizza and pasta! It also pairs amazingly with charcuterie and cheese boards, or rich pieces of meat like Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Fruity & Juicy

The dream of four French partners in Argentina's Mendoza Province. The Malbec vines grow in the southwest of San Rafael, an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers. This Malbec opens up with red fruits, black raspberry and tones of fresh leather. It's chewy and sumptuous on the palate, with firm tannins and a very well balanced acidity.

This is the perfect BBQ wine, but it is also capable of so much more! Rich meats, stews and braises are a great match, or try leaner meats with fruity and hearty sauces such as pork tenderloin with prunes and red wine jus. Another favourite, enjoy alongside a prime rib roast!

Zesty & Creamy

Located 50 km east from Saint-Émilion, the Barouillet family has been growing grapes for at least 8 generations in Pécharment, Monbazillac and Bergerac. Vincent Alexis, who joined his father in 2010, converted the vineyards to organic and is about to obtain the biodynamic certification. 

This charming and expressive white is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Chenin that were grown 100% sulphur free on clay & calcareous soils. Together, they create a well-balanced wine – a surprising union between freshness, fullness and aromas. There is a lightly oxidative note and a bready, lees-y back palate that bounces off the fruit which is at once fresh and zesty and creamy and opulent. Easy, fun and just a little bit wild.

Enjoy it by the glass and with white meats or poultry.

Fresh & Zesty

The Vitas Winery has been in the family since 1937, for four generations. Despite its French origin, Pinot Grigio has been cultivated in Friuli since the 18th century, where it has found an ideal habitat to produce wines of exceptional quality.

This dry-farmed Friulian Pinot Grigio is different in style than its counterpart from Veneto. The wine wears a straw yellow robe with elegant copper-gold overtones. Its bouquet is elegant and intense, with hints of acacia flowers, dry hay, walnut kernel, yellow peach and golden apple, intertwined with fresh and mineral notes. On the palate, it promises a concentrated palate full of fragrant white peaches, tangerines, and a spritzy minerality.

A perfect casual sipper, or to complement antipasti, fried fish or vegetables and light pasta dishes.

Floral & Fresh

Stéphane Aviron can be considered a pioneer is his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques.

The appellation of Côte de Brouilly sits on the high slopes of the extinct volcano Mont Brouilly and is surrounded by the larger appellation of Brouilly.  This wine has Finesse, elegance it shows loads of rich red and dark berry fruit, spice notes, and avery good concentration. It has a soft texture with a touch of spice.

We recommend to pair Aviron's Côtes de Brouilly with mushroom risotto, rabbit or cheese.

This mixed case includes 12 bottles: 6 bottles of Ward 5 and 6 bottles of First Contact.

Ward 5 Brut Blanc Cherry Valley Prince VQA Ontario 2020. Our favourite bubbly wine is back for its 8th vintage and as always, made in partnership with Lighthall Vineyards in Prince Edward County. This is a small batch “Brut Blanc” Cuvée, made using the Charmat method bottled as VQA Ontario. This vintage shows a blend based on early pick Niagara Peninsula Vidal from St David’s Bench with Prince Edward County Riesling from South Bay. We had an instant crush on this new vintage: the beautiful bubbles are so nicely integrated and complement the wild floral aromas of the Vidal, all backed by the bracing acidity and orchard fruit of the South Bay, Prince Edward County Riesling. Dangerously delicious in the glass, this wine is built for both celebration and gastronomy.

First Contact Skin Fermented White VQA Ontario 2019. Vidal and Sauvignon Blanc (50/50ish) were sourced from the infamous Wismer Vineyard, in Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench. Grapes were crushed and fermented on skins for the entire primary fermentation, which lasted 17 days. The juice was then left to settle and bottled during the first signs of Spring in March 2020.

Deep straw gold in colour with punchy aromatics of fresh fermentation; Green tea, Meyer lemon, tangerine, hops, olive brine & salted almonds. Truly energetic and fresh with notes reminiscent of a delicious Weiss Beer. On the palate, it has a great tannic structure, lovely acidity and beautiful balance. With low alcohol at 11%, this wine was built to drink, not just to taste.

We have been having fun pairing it with a variety of vegetables and meats using Middle Eastern, North African & Mediterranean inspired spices and techniques. Or even just a bowl of marinated olives, to keep it simple.