Best Wines Under $15: Canada AM Video

In this video clip from Canada AM Monday morning, host Bev Thompson and I chat about terrific wines that cost less than $15 for holiday entertaining and gift giving.

You’ll find the list of those wines below.

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario: Lovely aromas and flavours of ripe melon rather than the herbal notes in some sauvignon blancs. I like this medium-bodied wine a lot, and the price even better. Bring on refreshment as well as white-fleshed fish, oysters, goats milk cheeses and crisp fall walks. Drink: 2012-2015. Product No: 430546  12.3%  D  $14.95  Score: 89/100

Cathedral Cellar Kwv Chardonnay 2011: Western Cape, South Africa: Terrific price for such a luscious, full-bodied chardonnay. Bursting with aromas of green apple, butter and toasty goodness. Pair with roast chicken, corn dishes and a blazing fireplace. Drink: 2012-2014.  Product No: 328559  14.7%  XD  $14.95  Score: 88/100

Inniskillin Wines Pinot Noir 2011, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: Loaded with mouth-watering cherry-berry flavour delivered on a satin texture with medium- to full-bodied weight. A blackberry-infused finish makes this wine go down slippery fast. This wine is a great match for holiday turkey, salmon carpaccio, grilled tuna and wild mushroom risotto. Drink: 2012-2016.  Product No: 261099  13.5%  D  $13.95  Score: 89/100

Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery Reserva Syrah 2011, Chile: Full-bodied and generous with black fruit and a savoury note for hearty meat dishes. Great price. Drink: 2012-2014.  221820  14%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100.

Alamos The Wines Of Catena Torrontés 2011, Salta, Argentina: Pretty and floral with very pleasant lime blossom aromas. Medium-bodied and ultra food-friendly. Pair with: Asian dishes, fresh seafood salad. Drink: 2012-2014.  81539  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100.

Errazuriz Max Reserva Syrah 2010, Acongagua Valley, Chile: Absolutely luscious! A robust red for dedicated hedonists. Aromas of plush black plums, blackberries and smoke. Top me up! Pair with: roast beef, hamburgers, grilled pork. Drink: 2012-2015.  614750  14%  XD  750 mL  $18.95  Score: 91/100.

Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2011, South East Australia, Australia: A consistently good producer year after year that you can depend on. This mouth-watering and generous red offers layers of black plum and dark berry aromas and flavours. Crack one open on movie night or beside the barbecue. This is superb value and taste for the price. Pair with: grilled steak, hamburgers, brisket, pork loin, lamb. Drink: 2011-2014.  145367  13.50%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 87/100.

Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Pinot Grigio 2009, California, USA: Clean and refreshing with notes of lemon and white melon. This wine was not barrel aged, so you get pure fresh fruit. Best enjoyed young (the wine, not necessarily you). Pair with: salads, seafood, vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2011-2013.  523431  12%  XD  750 mL  $11.95  Score: 87/100.

Woodbridge Robert Mondavi Chardonnay 2008, California, United States: Good balance with green apple aromas and nicely integrated oak. Medium- to full-bodied weight.  99408  13.50%    750 mL  $12.95  Score: 86/100.

Clean Slate Riesling 2010, Mosel, Germany: Lovely and bright, especially for this price point! Lime blossom and floral notes. Very pretty. Pair with: Asian dishes, spicy foods, sushi, fish, poultry and pork. Drink: 2012-2015.  286237  10.50%  XD  750 mL  $12.95  Score: 88/100.

Gran Sangre De Toro Reserva, Torres 2008, D.O., Catalunya, Penedès, Spain: Pleasantly bitter with big black fruit, smoke and tar. Full-bodied and lots of layers of pleasure. Decant 2 hours. Drink: 2012-2015.  315648  14%  XD  750 mL  $15.95  Score: 88/100.

Boekenhoutskloof Winery The Wolftrap Viognier Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc 2011, South Africa: Subtle floral and white peach on the nose: bursts like sunshine on the palate. Medium-bodied and lovely. Drink: 2012-2014.  292532  14.50%  XD  750 mL  $13.95  Score: 87/100.

Posted with permission of Canada CTV.