As the economy shuffles its way back to some form of normalcy the one thing many of you have kept as a souvenir from the last year or so is a newfound appreciation for cheap wine.
I know what you’re thinking. Hasn’t there always been a market for true “table” wines? Sure, but what our latest financial catastrophe happened to coincide with was the arrival of some really decent under-$10 juice at national liquor stores.
And I’m not talking blended in Canada type stuff. The abundance of quality fruit being produced in Argentina, Chile, Australia and the U.S. has meant that, for once, there’s actual variety when you head down to the bargain basement.
California’s Gray Fox Vineyards’ wines are a good example of inexpensive consistency. Its creamy 2008 Chardonnay ($6.95 – $9.99) is all about up-front tropical fruit that will cozy up nicely to roast chicken and simple shellfish-based dishes.
If you like your reds full-bodied the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($7.95 – $9.99) may be too light for you. Its soft raspberry and sweet cherry flavours do make it an ideal summer quaffer (with barbecue written all over it) or one to entice white wine drinkers to the dark side.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.
