The next four-week LCBO sale is upon us, with over 100 wines selling for less than $20 a bottle (and 32 of which are going for less than $12!). With a savings of up to $5 a bottle on a few well-known brands such as Menage a Trois, Santa Rita, Kendall-Jackson and Mondavi, now is the perfect time to stock up for the holidays.
There are some terrific deals to be had this month. Here are five that we think you will find of particular interest.
Bread & Butter Pinot Noir ($15.95, reduced from $18.95)
United States: California Vivino Rating: 3.9
It is just very unusual to find such a good Pinot Noir selling for under $20, and the Bread & Butter has appeared as a Vivino Best Buy between $20 and $40!
Full aromas of red fruit with rich cherry, black cherry and raspberry tastes with oak and cassis in the background.
Medium bodied with a long smooth finish, pair it with grilled salmon dishes.
ABV 13.5%, 7 g/L residual sugar.
Blu Giovello Pinot Grigio ($11.25, reduced from $13.00)
Italy: Friuli Vivino Rating: 3.6
Easy to pick out with its distinctive bright blue bottle, this has more character than a lot of Pinot Grigios selling at higher prices.
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Faintly fruity on the nose followed by tastes of Granny Smith apples, pears and citrus.
Light and crisp, it offers smooth and easy drinking by itself or with a garden salad.
ABV 12.0%, 3 g/L residual sugar.
Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni DOCG ($13.95, reduced from $15.95)
Italy: Tuscany Vivino Rating: 4.1
This is simply a sensational value for a Tuscan wine from the Frescobaldi family, one of the most prestigious producers in the region who have been making wine for over 700 years.
Medium bodied with blackberry and cherry flavours backed by oak and a typical touch of earthiness.
It is dry with a nice mouthfeel and a longish finish with fine tannins.
Let it breathe first and then serve with roast chicken and vegetables.
ABV 13.0%, 5 g/L residual sugar.
Solid Ground Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95, reduced from $17.95)
United States: California Vivino: 4.1
Not as heavy and intense as many California Cabs but with a mélange of flavours including red berries, blueberries, vanilla, spice and hints of chocolate.
The addition of 5% Merlot to the 95% Cabernet Sauvignon really adds smoothness to this easygoing wine with mild tannins and gentle acidity.
A pleasant sipper whilst awaiting a serving of grilled meat dishes.
ABV 13.0%, 6 g/L residual sugar.
Yealands Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough ($14.95, reduced from $16.95)
New Zealand: Marlborough Vivino Rating: 4.0
With an abundance of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs to choose from, the Yealands really stands out both in terms of price and quality.
Expect light colour with a tinge of gold and an aromatic nose.
A really good balance between the hallmark lemon/citrus/grapefruit but with pronounced tropical fruit tastes which takes a bit off the usual acidity for wines from the Marlborough region
Crisp and refreshing, serve it as an aperitif or with grilled fish with lemon.
ABV 12.5%, 5 g/L residual sugar.
Editor’s Note: If you have ever thought of comparing some of these New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs side by side, now is a good time. Three other very good ones are also on sale right now – Riverlore Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough ($13.75); Babich Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95); and Matua Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95).
For the complete list of all wines under $12 and $20 on sale, click here.
For the full list of 25 low sugar/low carb wines on sale, click here.
Don't forget to pick up a copy of our pocket-sized wine guide, What Wines When. For just $20 a copy, it makes a great gift for the wine lover! As part of our Christmas promotion, buy 3 copies and get the fourth free! Makes a great stocking stuffer.