Great Wines Under $25

Fresh & Juicy

The Cortonesi family has owned the La Mannella farm in Montalcino for decades and are devoted to the production of Brunello di Montalcino. This wine, Lèonus, is a humble but mighty Toscana IGT made from grapes that are in fact grapes cultivated to be Brunello, from vineyards in Montalcino.

It is one of the best value wines from the area. ​This Rosso Toscano is juicy and fresh. Full of red cherries and dark berries on the nose, with a delicate astringency on the palate. It has such a great balance and it drinks so well that it's the perfect everyday wine.

This wine pairs brilliantly with dishes prepared with tomato sauce and herbs, such as lasagna or pizza. It's also great with antipasti (olives, cured meats, pecorino cheese), and simply roasted meats or chicken.

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.

Full & Fresh

Mas Carlot is situated in Costières de Nîmes, a beautiful pebbly land around Nîmes and Arles in the Southern Rhône, and makes some of the very best value wines in the whole of France. 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.

Rich & Bold

Finca Aylés is located in the northeast of Spain, near the city of Zaragoza, halfway between Madrid and Barcelona.  The wine project of the Ramón Reula family began its journey in the 1980s and ended with the reunification of various properties that had belonged to the Finca Aylés since the Middle Ages. Today, Aylés is one of the largest private historical farms in Aragón.  

Attractive deep cherry red in colour. The wine displays a pronounced intensity on the nose, well defined, with an extraordinarily complex and wide range of aromas; think dark red fruits, ink, and spices.  On the palate the wine is clearly defined by its elegance and ripe fruit intensity. It's harmonious and well balanced leading to a rich finish. 

It's the perfect wine to pair with rich meats and anything on the BBQ.

Tropical & Mineral

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. The Albarín grape is an indigenous variety from the south of the province of León. This grape variety had almost disappeared until Pardevalles recovered it. 

This expressive Albarín Blanco shows fresh aromas of herbs and citrus, notes of white fruit and some earthy and mineral qualities.  Lively and crisp, this wine is quite original. Good acidity, with flavours of herbs and citrus on the palate and a smooth finish.  

This Spanish white goes perfectly with pasta dishes, seafood and fish. If you are feeling adventurous in the kitchen, make a paella with some mussels and shrimps!

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.

Textured & Mineral

A collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme to create wines from their favourite regions. This Chenin is made from old bush vines grown in decomposed granite/quartz on the Helderburg (Clear Mountain), in the southwestern-most corner of Stellenbosch.

Behold, Chenin Blanc! The most widely planted varietal in South Africa simply shines in this charming expression from Stellenbosch. Sourced from old vines and naturally fermented, expect elegant notes of white peach, lemon and tangerine with an underlying layer of crisp yellow apple. Bright and fresh on the palate, but with good depth and concentration, this wine is ready to drink now but will also cellar nicely for the next 2-3 years.

This Chenin Blanc pairs perfectly with all kinds of fresh seafood; and also with tartare. Smoked salmon or trout would also be delicious next to a glass of this old vines Chenin. Its rich texture makes it suitable to be paired with goat cheese, roast chicken and butternut squash.

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.

Rich & Spicy

The origin of Château Lamartine goes back to 1883, when Lise and Benjamin’s great grand father acquired a piece of land and started to farm grapes and sell wine in barrels. The winery holds the 'Haute Valeur Environnementale' certificate in sustainability, and are right now in their third year of organic conversion.

The Cahors AOP is right in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea. We could say that it’s the heart of the South West. Due to its geographic situation, the appellation has a particular microclimate, which is perfect for Malbec.

This is a rich wine with powerful tannins. It has ripe dark blue and black fruit notes with a touch of vanilla.  While the tannins are full the wine has a great acid backbone to maintain the structure.

This is a top value, structured and succulent red that is ready to sip alongside some salty, fatty protein.

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.

Bright & Fruity

Conti Riccati vineyards are planted in the rolling hills of Castelfranco, a village located in the Veneto. The winery has been managed by the same family since the 14th century! Conti Riccati has been practicing a sustainable viticulture for many years, and is currently in organic conversion.

This Prosecco has enticing scents of ripe orchard fruit, aromatic herb and fragrant white spring flower. The generous palate doles out juicy white peach, ripe Granny Smith apple and tangerine zest. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavours while an elegant mousse imparts finesse.

This wine is very food-friendly. It goes beautifully with antipasto and spicy Asian foods. In the Veneto region, Prosecco is usually paired with cured meats, which makes it the perfect wine to accompany a cheese and charcuterie board.

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.

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!

Zesty & Mineral

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara. 

The 2019 Riesling is the epitome of what makes bench Riesling great. The nose explodes with beautiful lemon-rind, lime-leaf, nectarine, nutmeg, and honeysuckle aromas. Those flavours continue on the palate while adding green apple, honeycomb, cumin, white lilac and the distinctive chalky minerality of the Twenty Mile Bench. There is unusual weight and texture here, with a mouth-filling sensation that is not very common in Riesling. As the wine sweeps across the palate towards the finish, a bright green leafiness and flinty/gravelly appear in waves, leading to an amazing, crunchy finish. The wine will age well for the next decade.

Rieslings are great to pair with spicy Indian and Asian cuisines and do excellently alongside duck, pork, bacon, shrimp and crab.

Mineral & Zesty

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

The 2021 vintage was full of rainy days which lead to larger yields than expected. This gave Leaning Post the chance to use a combination of concrete, stainless steel and neutral oak barrels for the Fifty Chardonnay.

The nose of this wine is full of floral fruit blossoms, pineapple, and peach followed up with lemon meringue and crème fraiche. The palate has a refreshing reflection of the nose with lemon tart and tropical fruit notes but it also showcases a minerality, and wet stone characteristic that leads to the long, elegant finish.

This wine will age well for the next 5-8 years. Enjoy with brie, sole meuniere, and lemon-roasted chicken.

Floral & Juicy

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

The 2022 vintage offered low cropping yields which give us the opportunity to craft a rose from numerous different vineyards across the Niagara region. Over a five-week period, 3 different vineyards were harvested for this rose starting on September 21st with Pinot Noir, October 12 was Gamay and finally on October 24 th the Cabernet Franc was harvested. The three red varieties were left on skins over night to extra their beautiful colour, then were direct pressed into stainless steel tanks where the juice was allowed to settle. All grape varieties were fermented separately at cool temperatures to preserve aromatics and fresh fruit. This wine was bottled in March 2023. 

Our house style of rose is bright and refreshing with the most beautiful colour and great fruit. The nose is so vibrant the red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry and watermelon with savoury notes of white pepper, lemon basil and hints of orange blossom. The palate reflexes the nose with rich texture and a delicate finish. This bright, refreshing Rose was built for warm summer days and good company!

Juicy & Earthy

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

The depth of this wine was structured by the warm summer and wet autumn. This wine stays true to the Leaning Post style and terroir of Armbrust Vineyard, it demonstrates lots of earth, mushroom  on the nose which is complimented by blackberry and cherry fruit with some beautiful freshly picked lavender. In the mouth there is lots of beautiful beet, blackberry, kirsch, and cracked pepper. The finish is long and delectable.

Try with brie, camembert, your favourite burger, or anything on your plate this Thanksgiving.

Fresh & Balanced

Emblematically Niagara, this vibrant Chardonnay is made with organic, biodynamic and sustainably-farmed grapes from the Niagara Peninsula. The 2021 Crew Sauvage a blockbuster; 100% Tawse Estate fruit, mainly from the Robyn's Block young vines (2 Cadus puncheons, 4 barrels) which were showing best in the initial tastings with Moray and Jessica. This created the baseline for cuvée which was then blended with 3 beautifully balanced barrels from the Tawse Hillside vineyard and 2 immensely structured barrels from the Robyn's Block Old Vines parcel; the oldest Chard on the property. Et voila, another star is born.

Expect straw gold in the glass with gorgeous orchard fruits, apple and peach on the nose with notes of marine, hazelnut, lemon custard, and blonde caramel essence. This elegant wine offers a lovely texture on the palate, rich and round with biscuits and cream, while boasting a lip-smacking acidity with an herbal tea tannin.

This world class Niagara Chardonnay is ready to pair with just about anything, but we are thinking white fish in beurre blanc, cream based pastas or fresh salads garnished with lots of cheese.

Fresh & Balanced

A true Niagara Villages wine focused on a blend of organic, biodynamic and uncertified sustainably farmed vineyards throughout the Peninsula with a focus on Quarry Road (Vinemount Ridge), Cherry Road (Twenty Mile Bench) & the Tintern Vineyard. The grapes are harvested, destemmed, wild fermented "whole berry" for 18 days, before gravity flow takes them into French barrels. This fresh Pinot Noir was then left to age for 16 months in barrel before bottling.

The 2021 vintage is marked by elegance over power, brimming with brightness and approachability straight out of the gate, with not hard edges. Light ruby-red in the glass, high toned aromas of cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, backed by roasted herbs, spice and pepper. Great weight and poise for Ontario, but still the light to medium bodied Pinot Spectrum with balanced tannins and acids holding on to fine and lengthy finish.

Certainly a vintage on the edge, marked by many cold and wet days. However, as every mother does, mother (nature) kicked in and saved the day with a gloriously warm and dry finally to the cooler growing season.

Bright & Creamy

Our favourite bubbly wine is back for its 9th 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 Wismer, and 25% 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!

Earthy & Floral

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

A blend of fruit from 4 different Vineyards from 4 different sub-appellations, this wine explodes out of the glass with wonderful mulberry, cherry kirsch, pomegranate, and raspberry followed closely by dried basil and tarragon, layered over mushroom and tobacco leaf. The warmth of the 2020 vintage starts to show with some air, with more fullness and roundness than some previous vintages. The palate in particular shows good fullness in the mouth with glace cherry married to sugar beet, followed closely by damp leaves and dirt mixed with wet stone with traces of spice lingering on the wonderfully long finish. Balanced acidity follows a soft and supple mouthfeel that will age for 3-4 years but can certainly be enjoyed now.

Pair this Pinot Noir with smoky glazed ham or grilled salmon.

Floral & Subtle

Cascina Castlèt has belonged to the Borio family for generations; Mariuccia, the current owner, inherited it from her father in 1970. Mariuccia focuses on her terroir and the local varieties.

The vineyards of the estate are spread over 31 hectares, and are all located in Costigliole d'Asti. The clusters of Barbera were hand-harvested and unveil a rather aromatic wine with a crunchy fruitiness. The wine evokes blackberry and cherry on a delicately floral background. Balanced and delectable, there is even a subtle note of minerality.

A wine that will pair perfectly with white and red grilled meats, salami and young cheeses.

Earthy & Juicy

The French have a very beautiful expression for wines like this, they call it “vin de soif”, which essentially means a wine that is measured by the purity, honesty and, especially, by the joy and refreshment it provides. “La Pinada” is just that kind of wine, it showcases the fruit, freshness and balance of a genuine single varietal Bobal. The grapes are exclusively sourced from a single parcel called La Pinada planted in 1958, growing on alluvial and clay soils.

With a fresh and fruit-forward nose, the wine displays aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, blossom, and a hint of earthy minerality. On the palate it is juicy, focused and well balanced, with a crunchy acidity and some light drying tannins.

Enjoy this vin de soif with just about any dish.

Citrusy & Floral

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

The intense aromatics of this wine leap from the glass, lifted by beautiful, creamy bubbles. Explosive aromas of fresh mandarin orange, Meyer lemon, fresh ginger, and notions of nutmeg and honeysuckle immediately engage the olfactory senses.The palate echoes the nose, but also brings in mango, lychee and rose-petal with the light citrus and floral components wiping through the background. A rich mouthfeel is brought on with this warmer vintage as well as the lees in bottle. Serve well chilled. Pour immediately.

Waxy & Floral

Lighthall Vineyards is a small, proud, low volume and high quality winery located in enchanting Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. All their wines are produced in a non-interventionist manner and fuelled by passion as hearty as our vines. They also make cheese, designed to pair with their wines.

One of Lighthall's most aromatic wines, this off-dry Riesling is bursting with kiwi, starfruit, nectarine, and a lovely bouquet of white flowers. The classic Jolly-Rancher and crisp green apple punch follows through on the palate with vivacious acidity. Pairs
excellently with spicy south-Asian cuisine, curries, and tacos.

With the little touch of residual sugar in the wine, it makes a great match for foods
with a bit of heat. Spicy curries, Guaitiao (Thai noodle soup), Shrimp with noodles,
or Chicken Masala with mango chutney for example. Leaner white fish like bass,
pickerel, red snapper served with a fresh salad of greens with citrus segments makes a
great summertime match. Creamy fresh cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or Crottin all
are great, while classic Germanic foods like weisswurst, pretzels, and spaetzle also
work well.

Nutty & Waxy

Lighthall Vineyards is a small, proud, low volume and high quality winery located in enchanting Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. All their wines are produced in a non-interventionist manner and fuelled by passion as hearty as our vines. They also make cheese, designed to pair with their wines.

This wine is unmistakably County Pinot Gris. The aromas of pear and cantaloupe yogurt are delicate, rich, and inviting. The use of an Alsatian yeast strain and our method of partially fermenting in old French oak barrels give a smooth and rich mouthfeel, while the waxy finish of unctuous confit apple with a hint of nutmeg keep you coming back for more.

Choucroute garnie, foie gras, pork dishes, veal parmiggiano, chicken with cream sauces, and a traditional turkey dinner are all wonderful. Pizza bianca with a cream base, taleggio and pear is delightful, while meatier fish like halibut, cod, trout, or arctic char are ideal for the fish lovers. Chèvre and brie make great cheese options.

Spicy & Bold

Finca Aylés is located in the northeast of Spain, near the city of Zaragoza, halfway between Madrid and Barcelona.  The wine project of the Ramón Reula family began its journey in the 1980s and ended with the reunification of various properties that had belonged to the Finca Aylés since the Middle Ages. Today, Aylés is one of the largest private historical farms in Aragón.  

Expect the unexpected with this delicious Garnacha from Aragón! It exhibits a dense ruby/purple-tinged colour as well as delicious, crunchy black cherry and raspberry fruit with notions of cocoa & vanilla thanks to a slight stay in oak barrels. It's medium to full bodied, pure, fruity and savoury. 

It's the perfect wine to pair with rich meats and anything on the BBQ. For something really special, try it with Smoked Pork Carnitas.

Fresh & Juicy

Vignobles Arbeau was started in 1878, when Anne Arbeau's great-great-grandmother purchased the estate. 

About 50% of the estate is planted with Negrette and the remaining vines are a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Fer Servadou (an alternative name in Gaillac for Braucol!). The Arbeau family practices sustainable farming and hopes to gain organic certification in the near future. They use native yeasts and there is no filtration.

Braucol is a native grape of the South West, and the Arbeau famille cultivates it along the Tarn River. This wine with spicy blackberry flavours is fresh with acidity and gentle with tannins. Light smokiness adds interest. It is ready to drink.

This wine goes very well with red meat, meat in sauce, game, strong cheeses such as Livarot, Munster...