Great Wines Under $25

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.

Vintages like this really epitomize what Ontario Chardonnay is all about! The nose bursts with lemon curd, pear, green apple, peach and freshly baked bread. Mineral and wet stone dominate the palate, with a background of cream, honeydew and almond in the background, all tied together with bracing, crisp acidity. This wine will age well for the next 5-8 years.

Enjoy with brie, sole meuniere, and lemon-roasted chicken.

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.

Zesty & Fruity

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.

This crushable summer-sipper is a blend of 43% Gewürztraminer, 43% Riesling and 14% Pinot Gris. The nose shows soft citrus, with a grapefruit focus. The palate is very clean with very approachable lemon and grapefruit flavours. It's an off-dry white, perfect to pair with aperitifs and spicy Thai cuisine.

Juicy & Fresh

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.

This delicate, dry rose is bursting with fruit, both on the nose and palate. Vibrant cherry and strawberry are immediately present on the nose, transitioning to strawberry and fresh watermelon at the forefront of the palate. Nuttiness and ripe raspberry are followed by a finish of refreshing acidity. A wonderful choice for holiday meals, including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing.

Food and patio friendly - enjoy with summer salads, grilled chicken and salmon.

Floral & Textured

Born from a partnership that started on Lighthall Road between Vigneron Glenn Symons & Négociant Nicholas Pearce. Hand harvested Pinot Gris from vineyards in South Bay, PEC blended with Vidal from Wismer-Foxcroft Vineyards in Niagara bring you the 2021 edition of Ward 5 PGV. Each variety was de-stemmed and fermented separately. Pinot Gris was left on The skins to ferment for 27 days, while the Vidal was left for 12 days on skins. The wines were blended together at pressing, and left to bind together before tartaric stabilization. The wine was then filtered with a 0.2 micron cross-flow system prior to bottling.

The vibrant orange colour of this wine certainly matches the initial aromas – dried apricot and orange peel greet the nose right away, while notes of steeped black tea, late-season lilacs, and honeysuckle also linger. The brightness of the Vidal shines through on the palate with a citrus driven profile up front, while more rounded notes of Earl Grey tea and extra virgin olive oil leave a smooth finish.

All the flavours from the bordering countries around the Mediterranean Sea are a match made in heaven. North African, Middle Eastern, and Southern European flavours of olive oil, savoury herbs, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, and citrus are all ideal. These flavours with grilled fish, legumes, vegetables, and stewed meats all excel.

The label features artwork by Lilja Schaer, an up and coming local artist based in Toronto's Eastside Leslieville. Lilja draws her inspiration from the natural environment that surrounds her. She is also influenced by her Estonian-Canadian heritage. Lilja also happens to be Nick's 7 year old niece.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Earthy & Rustic

An elegantly matured Bordeaux Superieur with surprising persistence. Named after the limestone soils ('palus') of the vineyards, this blend of 70% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot is showing lovely earthy, leather and licorice notes along with cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant.

A stunning value.

Pair with rack of lamb and braised fennel.

Rich & Elegant

Château Tour de Gilet is located in Ludon-en-Médoc, just south of Margaux on the Bordeaux left-bank. Prestigious Grand Cru Classé estates, such as Château Cantemerle, scatter around this small village. Built on the foundation of an ancient abbey from the 12th century, Château Tour de Gilet has been well-known for its outstanding value.

This Bordeaux Supérieur is a Merlot-dominated blend with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is intense and elegant, rich in black fruit, blackcurrant and blackberry, and a vibrant sweet spice aroma, completed with pastry and floral nuances. The palate is supple, generous and round, supported by fine and silky tannins, well-integrated oak and excellent balance.

This bold wine goes very well with roasted meats. Our favourite pairing? Delicious burgers with blue cheese!

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.

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.

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.

Fresh & Zesty

Nestled in the heart of Empordà, La Vinyeta is a small production winery and olive grower driven by a young spirit of hard work and big dreams. The project’s origins can be found in two old Carignan and Grenache vineyards which Josep and Marta bought from an old winemaker from the town. They started producing their first bottles of wine in 2006. Today, La Vinyeta is one of the most highly regarded projects in the area, not just for the quality and diversity of the wines but also for their dynamism, humility, and commitment.

This is a white blend made from old vines of Macabeo (60%), Grenache Blanc (30%), and Malvasia (10%). The vineyards are organically farmed, without artificial irrigation.

On the glass, it has a yellow colour with green tones, sign of its youthfulness. On the nose, it has a high aromatic intensity, combining fruity notes of pineapple and stone fruit, with a final persistence of citric aromas. The palate is fresh, with a vibrant acidity and a salty hint of the calcareous soils.

Pair this wine with roast fish with cannellini beans and green olives

Meaty & Round

Nestled in the heart of Empordà, La Vinyeta is a small production winery and olive grower driven by a young spirit of hard work and big dreams. The project’s origins can be found in two old Carignan and Grenache vineyards which Josep and Marta bought from an old winemaker from the town. They started producing their first bottles of wine in 2006. Today, La Vinyeta is one of the most highly regarded projects in the area, not just for the quality and diversity of the wines but also for their dynamism, humility, and commitment.

This is a red blend made from old vines of Carignan (65%), and Grenache (35%). The vineyards are organically farmed, without artificial irrigation.

On the glass, it has a cherry colour with violet tones. On the nose, it has a high aromatic intensity, combining aromas of ripe red fruit and lactic notes. On the palate, it is meaty, with nicely integrated tannins, medium-bodied, and with a great acidity.

Pair this wine with chorizo and chickpea braised chicken thighs.

Rich & Fruity

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 is organic and low intervention at its best. With equal parts Cabernet, Malbec and Merlot, and a hint of Fer Servadou and Merille, the wine is filled with liquorice and ripe red fruit aromas. Notes of blackcurrant reveal a fruity and rich mouthfeel that still maintains freshness.

It matches perfectly with grilled meat, roast, charcuteries, or with spaghetti Bolognese.

Fresh & Zesty

Zuani is a family-owned winery in the Collio DOC of Friuli Venezia Giulia specializing in terroir-focused white wines. Set in the hills of Giasbana in the far northeastern corner of Italy, the influence of bordering Austria and Solvenia can be felt on the estate and sensed through the style of Zuani's wines.

This Pinot Grigio's elegant and refined aromatic profile shines with a tangy and mineral taste. It's dry, with brilliant acidity and a bitter almond finish.

Bring out the antipasto and a grilled fish for this one! Also pairs well with risottos and baked vegetables.

Zesty & Mineral

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.

This classic county chardonnay has a beautiful baked lemon nose, with some flinty reduction characteristics. The lean palate offers notes of green apple, with its age adding layers of brown sugar. The finish is quite refreshing and offers an additional lemon note that makes it a wonderful pairing wine. The refreshing acidity pairs perfectly with lemon chicken, mixed green salad with vinaigrette and seafood linguini.

Juicy & Spiced

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.

Strawberry, raspberry and red cherry aromas lead the way on the nose, with hints of sweet spice and tomato leaf in the background. Freshly crushed ripe berries continue on the palate, with dried leaf, minerality and spice in the background. The mouthfeel is lean and silky smooth, with very fine tannin and great County acidity.

This Pinot Noir is a very versatile wine given it’s acidity and low tannin. Pinot Noir pairs particularly well with duck, chicken, pork, and mushrooms.

Intense & Mineral

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.

Super ripe fruit has resulted in a nose consisting of intense nectar, followed by dried apple and pear characteristics. In addition to striking minerality, the palate also shows preserved stone fruits and a distinct richness.  The wine is off dry with acids and sugars expressing themselves in balanced harmony.

Elegant & Lively

Cantine 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.

NoTrix is a wine made with the grape Perricone, a red grape variety introduced to Sicily by the Greeks about 8th century B.C. At the beginning of the 21 century, the final extinction of the Perricone seemed inevitable: the area covered with Perricone was only about 192 hectares’, representing only a mere 0.30% of the vineyards cultivated in Sicily. Recently, a small number of vintners started to take care of old vineyards and to experiment with more modern winemaking techniques, while paying a great respect to the traditional heritage embodied by this fascinating grape variety. 

Marilena Barbera's commitment is to defend the existence of Perricone, to protect and respect the terroirs that give birth to this amazing variety, and to produce only high quality wines that represent the true identity of her home land.

NoTrix is a medium-bodied and very easy drinking red wine. It has a lively ruby color, with violet shades. To the nose, a playful bouquet of red berries and geranium flowers meets intense scents of fine herbs and sweet spices. It has firm but smooth tannins that enrich a medium-bodied palate, with notes of star anise and ginger that stand out against a persistent saline background.

This is the way Perricone is, and this is how Marilena likes this wine to be: no tricks and no frills, far from winemaking models that do not belong to Menfi’s wine tradition.

NoTrix pairs well with red meats, pasta dishes and cheeses. It is also an interesting companion to spicy fish soups and grilled tuna fish. Its delicate and direct palate can complement prosciutto crudo, fresh salami, and medium aged cheeses

Intense & Rich

Established in 2001 by Jacques Montagné, Clos del Rey is located in the heart of the appellation of Maury. Although Maury is best known for its sweet, port-like wines, Clos del Rey only produces dry red wines.

The Mediterranean influences of earthy, wild herbs make this robust red wine dense and concentrated, yet very lively. It displays a somewhat stony and intense finish that is still infectiously juicy. When it opens up, the intensity of the black fruits, the elusive minerality, the elegance and great balance become dramatically evident. Julien Montagne doesn't hide his wine behind masks; he employs no tricks. This is a wine made in the vineyards — truly authentic.

This wine is great with BBQ meats, lamb, beef, you name it.

Mellow & Salty

Cantine 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.