WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20+ wines under/over $20 for the July 18, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20+ wines under/over $20 for the July 18, 2026 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • Summer Smart Buys

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
669531 DOMAINE GASSIER EMBRUNS DE VIOGNIER 2024 LANGUEDOC $19.95
391847 THIERRY DELAUNAY TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 LOIRE $17.95
485656 M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2024 $16.95
36910 COLOMBELLE COLOMBARD/SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 
$12.95
49094 MITRAVELAS WHITE ON GREY MOSCHOFILERO 2025 GREECE $16.95
528786 JANARE FIANO 2025 CAMPANIA $19.95
41445 SIX HATS CHENIN BLANC 2025 SOUTH AFRICA $14.95 
126870 LA MASCOTA CHARDONNAY 2024 ARGENTINA $16.95
51936 HOWARD PARK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 AUSTRALIA $18.95
686675 SPY VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $19.95 
218354 GARCIARÉVALO FINCA TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO 2024 SPAIN $15.95


TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
569962 VANITÁ PRIMITIVO 2025 PUGLIA $17.95
37911 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 CHILE $19.95
38862 VILLA DES ANGES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $14.95 
48908 CHÂTEAU DE PONCIÉ BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES ROUGE 2022 $19.95
12281 CHÂTEAU DE RIBEBON BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR 2020 $17.95
72975 ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP LAKE DOCTOR SHIRAZ 2023 $19.95 
186114 JIP JIP ROCKS SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2023 $17.95
629816 MI TERRUÑO EXPRESIÓN MALBEC 2021 ARGENTINA
$18.95
38491 LA BELLE MARGUERITE RESERVA MALBEC 2023 ARGENTINA $16.95
14081 CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 $16.95

TOP White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================
417774 DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA$33.70
47822 WESTCOTT RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $50
341792 CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 VQA $22
46059 CHARLES BAKER LAUNDRY VINEYARD RIESLING 2024 VQA$34.95
21028 ANSELMANN GEWÜRZTRAMINER SPÄTLESE 2024 PFALZ
$23.95 
121129 SANTADI VILLA SOLAIS VERMENTINO DE SARDEGNA 2024 $21.95
63941 MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 NEW ZEALAND $29.95
41803 AHI KA BLACKMORE GROWER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024  $20.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
49711 LOS CLOP PARAJE ALTAMIRA RESERVA MALBEC 2023 $22.95
41312 EVANS & TATE HULLABALOO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 $20.95
16448 CASTELLO DI RADDA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $23.95 
45139 BACHELDER KIRBY VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2023 VQA $29
50366 CHATEAU ORMES DE PEZ ST. ESTEPHE 2018 BORDEAUX
$52.95
300012 BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019 $64.95
960427 CONDE VALDEMAR GRAN RESERVA 2017 SPAIN $32.95 
642496 BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2018 SPAIN $33.95


ROSE TABLE WINE PARADE [LISTED, BUT NOT TASTED]:
======================
ONTARIO
279117 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2024 VQA $23.95
650655 REDSTONE ROSÉ 2025 VQA $18.95
117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ 2025 VQA $16.95
BULGARIA
43738 PENTAGRAM SYRAH ROSÉ 2025 $18.95
FRANCE
49431 BASTIDE DE LA CISELETTE LOU PIGNA BANDOL ROSÉ 2025 $26.95
225003 E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2025 $23.95 739474 DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL 2025 $21.95
49008 ÉLIZABETH PRESTIGE ROSÉ 2025 $13.95
GREECE
49579 NOEMA ERUPTION ROSÉ 2024 $22.95
NEW ZEALAND
493171 OYSTER BAY ROSÉ 2025 $20.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through July 19...better hurry!! See below for the July 20 - August 16 offers....

W H I T E W I N ES

ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.45 Save $1.50

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD MARLBOROUGH
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
35386 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95, Save $3

RED WINE

DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA
PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO
PGI Korinthia, Greece
48276 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Colchagua Valley, Chile
322586 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN
BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
626325 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $60.95
NOW $56.95 Save $4.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
741769 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

SELLA & MOSCA RISERVA
CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA
DOC, Sardinia, Italy
425488 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00


MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI
CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
288530 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $24.95
NOW $22.5, save $2

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA
IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
943787 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
311258 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

SPARKLING WINES

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, traditional method,
Ontario, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, traditional
method, Ontario, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $27.95 Save $5.00

CHATEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

ROSE WINE

DOMAINE LAFAGE MIRAFLORS ROSÉ
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France
367375 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

******************************************

LIMITED-TIME OFFERS July 20 - Aug 16
Save on these popular wines from July 20 to August 16, 2026:

WHITE WINE

ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Friuli, Italy
707950 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

BOSCHENDAL 1685 CHARDONNAY
WO Western Cape, South Africa
367698 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (M – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE
RESERVE CHENIN BLANC
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa
231282 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

SUSANA BALBO CRIOS TORRONTÉS
Argentina
1834 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95
Save $36 on a case of 12

WINZER KREMS KREMSTAL DAC
GRÜNER VELTLINER
DAC Kremstal, Austria
375022 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $21.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WO Western Cape, South Africa
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

GÉRARD BERTRAND LANGUEDOC
AOP Languedoc, France
413237 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $15.95 Save $3.00

KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S
RUN SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
925453 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
659607 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
590414 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Margaret River, Western Australia
606624 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
282996 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

SMALL GULLY THE FORMULA
ROBERT’S SHIRAZ
South Australia
142935 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

THE BLACK CHOOK
SHIRAZ VIOGNIER
South Australia
66738 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
910430 (D – 8 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Limestone Coast/Clare Valley,
South Australia
744235 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

ZONTE’S FOOTSTEP
CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
396481 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

BORSAO TRES PICOS
GARNACHA
DO Campo de Borja,
Spain
273748 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under/ over $20 for the July 4, 2026 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • "Nothing But Chardonnay"

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================

11947 ROSEWOOD RIESLING VQA 2023 $19.95
51087 POÇAS TONGUE TWISTER VINHO VERDE 2025 $16.95
701094 MAS DES BRESSADES TRADITION BLANC 2024 RHÔNE $19.95
588814 ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO 2024 GREECE $18.95
350124 LE JADE PICPOUL DE PINET 2024 $16.95
49370 FANTINEL BORGO TESIS FRIULANO 2024 $15.95
49371 FILODIVINO SERRA46 VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO 2023 $19.95
49054 PODERE MONTALE I MAREMMANI CHARDONNAY 2024 TUSCANY
$19.95
675421 MULDERBOSCH STEEN OP HOUT CHENIN BLANC 2025 SOUTH AFRICA $16.95
48202 RUSTENBERG WILD FERMENT UNWOODED CHARDONNAY 2024 SOUTH AFRICA $18.45

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================

999946 FARINA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022$19.95
49713 LA POSTA GLORIETA PINOT NOIR 2024 ARGENTINA $17.95 
12998 TENACITY OLD VINE SHIRAZ 2024 AUSTRALIA $19.95
18339 DEEP WOODS EBONY MARGARET RIVER CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2022 $19.95
131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT 2024 $19.95 
49567 JOSEPH JACÔME BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2023 $19.95
14469 CHÂTEAU MAYNE-VIEIL FRONSAC 2019 BORDEAUX $19.95
224915 DOMAINES ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2024 $17.95
49877 CHÂTEAU NOZIÈRES CAHORS 2022 $18.25
50672 EPICURO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2023 PUGLIA $16.95
25399 DUCA DI SARAGNANO GOVERNO ALL'USO 2024 $19.95
470377 CASA DE CAMBRES RESERVA RED 2020 PORTUGAL
$16.95
43854 MARQUÊS DE BORBA COLHEITA RED 2024 $15.95 
51092 MARTINEZ LACUESTA SELECTO CRIANZA 2023 
$19.95
37088 LUIS GURPEGUI 147 ANIVERSARIO TEMPRANILLO 2021
$14.95

TOP White Wines OVER $20 in this release.
=========================================

267856 STRATUS CHARDONNAY 2025 VQA $35.20
51116 TAPI MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $21.95
51935 KACABA JENNIFER'S PINOT GRIS VQA $24.15
119099 VIÑA COBOS FELINO CHARDONNAY 2024 ARGENTINA $21.95 
578864 LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $26.95 
45618 HIDDEN BENCH BÉTON CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $29.95
648451 BLASON DE BOURGOGNE MÂCON-VILLAGES 2023 $21.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
41314 TOMICH HILL HILLTOP PINOT NOIR 2025 AUSTRALIA $21.95
50115 RISKY BUSINESS MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $23.95
49059 GIANNICOLA DI CARLO NOBU1830 RISERVA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO $21.95
576793 DAMILANO MARGHE LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2023 PIEDMONT $21.85 

THE ROSE TABLE WINE PARADE   [not tasted, but listed]
==========================

49073 SANTA JULIA CHIMANGO NATURAL ROSÉ 2025 ARGENTINA
$21.95
388702 THE FOREIGN AFFAIR AMAROSÉ 2025 VQA $19.95 
12841 KONZELMANN LAKEFRONT SERIES CABERNET ROSÉ 2025 VQA
$17.95
42942 REIF IT'S COMPLICATED ROSÉ 2024 VQA $24.95
49430 MAISON MARIGNY BUDDY ROSÉ 2025 LANGUEDOC
$14.95
48979 AUBERT & MATHIEU PALOOZA ROSÉ 2025 LANGUEDOC
$15.95
23757 S DE LA SABLETTE COTEAUX VAROIS-EN-PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 $17.95
701318 DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2025 
$24.65
50140 MARANI SAPERAVI ROSÉ 2024 GEORGIA $15.95
49549 OENOPS APLA ROSÉ 2025 GREECE $19.95 
50316 TORRE ZAMBRA INCASTRO ROSA 2025 ABRUZZO
$19.95
43353 ERADUS SADIE ROSÉ 2025 NEW ZEALAND
$19.95
50311 CASA SANTOS LIMA COLOSSAL RESERVA ROSÉ 2025 PORTUGAL
$13.95
49223 LAN ROSADO RIOJA ROSÉ 2025 $16.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale through July 19, 2026...

WHITE WINES

ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.45 Save $1.50

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD MARLBOROUGH
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
35386 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95, Save $3

RED WINE

DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA
PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO
PGI Korinthia, Greece
48276 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Colchagua Valley, Chile
322586 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN
BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
626325 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $60.95
NOW $56.95 Save $4.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
741769 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

SELLA & MOSCA RISERVA
CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA
DOC, Sardinia, Italy
425488 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00


MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI
CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
288530 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $24.95
NOW $22.5, save $2

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA
IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
943787 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
311258 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

SPARKLING WINES

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, traditional method,
Ontario, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, traditional
method, Ontario, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $27.95 Save $5.00

CHATEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

ROSE WINE

DOMAINE LAFAGE MIRAFLORS ROSÉ
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France
367375 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Week  --- 

Featherstone Estate Winery Blanc de Noirs 2023 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Traditional Method $44.95 -- Limited holdings at the Winery (504 cases of 6 bottles per case). This 100% pinot noir from the Bench was ultimately held on its lees for 24 months before disgorging in March 2026. With competitive pricing by Westcott Brilliant, Cave Spring, Ridgepoint and 2020 sparkling roses, it was within a fighting mood of my bone-dry steely palate, just the way a crémant should taste. Several samplings from just one bottle over time revealed touches of red cherry-berry throughout but without the so-called "Ontario cranberry" pinot noir tart finish. Instead, my palate found a relaxed citrus component towards the end. I tasted this wine over several days using a Champagne stopper to contain the bubbles. With pouring, it seemed as if the mousse would never stop. But it did --  over multiple tastings too. Quite impressive. My wife loved it for its dryness and the fact that this wine is definitely a food wine (try it, as we did, with smoked brisket or pork belly or flank steak). The colouring of the wine is first rate -- just a touch of pinot noir paleness. The winery suggests a cellaring potential of 2 - 4 years but I think it can go on for many years longer (I bought a case of a 2010 VQA sparkling pinot noir that I am still drinking my way through). Residual sugar here is 6.8 g/L, below the usual 9 or 10; 12% ABV; vegan friendly. Rated 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


Featherstone Estate Winery Stone & Vine VQA Ontario 2023 $44.95, 278 cases at the winery -- It's a Bordeaux-style blend, with cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot being equal, about a third each. Everything was vinified separately, and then aged in French oak (for the cabernets) and American oak (for the merlot). Malolactic fermentation was 100% completed. The final blend from the best of individual casks of each varietal was determined by the winemakers -- and then this wine rested an extra year in oak: Stone & Vine is made only in years when the vintage has been exceptionally rewarding. This is a wine driven by black fruit (black currants, blackberries, plums, dark cherries, black pepper) and vanilla-mocha. Merlot contributes the soft cherry and velvet texture that the varietal is known for, while cabernet franc donates vegetal and herbal savouriness, and cabernet sauvignon's black fruit determines the wine's complex finish. It's still tannic but with nuances of smoke and spices. I usually do a double-decant, taste, and then put it in a bottle with a cork for up to a week, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then you will miss out on the evolution of the wine which will be fully mature in a few more years, and should keep even longer. Umami food pairings may probably be best, with cured meats, older cheeses, even vegan mushroom risottos. 2.6 g/L residual sugar; 12.5% ABV; vegan friendly; cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

My 2026 Summerlicious picks...

JULY 3 - 19

1. CHIADO 416-538-1910 www.chiadorestaurant.com $55 Lunch

Salted Cod Quenelles
    piri-piri aioli, chickpea puree, watercress
Grilled Sardines
    roasted peppers, onion confit, salsa verde
Tartare of Salmon
    avocado, cucumber, apple, raspberry vinaigrette
Roasted Quail
    boneless fried cassava, creamy exotic mushroom sauce
Watercress and Arugula Salad
    pickled beets, pear, walnuts, lemon vinaigrette
Bisque
    lobster and shrimp bisque, saffron, cognac

Main Dish

Seared Yellowfin Tuna Steak
    anchovy, black olive, capers salsa
Pan Seared Skate Fish
    lemon spinach risotto, tomato jalapeno confit
Grilled Filet of Atlantic Salmon
    crusted with fresh herbs, plum chutney
Salted Cod a Braz
    classical stir fry with thin fries, onion confit, parsley
Muscovy Duck Leg Confit madeira wine citrus jus
Risotto of Seasonal Vegetables

Dessert
Dark Chocolate Cherry Tart
Lemon Cake served with rose sabayon
Crème Caramel (Flan)
    citrus infused, blackcurrant coulis
Molotof  meringue of egg whites, crème anglaise

2. JUMP 18 Wellington St W   416-363-3400    www.jumprestaurant.com $41 Lunch

Appetizer
Wild & Tame Mushroom Soup
    assorted mushrooms, truffle gastrique, chives
Chopped Salad
    summer greens, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, chickpeas, olives, bocconcini, lemon vinaigrette
Fig & Prosciutto Crostini
    roasted figs, prosciutto, goat cheese
BBQ Pulled Pork Empanada
    bbq pulled pork, pickled cabbage slaw, jalapeño

Main Dish

Chicken Caprese Panino
    fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto, garlic aïoli, ciabatta, Jump fries
Miso Glazed Atlantic Salmon
    snap pea salad, shiitake mushrooms, new potatoes, miso & lime dressing

Steak Salad ‘Tagliata’
    3 oz sliced flatiron, arugula, cipollini onions, cured tomato, fingerling potatoes, salsa verde
Sungold Tomato & Zucchini Bucatini
    summer squash, cherry tomatoes, fennel, basil, pecorino romano

Dessert
Thai Sticky Rice Pudding
    mango, coconut, toasted sesame, mint
Strawberry Cream Cake

3. CECI BAR $34 Lunch  33 Yonge St        437-253-1613 cecibar.com
    Cuisines: Argentinian,  Brazilian, Mexican
     
Ceci Toast
    sourdough, half guacamole, half tomato, pico de gallo, pickled vegetables

Creamy Tortilla Soup
    roasted tomatoes, cilantro crema, tortilla chips
Street Corn Salad
    grilled corn, shredded lettuce, lime aïoli, pico de gallo, tajín, white cheese

Patatas Bravas
    bravas aïoli, parmigiano-reggiano, pickled vegetables

Main Dish

Tuna Bowl
    sushi rice, grilled pineapple, edamame, carrots, chipotle mayo, tortilla chips

Chicken Caesar Salad
    romaine, grilled adobo chicken, Caesar dressing, parmigiano-reggiano

Cubano Sandwich
    pork carnitas, smoked ham, swiss cheese, mustard, pickled vegetables, fries

Al Pastor Skewers
    pork shoulder, fried rice, grilled pineapple, ginger, edamame (substitute tofu for vegetarian option)

Dessert

Margarita Panna Cotta
    lemon, tequila syrup, strawberry compote
Cherry Crumble Cake
    streusel, coconut lime whipped cream
Chocolate Gelato
    cookie crumble 
    macerated strawberries, vanilla sponge, whipped cream
Flourless Chocolate Cake
    raspberry coulis, candied almonds

4. BOSK $48 Lunch    188 Unversity [Shangri-la Hotel]   647-788-8281
     www.shangri-la.com
Genovese Salad 
    Hoogenboom Family Farms baby romaine hearts, basil pesto, dressing, lemon braised Thompson Farms new potatoes, green beans, puffed farrow, pine nuts

Veal Carpaccio
    Grass fed veal tenderloin, anchovy emulsion, caper berries, haven greens rocket leaf, house made focaccia

Zucchini & Salted Ricotta
    Variegated summer squash, zucchini blossoms, spiced sunflower seeds, ricotta salata, mint

Main Dish
Sweet Corn Agnolotti
    Charred Ontario corn, potato and mascarpone stuffed pasta, preserved chili, puffed sorghum, pickled pearl onions

Chicken Supreme
    Roasted Halal chicken breast, spinach and ricotta dumplings, peperonata, charred eggplant, salmoriglio

Baccala Fritti
    Citrus cured Ontario pickerel, Hewitt's Dairy buttermilk dressing, trout roe, watercress, tarragon, potato pavé

Dessert
Strawberry Rhubarb Tart
    Rhubarb cremieux, Ontario strawberries, vanilla mascarpone ganache
Spumoni Mousse Torte
    Pistachio crumble, amarena cherries
Sorbetto
    Mango pineapple, blueberry and black tea

5. MILAGRO CANTINA  5 Mercer St $34 Lunch milagrorestaurant.com  416-850-2855

Gazpacho a la Mexicana
    Chilled vine ripened tomato & jalapeño soup with chopped cucumbers, sweet peppers, pasilla chili oil

Tostada de Aguachile Verde
    BC snapper crudo, lime-cilantro marinade, chiles güeros, red onions, crunchy anchos, avocado

Ensalada de Verano
    Fresh summer salad prepared with green mango, red cabbage, and jalapeños with tangy serrano chili & agave vinaigrette

Main Dish

Tacos de Camarones a la Talla
    Shrimp sautéed in a zesty achiote & three chili adobo on flour tortillas, served with guajillo crema and pineapple-jalapeño slaw

Tacos de Costilla al Tamarindo
    Slow braised beef in tamarind & ancho chili on corn tortillas, served with grilled pineapple-jalapeño salsa

Tacos de Cochinita en Recado Negro
    Slow braised pulled pork in black achiote & citrus marinade on corn tortillas, served with refritos and pickled habanero shallots

Dessert
Arroz con Leche al Caramelo
    Rice pudding with buttered raisins and burnt caramel sauce

Mousse de la Abuela
    Crème fraiche, Mexican chocolate, and a touch of smoky morita chili

Pastel 'Tres Leches'
    Classic Mexican vanilla sponge cake drowned in chilled ‘three milks’ sauce
 

6. HOTEL OCHO 195 Spadina Ave 416-593-0885
    www.hotelocho.com  $27 Lunch

Smoked Salmon Dip
    with garlic pita bread

Spinach & Feta Frittata
    with whipped feta and confit tomatoes

Caprese Salad
    with arugula, pesto and balsamic glaze

Ocho BLT
    with mixed greens salad and home fries
Baked Eggplant
    with whipped ricotta and caponata

Spaghetti Carbonara
    with pancetta and fried egg yolk

Dessert

Melon Kebob
    with chocolate syrup dip

Brigadeiros & Beijinhos
    3 pieces, assorted - chocolate with sprinkles and coconut with coconut flakes

Gelato
    two scoops, choice of vanilla or chocolate

7. Wok Theory $27 Lunch 530 Dundas 416-979-2480 www.woktheory.com

Classic Dim Sum Sampler 1

    Supreme Shrimp Dumpling ("Har Gow"), Pork and Shrimp Dumpling ("Siu Mai"), Shrimp and Chive Dumpling

Classic Dim Sum Sampler 2

    Crispy Shrimp Roll, Pan Fried Shrimp and Chive Patty, Deep Fried Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Chicken

Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup

Main Dish

Classic Mapo Tofu with Minced Pork
    Served with Steamed Rice

HK Style "Dai Pai Dong" Brunch
    Soy Sauce Chow Mein and Street-Style Steamed Rice Rolls

Pepper Salt Pork Chops
    Served with Egg Fried Rice

Dessert

Classic Mango Pudding with Cream

Sweet Custard Bao Pair
    One Matcha Custard Bun, One Golden Custard Bun
Ice Cream of the Day
    Served with Glutinous Sesame Ball with a Salted Egg Yolk Filling

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under/ over $20 for the June 20, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/ over $20 for the June 20, 2026 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEMES • Beyond Chardonnay;  Wines of Provence

SPARKLING WINE
14421 FLAT ROCK TWISTED SPARKLING VQA 2023 $19.95
25070 CAVE DE BEBLENHEIM CREMANT D'ALSACE BRUT BLANC DE NOIRS $22.95
51188 ZARDETTO Z EXTRA DRY PROSECCO $19.95

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
41073 MARKUS WALDSCHÜTZ STRASS GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2024 $18
67587 MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING VQA 2023 $19.95
673236 LAURENT MIQUEL NORD SUD VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC 2024 $16.95
499509 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2024 $15.95
228528 MICHELE CHIARLO LE MARNE GAVI PIEDMONT 2024 $19.95
49062 GORGHI TONDI MAREMEO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $18.95
44319 SANTA MARIA LEPIGA SOAVE 2024 $16.95
50782 STONE BAY MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $17.95
48067 STONELEIGH WILD VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2025 $19.95
50928 VIDIGUEIRA ANTÃO VAZ PORTUGAL 2024 $16.95
461327 BERONIA RUEDA VERDEJO SPAIN 2025 $15.95

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
47896 NESTOR AVARINÓ CABERNET SAUVIGNON/AGIORGITIKO/GRENACHE GREECE $15.95
51043 FALUA SMUGGLERIST TINTO 2023 $14.95
132597 ESCONDIDO TEMPRANILLO 2021 $18.95
50929 LAGAR DE BURMESTER RESERVA RED 2022 PORTUGAL $16.95

TOP White Wines OVER  $20 in this release.
=========================================
139964 CATENA ALTA CHARDONNAY 2023 ARGENTINA $39.95
68825 HIDDEN BENCH ROSOMEL VINEYARD FUMÉ BLANC 2024  VQA $29.95
149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2024 VQA $24.95
958462 TRIMBACH GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2020 ALSACE $37.95
49864 SOHLER & FILS ALSACE RIESLING 2023 $24.95
140889 DONATIEN BAHUAUD LES GRANDS MORTIERS VOUVRAY 2024 $22.95
22851 LOVEBLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $24.95
9142 BABICH BLACK LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 NEW ZEALAND $21.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
84996 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 $44.95
51802 KEINT-HE GREER ROAD SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2023 VQA $49.95
301424 CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA PINOT NOIR 2022 CHILE $22.95
384271 CHÂTEAU MAGNOL HAUT-MÉDOC 2023 $27.95
211599 LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $22.95
313726 SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA CRIANZA 2019 SPAIN $29.95
338863 VALSERRANO CRIANZA 2020 SPAIN $23.95

ROSE TABLE WINE

32902 DOMAINE QUEYLUS ROSÉ VQA 2025 $24.95
43598 STRATUS CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA 2025 $32.20
51800 WENDING HOME ROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
53421 FIELDING ROSÉ VQA 2025 $17.95
37664 VAL SOLEU ORGANIC ROSÉ 2025 $16.95
49422 VINCENT GÉRARD COTEAUX D'AIX-EN-PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 $17.95
48978 CHÂTEAU PARADIS ESSENCIEL AIX-EN-PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 $17.95
49037 GASSIER CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 $22.95
49553 APOSTOLOS THYMIOPOULOS ROSÉ DE XINOMAVRO 2024 GREECE $22.50
21608 UMBERTO CESARI COSTA DI ROSE ROSÉ 2024 $20.95
25752 SANTA MARGHERITA ROSÉ 2025 $19.95
49380 RAPAURA RESERVE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2025 $19.95
43396 MAN HANEKRAAI ROSÉ 2025 SOUTH AFRICA $14.95
603795 MUGA ROSÉ 2025 SPAIN $17.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Here are some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value wines...on sale through
June 21, 2026...better hurry!! [more to come, see below]

WHITE WINES and Rose

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay,
East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto Adige, Italy, sustainable
687558 (XD – 2 g/L) 375 ml $11.95
NOW $10.95 Save $1.00

THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER’S
BLEND RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
24133 (D – 16 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY
BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY
AC, Burgundy, France
382879 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95, save $3

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto
Adige, Italy, sustainable
106450 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95, save $2

WILLM RESERVE PINOT GRIS
AC Alsace, France
42495 (XD – 8 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
919514 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS
SAINT ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WO Western Cape, South Africa
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA
CONCHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Puente Alto, Chile
337238 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

LUCKETT THE OLD BILL RED BLEND
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia
49656 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

LUIGI BOSCA INSIGNA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
452672 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ZOVO SA’ SOLIN
VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
650713 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

PÉREZ CRUZ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Maipo Valley, Chile
694208 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA
CASTEL DEL MONTE
DOCG, Puglia, Italy
177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

TESSELLAE OLD VINES
GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE
AP Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France
343517 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.00

TRIUS RED ‘THE ICON’
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
303800 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER
CÔTE CHALONNAISE PINOT NOIR
AC, Burgundy, France
28284 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00


*****************************************
LCBO LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines from June 22 to July 19, 2026

WHITE WINES

ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
IGT Veneto, Italy
948158 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
286377 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE
DOP, Abruzzo, Italy
573683 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

FIELDING UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
164491 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $15.45 Save $1.50

FLAT ROCK TWISTED WHITE
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, sustainable
1578 (D – 15 g/L) 750 ml $18.95
NOW $16.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY CHARDONNAY
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
326728 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO
DO Rías Baixas, Spain
350041 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
424507 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $29.95 Save $2.00

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA
DOC, Veneto, Italy
707158 (XD – 7 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

RED WINE

DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA
PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO
PGI Korinthia, Greece
48276 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

G. MARQUIS THE SILVER LINE PINOT NOIR 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
258673 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MALIVOIRE GAMAY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
591313 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Colchagua Valley, Chile
322586 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN
BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
626325 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $60.95
NOW $56.95 Save $4.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
741769 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

SELLA & MOSCA RISERVA
CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA
DOC, Sardinia, Italy
425488 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

KIM CRAWFORD MARLBOROUGH
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
35386 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $18.95, Save $3

MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI
CLASSICO DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
288530 (XD – 3 g/L)
750 ml REG. $24.95
NOW $22.5, save $2

VILLA ANTINORI TOSCANA
IGT, Tuscany, Italy
53876 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $25.95 Save $2.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SHIRAZ
Clare Valley, South Australia
943787 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
311258 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

SPARKLING WINES

13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, traditional method,
Ontario, sustainable, vegan
147504 (XD – 9 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara Escarpment, traditional
method, Ontario, sustainable, vegan
213983 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $27.95 Save $5.00

CHATEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
traditional method
224766 (D – 10 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

ROSE WINE

DOMAINE LAFAGE MIRAFLORS ROSÉ
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France
367375 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season --- 

REPORT ON PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE DOC TASTING:

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 13 6:30 to 9:30 PM
The Event: An evening of Pinot Grigio in Toronto on Pinot Grigio day. 
The Venue: Paris, Paris on Ossington
The Target Audience: influencers and a few wine writers, wine trade people.
The Availability/Catalogue: uncertain, no price lists were distributed for the 80 or so wines {all Pinot Grigio}
The Quote/Background: We were served Pinot Grigio in a variety of forms, but here the main form was also one area: Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie -- co-hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto. 45 wineries were presented, about 2/3 from the Lowland areas and the balance from a higher altitude. Some of these wineries were La Marca, Allegrini, Borga, Botter, Tommasi, Asolani, Farina, Ecco Domani, Villa Sandi, Pasqua, Cavit -- wineries with agency representation for Ontario's LCBO.
Most of the wines were still, and this made them versatile and easy-drinking, with a freshness and minerality; some were dated 2025 already (e.g. Monte Tondo, Bosco dei Cirmioli). Overall, a whopping 82% of Italian production of Pinot Grigio is in the Delle Venezie area -- and 42% of Pinot Grigio plantings world-wide are in Italy. Overall 218 million bottles are exported: 96% of the total vintage. Pinot Grigio is officially permitted to be produced in four distinct styles: Frizzante (light semi-sparkling), Spumante (sparkling Charmat), Fermo (still and the most popular), and Ramato (pinkish gray skin-contact).

The Wines: I confined myself mostly to the sparkling wines. All the wines here were from the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie grapes.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adele DOP 2023 Brut Nature
-Enotria Viajo NV
-Sessantacampi 2024 Extra Brut
-Casaforte 2024
-Bella Sera 2024
-Cantina de Gambellara 2024
-S.Osvaldo 2024
-Con

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Monte Tondo 2025
-Bosco dei Cirmioli 2025
-Ponte Brut Borgo Molino Ciari 2025
-Conviriale 2024
-Astoria Alisia 2025
-Rose Ramato 2025

The Food: I did not stay the whole evening, but there appeared to be a steady flow of plattered food coming at me -- such as skewered cooked meats, deep fried fish balls, empanadas with cheese, caviar fish eggs on biscuit.
The Downside: it was a social event evening after a difficult day dealing with a lot of people.
The Upside: a chance to taste a full range of one varietal.
The Contact Person: info@dellevenezie.it; b.marassi@ice.it
The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

REPORT ON PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE DOC TASTING:

REPORT ON PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE DOC TASTING:

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 13 6:30 to 9:30 PM
The Event: An evening of Pinot Grigio in Toronto on Pinot Grigio day. 
The Venue: Paris, Paris on Ossington
The Target Audience: influencers and a few wine writers, wine trade people.
The Availability/Catalogue: uncertain, no price lists were distributed for the 80 or so wines {all Pinot Grigio}
The Quote/Background: We were served Pinot Grigio in a variety of forms, but here the main form was also one area: Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie -- co-hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto. 45 wineries were presented, about 2/3 from the Lowland areas and the balance from a higher altitude. Some of these wineries were La Marca, Allegrini, Borga, Botter, Tommasi, Asolani, Farina, Ecco Domani, Villa Sandi, Pasqua, Cavit -- wineries with agency representation for Ontario's LCBO.
Most of the wines were still, and this made them versatile and easy-drinking, with a freshness and minerality; some were dated 2025 already (e.g. Monte Tondo, Bosco dei Cirmioli). Overall, a whopping 82% of Italian production of Pinot Grigio is in the Delle Venezie area -- and 42% of Pinot Grigio plantings world-wide are in Italy. Overall 218 million bottles are exported: 96% of the total vintage. Pinot Grigio is officially permitted to be produced in four distinct styles: Frizzante (light semi-sparkling), Spumante (sparkling Charmat), Fermo (still and the most popular), and Ramato (pinkish gray skin-contact).

The Wines: I confined myself mostly to the sparkling wines. All the wines here were from the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie grapes.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adele DOP 2023 Brut Nature
-Enotria Viajo NV
-Sessantacampi 2024 Extra Brut
-Casaforte 2024
-Bella Sera 2024
-Cantina de Gambellara 2024
-S.Osvaldo 2024
-Con

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Monte Tondo 2025
-Bosco dei Cirmioli 2025
-Ponte Brut Borgo Molino Ciari 2025
-Conviriale 2024
-Astoria Alisia 2025
-Rose Ramato 2025

The Food: I did not stay the whole evening, but there appeared to be a steady flow of plattered food coming at me -- such as skewered cooked meats, deep fried fish balls, empanadas with cheese, caviar fish eggs on biscuit.
The Downside: it was a social event evening after a difficult day dealing with a lot of people.
The Upside: a chance to taste a full range of one varietal.
The Contact Person: info@dellevenezie.it; b.marassi@ice.it
The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under/ over $20 for the June 6, 2026 release

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/ over $20 for the June 6, 2026 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • Chilled Reds

TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
89011 FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2025 $17.95 
40441 MICHALAKIS ASSYRTIKO 2024 $17.95
222802 SAN FELICE VERMENTINO 2024 $18.95
933424 MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2025 $16.95 
51024 F'OZ ESCOLHA VINHO VERDE 2023 $14.95
224642 JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT BLANC ALSACE 2024 $17.95 
25810 JULES LEBÈGUE GRAVES 2024 $17.95

TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
683201 WAKEFIELD ESTATE MERLOT 2025 $19.95
37937 MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR 2023 $16.95 
48197 BISQUERTT CRAZY ROWS CINSAULT 2024 $16.95 
57513 TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2023 $19.95
426247 CHÂTEAU LES TOURELLES BORDEAUX 2020 $18.95
12990 CHÂTEAU CAMPLONG GRANDE RÉSERVE CORBIÈRES 2024 $14.95
47897 CAVINO HISTOROOTS XINOMAVRO GREECE 2023 $15.95 
269985 ILLUMINATI RIPAROSSO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 $17.95 
50813 MONTE SCHIAVO MARZAIOLA LACRIMA DI MORRO D'ALBA 2024 $17.95
20711 MONSARAZ RESERVA PORTUGAL 2023 $17.95
37517 LUIS MARIN OLD VINE AMETHYST EDITION GARNACHA CRIANZA 2023 $16.95
574624 FLAVIUM SELECCIÓN MENCÍA 2023 $14.95


TOP White Wines OVER  $20 in this release.
=========================================
48973 NUITON-BEAUNOY CÔTES DE OR BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2023 $29.95
556340 LA CHABLISIENNE LE FINAGE CHABLIS 2024 $37.95 
82255 ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE 2024 $42.95 
43622 BACK 10 START FROM SCRATCH CHARDONNAY VQA 2023  $28.95

TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================
46463 REDSTONE REDSTONE SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC VQA 2022 $40.95
51246 THE ORGANIZED CRIME SACRILEGE RED VQA 2023 $24.95
427500 WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR VQA 2023 $33.95 
203364 ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 $23.95
11359 CHÂTEAU DES CAPITANS JULIÉNAS 2022 $26.95 
285601 MARCHAND-TAWSE CÔTE D'OR BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2022 $48.95 
50571 GORGHI TONDI DUMÈ FRAPPATO 2025 $22.95
977629 MAZZEI FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 $24.95
32536 TEZZA VALPANTENA ORGANIC AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2020 $59.95 
49820 ALTOS DE RIOJA ALTOS R CRIANZA 2021 $25.95
558916 GARZÓN RESERVA TANNAT URUGUAY 2023 $23.95

ROSE TABLE WINE [RECOMMENDED]
===============
51245 ROSEWOOD FLORA ROSÉ VQA 2024 $19.95
498535 MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ VQA 2025 $23.95
38227 WESTCOTT PINOT NOIR ROSÉ VQA 2025 $22.95
45075 TAWSE GROWERS BLEND ROSÉ VQA 2025 $18.95 
177840 PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ VQA 2024 $16.95
37403 TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA 150 ANNIVERSARY ROSÉ CHILE 2024 $16.95
719062 FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2025 $16.95
39595 KIR-YIANNI XINOMAVRO ROSÉ 2025 $19.95
50387 BRILLA PINOT GRIGIO ROSATO 2025 $19.95
49815 EL GORU ROSADO GARNACHA ROSÉ 2025 $14.95 
15265 BODEGA GARZÓN ESTATE PINOT ROSÉ DE CORTE URUGUAY 2025 $19.95

SPARKLING WINES [RECOMMENDED]
===============

234161 JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING VQA 2018 $34.95
105353 CA' DEL BOSCO CUVÉE PRESTIGE FRANCIACORTA $46.95
556654 KRONE BOREALIS VINTAGE CUVÉE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT SPARKLING SOUTH AFRICA $22.95
385088 JUVE Y CAMPS PINOT NOIR BRUT ROSÉ CAVA $26.95 


LCBO LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines through to June 21, 2026...

WHITE WINES and Rose

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay,
East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto Adige, Italy, sustainable
687558 (XD – 2 g/L) 375 ml $11.95
NOW $10.95 Save $1.00

THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER’S
BLEND RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
24133 (D – 16 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY
BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY
AC, Burgundy, France
382879 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95, save $3

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto
Adige, Italy, sustainable
106450 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95, save $2

WILLM RESERVE PINOT GRIS
AC Alsace, France
42495 (XD – 8 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
919514 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS
SAINT ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WO Western Cape, South Africa
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA
CONCHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Puente Alto, Chile
337238 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

LUCKETT THE OLD BILL RED BLEND
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia
49656 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

LUIGI BOSCA INSIGNA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
452672 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ZOVO SA’ SOLIN
VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
650713 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

PÉREZ CRUZ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Maipo Valley, Chile
694208 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA
CASTEL DEL MONTE
DOCG, Puglia, Italy
177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

TESSELLAE OLD VINES
GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE
AP Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France
343517 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.00

TRIUS RED ‘THE ICON’
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
303800 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER
CÔTE CHALONNAISE PINOT NOIR
AC, Burgundy, France
28284 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


Some recent wine tasting notes -- 

REPORT ON PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE DOC TASTING:

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 13 6:30 to 9:30 PM
The Event: An evening of Pinot Grigio in Toronto on Pinot Grigio day. 
The Venue: Paris, Paris on Ossington
The Target Audience: influencers and a few wine writers, wine trade people.
The Availability/Catalogue: uncertain, no price lists were distributed for the 80 or so wines {all Pinot Grigio}
The Quote/Background: We were served Pinot Grigio in a variety of forms, but here the main form was also one area: Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie -- co-hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto. 45 wineries were presented, about 2/3 from the Lowland areas and the balance from a higher altitude. Some of these wineries were La Marca, Allegrini, Borga, Botter, Tommasi, Asolani, Farina, Ecco Domani, Villa Sandi, Pasqua, Cavit -- wineries with agency representation for Ontario's LCBO.
Most of the wines were still, and this made them versatile and easy-drinking, with a freshness and minerality; some were dated 2025 already (e.g. Monte Tondo, Bosco dei Cirmioli). Overall, a whopping 82% of Italian production of Pinot Grigio is in the Delle Venezie area -- and 42% of Pinot Grigio plantings world-wide are in Italy. Overall 218 million bottles are exported: 96% of the total vintage. Pinot Grigio is officially permitted to be produced in four distinct styles: Frizzante (light semi-sparkling), Spumante (sparkling Charmat), Fermo (still and the most popular), and Ramato (pinkish gray skin-contact).

The Wines: I confined myself mostly to the sparkling wines. All the wines here were from the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie grapes.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adele DOP 2023 Brut Nature
-Enotria Viajo NV
-Sessantacampi 2024 Extra Brut
-Casaforte 2024
-Bella Sera 2024
-Cantina de Gambellara 2024
-S.Osvaldo 2024
-Con

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Monte Tondo 2025
-Bosco dei Cirmioli 2025
-Ponte Brut Borgo Molino Ciari 2025
-Conviriale 2024
-Astoria Alisia 2025
-Rose Ramato 2025

The Food: I did not stay the whole evening, but there appeared to be a steady flow of plattered food coming at me -- such as skewered cooked meats, deep fried fish balls, empanadas with cheese, caviar fish eggs on biscuit.
The Downside: it was a social event evening after a difficult day dealing with a lot of people.
The Upside: a chance to taste a full range of one varietal.
The Contact Person: info@dellevenezie.it; b.marassi@ice.it
The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

LCBO LTOs

LCBO LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these wines through to June 21, 2026...

WHITE WINES and Rose

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay,
East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto Adige, Italy, sustainable
687558 (XD – 2 g/L) 375 ml $11.95
NOW $10.95 Save $1.00

THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER’S
BLEND RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
24133 (D – 16 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY
BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY
AC, Burgundy, France
382879 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95, save $3

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto
Adige, Italy, sustainable
106450 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95, save $2

WILLM RESERVE PINOT GRIS
AC Alsace, France
42495 (XD – 8 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
919514 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS
SAINT ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WO Western Cape, South Africa
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA
CONCHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Puente Alto, Chile
337238 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

LUCKETT THE OLD BILL RED BLEND
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia
49656 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

LUIGI BOSCA INSIGNA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
452672 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ZOVO SA’ SOLIN
VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
650713 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

PÉREZ CRUZ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Maipo Valley, Chile
694208 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA
CASTEL DEL MONTE
DOCG, Puglia, Italy
177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

TESSELLAE OLD VINES
GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE
AP Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France
343517 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.00

TRIUS RED ‘THE ICON’
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
303800 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER
CÔTE CHALONNAISE PINOT NOIR
AC, Burgundy, France
28284 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Grand Wine Tasting April 29, 2026

The Date and Time: Wednesday April 29, 2026, 1PM to 5PM
The Event: Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Grand Wine Tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand
The Target Audience: hospitality and trade
The Availability/Catalogue: as with many trade fairs now, one needed a smart phone to access label data and prices and availability. 
The Quote/Background: From 1987, Gambero Rosso has published a guide to Italian wine titled Vini d'Italia, which in a short time became the most influential wine publication within Italy. It is also published in English translation under the title Italian Wines.  The Gambero Rosso wine ratings in Vini d’Italia are built up on the number of glasses (bicchieri) awarded to a wine, which is indicated in the wine guide with a number of stylized glasses next to the wine's name. 
The highest rating is three glasses (Tre Bicchieri) and the wine guide only includes wines which are seen by the editors as "above average". The ratings are based upon blind tastings by independent experts. The guide is edited in Italian, English and German. The scheme of three glasses (extraordinary wine), two glasses (very good wine), and one glass (good wine) corresponds to one star, two stars, three stars, or, in words: GOOD, BETTER and BEST. 
The Wines: I could not taste them all. Some fave wines I sampled right away included Monviert Friulano Collio DOC 2024, and Monviert Cabernet Franc 2022. Other major wineries that day included Arnaldo Caprai (Umbria), Bertani (Veneto), Bortolomiol (Veneto), Castello di Gabbiano (Tuscany), Coppi (Apulia), Cusumano (Sicily), Marchesi Frescobaldi (Tuscany), Umani Ronchi, Sorelle Bronca (Veneto), Spinelli (Abruzzo) -- as well as producers of sparkler Franciacorta and Fongaro Spumanti (Veneto). 

Some other wines I enjoyed at the trade show included Conti Zecca (Puglia) who had included a full range of Aglianico, Negroamaro, Primitivo, Chardonnay Malvasia, and Fiano. These were rapidly followed by Pietramara Etichetta Bianca Fiano de Avellino Riserva 2025, Terrantica Greco di Tufo DOCG Riserva (both red and white), and Terzotratto Taurasi DOCG Riserva.

Fongaro Spumanti seem to have led the way with its half dozen sparklers made with all Durella grapes. And various labels were made with a variety of aging on lees. Bianca Vigna makes 14 different proseccos, and even a grappa di prosecco. Another major sparkler producer at the showmincluded Montina with its range of some eight Franciacorta sparklers -- Brut, Extra Brut, Rose Demi-Sec, Rose Extra Brut, Saten, Millesimato Brut, Dosage Zero, and Riserva Quor Nature (mostly Chardonnay). And as you can read in my notes, I was concentrating on sparkling wines. 

I was impressed with the following wines:
-Sorelle Bronca Particella 68 Sparkler
-Sorelle Bronca Particella 232 Extra Brut
-Sorelle Bronca Particella 181 Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Difetto Sui Lieviti Brut Nature Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Rosecco Treviso Brut Rose
-Monviert Ribolla Gialla Fruili Colli Orientali 2022
-Monviert Chardonnay Friuli Colli Orientali
-Monviert Pinot Grigio Friuli Colli Orientali
-Monviert Sauvignon Blanc Friuli Colli Orientali 
-Tenuta del Meriggio Campania Falanghina IGT
-Tenuta del Meriggio Irpinia Coda di Volpe 
-Tenuta del Meriggio Fiano di Avellino
-Tenuta del Meriggio Greco di Tufo
-Tenuta del Meriggio Irpinia Aglianico
-Tenuta del Meriggio Irpinia Campi Taurasini
-Tenuta del Meriggio Taurasi Riserva Colle Dei Cerasi
-Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2016
-Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut Millesimato Rive di Col San Martino 70th Anniversary
-Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Ius Naturae Brut Millesimato Organic
-Bortolomiol Riserva del Governatore Extra Brut Millesimato Pinot Nero
-Bortolomiol Il Mormoro Cabernet DOC Piave

The Food: cheeses-- gorgonzola, pecorino di tartufo, asiago, caciotta taleggio, all followed by a meat platter of prosciutto, salamis, dried sausages, and ventricina piccante, capocollo, et al, along with breads, biscuits, crackers, breadsticks, angioletti dolci, olives, plus cannellini bean puree. Other accompaniments were caponata. And even Pizza Nova arrived...
46 stands of wineries showed some of the 300 wines included.
The Downside: the masterclass (Taste of Lombardy-- Regione Lombardia) was sold out on Wednesday as well as the Consorzo Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo.
The Upside: enough room to walk around and visit and to re-visit stands.
The Contact Person: silvestri@sogood.it
The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: 20 wines under/ over $20 for the MAY 23, 2026 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  20 wines under/ over $20 for the MAY 23, 2026 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, wine writer since 1968 and owner of Gothic Epicures Writing --- deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to individual wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes (below) for TOP wines available through the LCBO Vintages New Releases (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor -- no winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publications. Not all wines are available in every LCBO store.

What is a TOP wine? Terrific-Occasional-Personal--- A TOP wine can be expressed as 88+ points, or Silver/Gold Medal, or described as BETTER/BEST, or 4/5 ****/***** Stars (out of?) and other such categories [in the 1950s such categories were titled "dandy, so-so, punk and lousy"]. My evaluations are a combined MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Rhone wine should taste like Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price). 

THEME • Summer-Worthy Wines

ROSE TABLE WINE [Recommended]

49069 SALENTEIN PORTILLO ROSE ARGENTINA 2025 $15.95 
39974 FLAT ROCK PINK TWISTED ROSÉ VQA 2025 $17.95
32401 BAGLIETTI NO.1 ORGANIC ROSÉ 2025 720B 12 $15.95


TOP White Wines UNDER $20 in this release.
=========================================
25641 MIGUEL TORRES ÁNDICA RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2024 $17.95
49053 COLLAVINI SINGLE VINEYARD SIGNATURE COLLECTION PINOT GRIGIO $16.95
48105 AMATO SICILIA CATARRATO SICILY 2024 $16.95
48064 ANT MOORE A+ SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2024 $17.95
14199 INVIVO MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 $19.95
50358 CLUSTER FLOCK VERDEJO/SAUVIGNON BLANC/CHARDONNAY 2025 $17.95
14028 CUATRO RAYAS VENDEMIO NOCTURNA VERDEJO 2024 $14.95
166942 WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2024 $18.95
31534 DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER AUSTRIA 2024 $19.95


TOP Red Wines UNDER $20 for this release.
========================================
47899 PANAGIOTOPOULOS FACES (PROSOPA) CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT GREECE $17.95
606764 ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2023 $19.95
488015 QUINTA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO 2022 $14.95
49900 FINCA IRAL SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2023 $16.95
41874 BIRD IN HAND TWO IN THE BUSH SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2024 $19.95
49332 DOMAINE DE BOURRAN CÔTES DU DURAS 2024 $15.95
39275 FEATHERSTONE GAMAY NOIR VQA 2022 $18.95
41734 PARAJES DEL VALLE ECOLÓGICO MONASTRELL 2024 $18.95
10121 DUCA DI SARAGNANO SIR PASSO 2024 $18.95


TOP White Wines OVER  $20 in this release.
=========================================
47916 WINES OF ADAM F&F MALAGOUZIA 2024 $24.95
46295 WENDING HOME ESTATE VINEYARD EARTH SERIES SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA $27.95 
50671 CHATEAU DE MALIGNY CHABLIS 2024 $39.95
42444 HUBERT BROCHARD SANCERRE 2024 $39.95
48892 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL CÔTES $34.95
49286 CANTINA TRAMIN T CUVÉE BIANCO 2024 $20.95 
974527 VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 $21.95
25231 ADEGA DE PENALVA MACERAÇÃO PELICULAR PORTUGAL 2023 $21.95
48204 LUBANZI ORANGE IS SKIN CONTACT CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2024 $29.95
47863 JOSÉ PARIENTE SAUVIGNON BLANC SPAIN 2024 $24.95


TOP Red Wines OVER $20 for this release.
=======================================

22977 DOMAINE QUEYLUS RÉSERVE DU DOMAINE PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $50.70
38093 VIGNERONS DE BEL-AIR BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2024 $29.95
28574 E. GUIGAL CROZES-HERMITAGE 2021 $45.95
48884 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 $32.95
48021 COS TERRE SICILIANE ORGANIC FRAPPATO 2024 $36.95
121731 LUCIANO ARDUINI FONTANA DEL FONGO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO VENETO 2024 $22.95
50816 TENUTA FALEZZA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2020 $49.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through May 24...better hurry...BUT!!  there are more LTO values coming from May 24 to June 20...[see below]

W H I T E   W I N ES

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Awatere Valley, Marlborough,
South Island, New Zealand
225557 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

FLAT ROCK RIESLING 
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
43281 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT GRIGIO
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
326090 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

PIERRE SPARR GEWURZTRAMINER
AC Alsace, France
373373 (D – 14 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

STONELEIGH LATITUDE
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
40137 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CHARDONNAY
Clare Valley/Limestone Coast, South Australia
711556 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

R E D   W I N ES

BLEASDALE MULBERRY TREE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
South Australia
661892 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

CASTELGIOCONDO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
650432 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $56.95
NOW $51.95 Save $5.00

CAVE SPRING PINOT NOIR 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
417642 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

CONFIDENCIAL RESERVA
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal
452789 (D – 9 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

DANDELION VINEYARDS
LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ
Barossa, South Australia
167189 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $19.95 Save $1.00

EL GORU MONASTRELL/SYRAH/
PETIT VERDOT
DOP Jumilla, Spain
443945 (D – 4 g/L) 750 ml $14.95
NOW $13.95 Save $1.00

ENCIERRA PUQUILLAY CARMENÈRE
Valle de Colchagua, Chile
44679 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
964221 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
659607 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

BERONIA RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
50203 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $23.95
NOW $21.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valle del Maipo, Chile
18721 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $18.95
NOW $16.95
Save $24 on a case of 12

MONTE ANTICO
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
69377 (D – 7 g/L) 750 ml $17.95
NOW $15.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand,
sustainable
590414 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $18.95 Save $3.00

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL
SHIRAZ CABERNET
South Australia
285544 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.45 Save $2.50

TENUTA FRESCOBALDI CASTIGLIONI
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
145920 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $23.95
NOW $20.95 Save $3.00

ZONTE’S FOOTSTEP
CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ
McLaren Vale, South Australia
396481 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

13TH STREET BLANC DE BLANC
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
traditional method
28420 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $29.95
NOW $26.95 Save $3.00

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO
DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy
621458 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $30.95
NOW $27.95 Save $3.00

CASA DI LUIGI ROSÉ KPM
Valle de Central, Chile
13732 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $13.00
NOW $12.00 Save $1.00

GIUSTI ASOLO EXTRA DRY
PROSECCO SUPERIORE
DOCG, Prosecco, Italy
47797 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $21.95
NOW $19.95 Save $2.00

KIM CRAWFORD ROSÉ
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
650325 (XD – 5 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $18.95 Save $2.00


MORE LIMITED TIME OFFERS
Save on these popular wines from May 25 to June 21, 2026

WHITE WINES and Rose

MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario,
sustainable, vegan
559088 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, vegan
341586 (D – 13 g/L) 750 ml $15.95
NOW $14.95 Save $1.00

KIM CRAWFORD CHARDONNAY
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay,
East Coast, New Zealand
991950 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $20.95
NOW $17.95 Save $3.00

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto Adige, Italy, sustainable
687558 (XD – 2 g/L) 375 ml $11.95
NOW $10.95 Save $1.00

THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER’S
BLEND RIESLING
VQA Beamsville Bench,
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
24133 (D – 16 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $20.95 Save $2.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY
BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY
AC, Burgundy, France
382879 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South
Island, New Zealand
316570 (XD – 4 g/L)
750 ml REG. $20.95
NOW $17.95, save $3

SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO
DOC Valdadige, Alto
Adige, Italy, sustainable
106450 (XD – 2 g/L)
750 ml REG. $21.95
NOW $19.95, save $2

WILLM RESERVE PINOT GRIS
AC Alsace, France
42495 (XD – 8 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Marlborough, South Island,
New Zealand, sustainable
919514 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

RED WINES

CALVET RÉSERVE DES REMPARTS
SAINT ÉMILION
AC, Bordeaux, France
31898 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

CATHEDRAL CELLAR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WO Western Cape, South Africa
328567 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA
CONCHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Puente Alto, Chile
337238 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $22.95
NOW $19.95 Save $3.00

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA
DOCa Rioja, Spain
976662 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $31.95
NOW $28.95 Save $3.00

LUCKETT THE OLD BILL RED BLEND
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia
49656 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $32.95
NOW $29.95 Save $3.00

LUIGI BOSCA INSIGNA MALBEC
Mendoza, Argentina
452672 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $17.95 Save $2.00

MONTE ZOVO SA’ SOLIN
VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE
DOC, Veneto, Italy
650713 (D – 11 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00

PÉREZ CRUZ GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Maipo Valley, Chile
694208 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $16.95
NOW $14.95 Save $2.00

RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA
CASTEL DEL MONTE
DOCG, Puglia, Italy
177295 (XD – 2 g/L) 750 ml $26.95
NOW $23.95 Save $3.00

TESSELLAE OLD VINES
GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE
AP Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France
343517 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $18.95 Save $1.00

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
149237 (XD – 4 g/L) 750 ml $19.95
NOW $16.95 Save $3.00

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
DOCG, Veneto, Italy
356220 (XD – 6 g/L) 750 ml $53.95
NOW $48.95 Save $5.00

TRIUS RED ‘THE ICON’
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
303800 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $27.95
NOW $24.95 Save $3.00

TWO HANDS GNARLY DUDES SHIRAZ
Barossa Valley, South Australia
660043 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $21.95 Save $3.00

VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER
CÔTE CHALONNAISE PINOT NOIR
AC, Burgundy, France
28284 (XD – 3 g/L) 750 ml $24.95
NOW $22.95 Save $2.00



FOR MORE SELECTIONS, GO TO -- https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Month --- 


The Date and Time: Wednesday April 29, 2026, 1PM to 5PM
The Event: Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Grand Wine Tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand
The Target Audience: hospitality and trade
The Availability/Catalogue: as with many trade fairs now, one needed a smart phone to access label data and prices and availability. 
The Quote/Background: From 1987, Gambero Rosso has published a guide to Italian wine titled Vini d'Italia, which in a short time became the most influential wine publication within Italy. It is also published in English translation under the title Italian Wines.  The Gambero Rosso wine ratings in Vini d’Italia are built up on the number of glasses (bicchieri) awarded to a wine, which is indicated in the wine guide with a number of stylized glasses next to the wine's name. 
The highest rating is three glasses (Tre Bicchieri) and the wine guide only includes wines which are seen by the editors as "above average". The ratings are based upon blind tastings by independent experts. The guide is edited in Italian, English and German. The scheme of three glasses (extraordinary wine), two glasses (very good wine), and one glass (good wine) corresponds to one star, two stars, three stars, or, in words: GOOD, BETTER and BEST. 
The Wines: I could not taste them all. Some fave wines I sampled right away included Monviert Friulano Collio DOC 2024, and Monviert Cabernet Franc 2022. Other major wineries that day included Arnaldo Caprai (Umbria), Bertani (Veneto), Bortolomiol (Veneto), Castello di Gabbiano (Tuscany), Coppi (Apulia), Cusumano (Sicily), Marchesi Frescobaldi (Tuscany), Umani Ronchi, Sorelle Bronca (Veneto), Spinelli (Abruzzo) -- as well as producers of sparkler Franciacorta and Fongaro Spumanti (Veneto). 

Some other wines I enjoyed at the trade show included Conti Zecca (Puglia) who had included a full range of Aglianico, Negroamaro, Primitivo, Chardonnay Malvasia, and Fiano. These were rapidly followed by Pietramara Etichetta Bianca Fiano de Avellino Riserva 2025, Terrantica Greco di Tufo DOCG Riserva (both red and white), and Terzotratto Taurasi DOCG Riserva.

Fongaro Spumanti seem to have led the way with its half dozen sparklers made with all Durella grapes. And various labels were made with a variety of aging on lees. Bianca Vigna makes 14 different proseccos, and even a grappa di prosecco. Another major sparkler producer at the showmincluded Montina with its range of some eight Franciacorta sparklers -- Brut, Extra Brut, Rose Demi-Sec, Rose Extra Brut, Saten, Millesimato Brut, Dosage Zero, and Riserva Quor Nature (mostly Chardonnay). And as you can read in my notes, I was concentrating on sparkling wines. 

I was impressed with the following wines:
-Sorelle Bronca Particella 68 Sparkler
-Sorelle Bronca Particella 232 Extra Brut
-Sorelle Bronca Particella 181 Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Difetto Sui Lieviti Brut Nature Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Rosecco Treviso Brut Rose
-Monviert Ribolla Gialla Fruili Colli Orientali 2022
-Monviert Chardonnay Friuli Colli Orientali
-Monviert Pinot Grigio Friuli Colli Orientali
-Monviert Sauvignon Blanc Friuli Colli Orientali 
-Tenuta del Meriggio Campania Falanghina IGT
-Tenuta del Meriggio Irpinia Coda di Volpe 
-Tenuta del Meriggio Fiano di Avellino
-Tenuta del Meriggio Greco di Tufo
-Tenuta del Meriggio Irpinia Aglianico
-Tenuta del Meriggio Irpinia Campi Taurasini
-Tenuta del Meriggio Taurasi Riserva Colle Dei Cerasi
-Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2016
-Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut Millesimato Rive di Col San Martino 70th Anniversary
-Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Ius Naturae Brut Millesimato Organic
-Bortolomiol Riserva del Governatore Extra Brut Millesimato Pinot Nero
-Bortolomiol Il Mormoro Cabernet DOC Piave

The Food: cheeses-- gorgonzola, pecorino di tartufo, asiago, caciotta taleggio, all followed by a meat platter of prosciutto, salamis, dried sausages, and ventricina piccante, capocollo, et al, along with breads, biscuits, crackers, breadsticks, angioletti dolci, olives, plus cannellini bean puree. Other accompaniments were caponata. And even Pizza Nova arrived...
46 stands of wineries showed some of the 300 wines included.
The Downside: the masterclass (Taste of Lombardy-- Regione Lombardia) was sold out on Wednesday as well as the Consorzo Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo.
The Upside: enough room to walk around and visit and to re-visit stands.
The Contact Person: silvestri@sogood.it
The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com