FIVE VALUE SELECTIONS TO BUY NOW

ADESSO MERLOT D’ITALIA 2021 ( ITALY) SCORE: 85 PRICE: $9

A modern style merlot made in Veneto, Italy, the aromas and flavours suggest berries and plums with some spice and floral accents. There’s some sweetness on the palate that makes this a soft and approachable red wine that is enjoyable on its own or enjoyed with a meal. The medium bodied and fruity style works as a nice base for sangria as well. Drink now. Available in Ontario at the above price, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta.

FANTINI CASALE VECCHIO LOT 23 MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO ORGANIC 2019 ( ITALY) SCORE: 88 PRICE: $9.95

Based in Ortona, Abruzzo, Fantini produces a strong portfolio of red and white wines from its expansive 4,000-hectare estate. This fruity and medium-bodied, organic red wine is produced under its Casale Vecchio label. Made in a ripe and rewarding style with blackberry and plummy fruit flavours with floral, licorice and spice notes, this value priced red is nicely structured, with good length and complexity. Drink now to 2026. Available in Ontario.

FLAT ROOF MANOR PINOT GRIGIO 2021 ( SOUTH AFRICA) SCORE: 87 PRICE: $12

This riper expression of pinot grigio offers appealing fruit, with a mix of lemon, peach and melon flavours, with some floral and honey notes. The style is fresh and balanced, making this quaffable white a solid value. Drink now. Available in Ontario at the above price, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $12.99 in Manitoba, $14.99 in New Brunswick, $14.79 in Nova Scotia, $15.84 in Newfoundland.

MARQUES DE RISCAL RUEDA 2020 ( SPAIN) SCORE: 88 PRICE: $13.50

Rueda specializes on making white wines, with a focus on its indigenous grape variety, verdejo. Marques de Riscal has been producing this fresh and bright white since the 1970s and helped to introduce wine lovers around the world to the ripe and refreshing nature of wines from this Spanish region. Look for a mix of tropical fruit and herbal notes, notably fennel and grassy notes, that are sure to appeal to fans of sauvignon blanc and other aromatic white wines. Drink now. Available in Ontario at the above price, various prices in Alberta.

YALUMBA Y SERIES VIOGNIER 2021 ( AUSTRALIA) SCORE: 90 PRICE: $14.95

The viognier grape often produces a potent and pungent style of white wine known for its floral fragrance and rich, full-bodied character. Yalumba’s entry level expression is a less intense but equally enjoyable introduction to the honeysuckle perfume and peachy flavours of well-made viognier. A white with weight and persistence, this has nicely concentrated flavours and a rich texture with an excellent balance of fruitiness and acidity. Drink now. Available in Ontario at the above price, $16.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $18.49 in Saskatchewan, $15.50 in Quebec, $18.78 in Nova Scotia.