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.

Crisp & Fruity

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.

Lighthall's famous sparkling Pinot Noir, re-fermented using the Charmat method. A slight change in production method saw a little less skin contact and more whole cluster pressing, presenting a wine packed full of strawberry flavour and hibiscus aroma. Very crisp and fruity while still refreshingly dry, this wine matches exceptionally with spicy rosé sauce, sweet red bell peppers 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Mineral & Zesty

A collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme to create wines from their favourite regions. This Pinot Gris is made from vines planted in Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon.

Brilliant straw colour with youthful yet intense aromas of white peach, stone fruit, green apple and citrus. Bright acidity and freshness on the palate with a round mouthfeel but it stays surprisingly refreshing. Distinctly Oregonian; a clean, fresh style of Pinot Gris.

This Pinot Gris is zesty and fresh, and pairs amazingly with sushi, ceviche and even richer meals like fish and chips! It is also beautiful with white meats, such as chicken and turkey.

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

Full & Bold

Heirloom Vineyards was conceived in vintage 2000, when a young winemaking student caught the eye of a silly old wine judge. A love story ensued inspired by two vows: To preserve the best of tradition, the old world of wine and our unique old vineyards and to champion the best clones of each variety planted in the most appropriate sites embracing the principals of organic and biodynamic farming. Seven long vintages of trial and error passed before Heirloom Vineyards could make a wine that was fine enough to pass on to future generations. That is this wine.

This Heirloom Vineyards Shiraz was sourced from hand tended vines, sorted bunch by bunch, naturally open fermented, with gentle pumping over to extract colour, flavour and tannin. Aged in some new but mainly 3 and 4 year old American and French oak barrels for 16 months. Freshly shaved white chocolate tossed through ripe halved and de stoned just-picked plums; also some all-spice, dried orange peel, a tincture of rubbed fresh lavender, and a cap full of red vermouth.

Well suited to grilled meats, anything with pepper or spice, or a particularly simple terrine or pate. It is drawn to Peking Duck..

This product is part of the LCBO Vintages program. It may take approximately 10-14 business days to be delivered.

Fruity & Mineral

Bolzano is located in the middle of a valley basin surrounded by hilly vineyards that grow from 200 meters above sea level up to 1000.

Lagrein, one of the most typical red wine varieties of Alto Adige, thrives on the valley floor around Bolzano with its pronounced diurnal temperature variations. The grape variety produces intensely colored and complex wines. Expect fruity aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry with floral aromas of violets and lilac with typical notes of cocoa and spicy aromas. This is an elegant, juicy and well structured wine. 

Pair this with your next charcuterie board or speck, sausage, meat dishes or game.

This product is part of the LCBO Vintages program. It may take approximately 10-14 business days to be delivered.

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!

Unctuous & Mineral

The Gendron family has lived and worked in Vouvray since the time of Louis XVI. Of Course their winemaking techniques have evolved since then, but fermentations still happen with the utmost patience in their special underground cellars.

The grapes for this wine come from a plot called 'Le Clos Cartaud', a very picturesque vineyard with a beautiful lodge. It's hard not to love Chenin.  On the nose it has vibrant floral notes with hints of ripe white fruits and almonds.  It has a powerful yet elegant structure on the palate with a stoney minerality. 

This is the perfect wine to pair with grilled fish, cheeses and salads.

This product is part of the LCBO Vintages program. It may take approximately 10-14 business days to be delivered.

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.

Aromatic & Flavourful

Proudly family owned, the Borthwick vineyard is an established vineyard situated in Gladstone, the heart of the Wairarapa. Producing quality wine for over a decade, Paddy, an experienced wine maker, has gained a reputation for producing consistently great wines. The twenty seven hectares of vines bordering the Ruamahunga River are growing on stony, free draining, alluvial soils, with a micro climate giving warm daily temperatures, cool nights and low rainfall; perfect conditions for producing distinctive, quality wines.

A wine with great concentration. A fragrant lift of spiced stone fruit, tropical fruits with a hint of dark herb notes. Packed with flavour, a core of ripe nectarine and lemon-lime acidity, finishing with passionfruit, lychee, and black-currant.

A great wine to pair with seafood, spring salads, goat cheese or grilled fish.

This product is part of the LCBO Vintages program. It may take approximately 10-14 business days to be delivered.

Mineral & Fresh

Radford Dale is one of South Africa’s leading independent Wineries. Based on the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch and specializing in producing site-specific, natural wines.  Named by Decanter Magazine as the Best Chenin produced in South Africa, this is one of the greatest representations of how Chenin can and should be made.

The fresh vibrancy of white peach and apple aromas on the nose, hint at the wine’s sophisticated elegance and a touch of cinnamon and adds to its complexity. A generous mid palate of quince, pineapple and a weighty feel reward while the bright acidity refreshes with an interesting tang and persistent clean, mineral finish.

Because of Chenin Blanc’s awesome acidity and inherently sweet fruit flavor, you’ll find it pairs well with foods that have a sweet and sour element. Southeast Asian cuisine or pork chops with apples - also give it a try with grilled or barbecued shrimp!

This product is part of the LCBO Vintages program. It may take approximately 10-14 business days to be delivered.

Full & Bold

Sister’s Run is a serious fun, serious wine. The talented, young winemaker Elena Brooks (of Dandelion Vineyards and Heirloom Vineyards fame) wears steel cap work boots every day of course, but carries a pair of high heels in back of the ute, only for emergencies, like last minute invitations to accept trophies at gala wine show dinners and the like.

The Old Testament vineyard is located in the heart of the Coonawarra. Good colour; it offers a savoury/spicy/leafy trifecta of flavours, with cedar and smooth tannins. All up elegance and finesse. 

Serve with leg of lamb or other rich dishes.

This product is part of the LCBO Vintages program. It may take approximately 10-14 business days to be delivered.

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.

Aromatic & Flavourful

In 1984 Neil Ellis sourced grapes from vineyards not of his own and produced wine in rented cellar space. These grapes were sourced in the Stellenbosch district and meant a lot of nosing around the restrictive quota system prevalent at the time.

Today, the experience and knowledge of the past are applied to modern techniques and technologies for a new generation of winemaking. “Our vision remains to make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest. A pursuit of quality, nothing less.” Neil Ellis

Amica, derived from the Latin Amicus, can be described as a gathering of friends. It tells the story of friends around a table eating good food. Winemaking rules were broken for this barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc. Made through wild fermentation and oaking in old French oak, the results are a complex and textured expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

Expect notes of white florals and fresh herbs, supported by notes of sweet stone fruit, honeysuckle, nectarine, lime and lemongrass. It has a round and creamy mouthfeel on the palate with a flinty minerality and a youthful and vibrant finish.

As suggested by the winery, pair this with Green Thai curry or seared Ahi tuna.

This product is part of the LCBO Vintages program. It may take approximately 10-14 business days to be delivered.

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.

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 hrimp scampi!