Great Wines Under $25

Bold & Earthy

Casa Los Frailes (“Cals Frares” in  the old local language) takes their name from the Jesuit Friars that used to live in the Estate over two centuries (XVII to XVIII). The Casa Los Frailes estate now belongs to the Velázquez family and has for over 250 years, today the 13th generation runs the winery. Frontrunners in organic agriculture and biodynamics, the estate consists of vineyards, Mediterranean forest, almond and olive trees.

A blend of Monastrell and Syrah, its personality makes it a dark, warm and complex wine. On the nose, it has intense aromas of red fruits, jam, cherries and plums; paired with smoky tones, notes of liquorice and coffee. On the palate, the fruit perfectly blends with the oak, showing sweet tannins followed by a round, rich and deep structure.

This bold wine begs for rich foods, that's why we recommend beef short ribs, lentils, shiitake and portobello mushrooms, lamb, rabbit, soy sauce and black pepper... Adding herbs to your dishes such as thyme, lavender and rosemary will also enhance the floral character of the wine.

Light & Bright

Stéphane Aviron is 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.

This Gamay is made from 50+ year old vines which give it an extraordinary concentration of fruit and a true essence of the terroir of the region. The wine shows itself to be full of complexity and charm at the same time. It is so full of freshness and easy-drinking with fruity and floral notes of strawberry and spice.

Pair with just about anything or enjoy on its on as an aperitif.

Textured & Mineral

When Michel Muré settled in Rouffach and planted his vineyard in the 17th century, he surely had little conception of the beautiful adventure that he was setting in motion for his descendants. In 1935, Alfred Muré extended the property with the addition of the 12-hectare (25-acre) wholly owned Clos Saint Landelin, foreseeing already its potential for exceptional quality. He replanted the terraces, ideally situated with their sunny exposure and shelter from the rain.

Nowadays it is Alfred’s grandson René, together with his children Véronique and Thomas, the 11th and 12th generations of the family, who are responsible for running this exceptional, wholly-owned vineyard and its neighbouring terroirs, using biodynamic methods.

Muré's Sylvaner is a lovely wine.  On the nose, it delivers delicate aromas and flavours of quince, green apple and mineral. On the palate, it finishes long and clean with a soft refined perfume. 

Lovely as an aperitif; a must with shellfish and asparagus dishes.

Creamy & Fresh

3XP (Trois-X-P) - Pearce | Predhomme | Pender - is a small-production Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay collaboration between négociants Nicholas Pearce & Will Predhomme with vigneron Paul Pender. This wild ferment Chardonnay is 100% certified organic & biodynamic and is produced with minimal intervention.

We strive to show the delicacy, tension, & purity of expression of Ontario-grown Chardonnay with this small-production collaboration.  Brilliant straw colour, youthful, light-intensity aromas of white peach, green apple, citrus, with delicate integrated subtle lees. Bright lemony acidity on the palate, round mouthfeel, & refreshing. A clean, fresh, & distinctly Ontarian-style Chardonnay.

Ideas for pairing 3XP? This rich Chardonnay calls for all shades of seafood and fish: spaghetti with clams and tons of parsley, halibut, crab cakes... or even pork tenderloin! It's also wonderful as an apéro wine.

Aromatic & Fresh

The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land.

Prunecchio is the name of an old vineyard plot on the Fattoria di Sammontana estate planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano and Malvasia. It is has aromas of yellow plums, quince, gooseberries, and acacia flowers on the nose. On the palate, it's fresh and well balanced. 

This wine is perfect as an aperitif, or with fish dishes, pasta and all kinds of salads and green veggies. A must try with shrimp scampi!

Fresh & Herbal

Andres Carull's family has been making wine in Alicante for decades. At a very young age, he already knew what he was going to dedicate himself to. However, a visit to Bordeaux in 2008 changed his course when he discovered natural wine; he decided to turn his winemaking towards this ‘old-but-new’ path.

The seed planted in Bordeaux in 2008 has now blossomed into a personal project dedicated to producing stripped-back, honest wines that truthfully express his countryside, heritage and people. Vibrant wines from living vines. Tragolargo Tinto is a delightfully easy drinking young red made from Monastrell grapes grown in Casa Balaguer Estate in Villena, Alicante.

On the nose, you'll find aromas of blackberry and strawberry, with some hints of eucalyptus and liquorice. Fresh and vibrant, on the palate Tragolargo Tinto is smooth, with structured yet soft tannins and a beautifully balanced acidity.

Enjoy it with a creamy bolognese or with a meatball soup with beef stew vibes. Also great on its own.

Creamy & Fresh

3XP (Trois-X-P) - Pearce | Predhomme | Pender - is a small-production Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay collaboration between négociants Nicholas Pearce & Will Predhomme with vigneron Paul Pender. This wild ferment Chardonnay is 100% certified organic & biodynamic and is produced with minimal intervention.

We strive to show the delicacy, tension, & purity of expression of Ontario-grown Chardonnay with this small-production collaboration.  Brilliant straw colour, youthful, light-intensity aromas of white peach, green apple, citrus, with delicate integrated subtle lees. Bright lemony acidity on the palate, round mouthfeel, & refreshing. A clean, fresh, & distinctly Ontarian-style Chardonnay.

Ideas for pairing 3XP? This rich Chardonnay calls for all shades of seafood and fish: spaghetti with clams and tons of parsley, halibut, crab cakes... or even pork tenderloin! It's also wonderful as an apéro wine.