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University of Ottawa’s guide to … wine on a student budget !
Bored with the same old wines you always buy? Once again lost in the France aisle at the LCBO or SAQ with no idea what to buy? Want to make an impression this holiday season but running on a student budget?
Shopping for wine can be daunting – especially during when you want to make a good impression at the New Years party you will be attending. No girl wants to be the one to bring the ‘cheap’ wine, but unfortunately our student-sized wallets make it hard to be throwing around bottles of Dom Préignon.
Luckily it is a common misconception that all inexpensive wines are awful and only expensive wines can truly make an impression. Her Campus U Ottawa has compiled a list of inexpensive and classy wines that will let you make an impression, without putting you into bankruptcy. I hope to see all fellow collegiettes sporting good choices this holiday season, and leaving the Naked Grape, Little Penguin and XO on the shelf!
Favourite Reds
La Vieille Ferme Côte de Ventoux
Price: LCBO 11.90, SAQ 14.15
From: Rhône Valley, France
By: Perrin & Fils
Info: Extra dry, medium finish with light tannins. Red cherry and blackberry aromas with a raspberry character. Pair with medium cheese, grilled chicken or roast turkey.
Luccarelli Primitivo Puglia
Price: LCBO 9.85, SAQ N/A
From: Puglia, Italy
By: Terre Di Sava
Info: Dry, medium bodied with a fresh finish, excellent plum and spice aromas. Pair with pizza or grilled sausages.
Candidato Oro
Price: LCBO 7.75, SAQ 9.80
From: Rioja, Spain
By: Bodegas Martinez Bujanda, S.A.
Info: Dry, medium to full bodied, long finish. Oakey with aromas of black cherry and hints of chocolate. Pair with lamb, chicken parmegiano, roasted pork or aged cheeses.
Pinot noir Santi nello Delle Venezie i.g.t. 2011
Price: LCBO N/A, SAQ 10.65
From: Vénétie, Italy
By: Casa Vinicola Botter Carlo&C. SPA
Info: Dry, medium bodied and medium finish. Fruity with refreshing acidity and smooth tannins. Pair with liver, spaghetti, or soft cheese.
Favourite Whites
Latour Ardeche Chardonnay
Price: LCBO 13.50, SAQ 16.10
From: Rhône-Alps, France
By: Maison Louis Latour
Info: Extra-dry, light bodied, lightly spiced mineral finish. Oakey aromas with hints of apple and pear. Pair with pasta in cream sauce, poultry or rich seafood dishes.
Jacobs Creek Muscoto
Price: LCBO 10.95, SAQ N/A
From: Australia
By: Orlando Wines Pty. Ldt.
Info: Sweet with honey and citrus aromas. Pair with a fruit platter.
1812 Chardonnay VQA
Price: LCBO 12.20, SAQ N/A
From: Ontario, Canada
By: Palatine Hills Estate
Info: Extra-dry with a bright finish. Unoaked with touches of pear, peach, and citrus. Pair with chicken, fish, or lamb burgers.
Aveleda Vinho Verde Fonte
Price: LCBO 8.95, SAQ 11.30
From: Vinho Verde, Portugal
By: Sociedade Agricola E. Comercia
Info: Dry, light and clean with a refreshing spritzy finish. Pear apple and citrus aromas. Pair with oysters, grilled shrimp or deep fried calamari.
Torres Vina Esmeralda 2010
Price: LCBO 13.95, SAQ 15.05
From: Catalunya, Spain
By: Miguel Torres S.A.
Info: Dry, high sugar content is masked by its vibrant acidity. Floral and tropical aromas, fruity but not sweet. Pair with lobster or goat cheese.
Sparkling and Other Wines
Segura Viudas Brut Sparkling
Price: LCBO 14.25, SAQ 14.30
From: Catalogne, Spain
By: Heredad Segura Viudas
Info: Dry, rich, medium to full bodied, with a long and creamy finish. Nutty and apple notes with hints of nuts and biscuits. Pair with salads and tarters, white sauced pastas, or mild cheese.
Rotkappchen Yellow Label Medium Dry
Price: LCBO 13.95, SAQ N/A
From: Germany
By: Chateau Brulesecaille
Info: Off dry with peach, apricot, honey and citrus flavours, good alternative to champagne. Pair with Thai chick or fish, or as an aperitif.
Laurens Clos des Demoiselles T ête de Cuvée Crémant de Limoux 2010
Price: LCBO N/A, SAQ 20.35
From: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
By: J. Laurens
Info: Another great alternative to champagne, sparkling and spicy, full bodied, with a broad texture and fruity scents. Pair with pizza, lobster, or duck.
Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc (Kosher)
Price: LCBO 11.95, SAQ 13.20
From: California, USA
By: Royal Wines
Info: Off dry with flaxy flinty apple aromas. Pair with veal, poultry, oriental dishes or as an aperitif.
If you still find yourself lost in the LCBO or SAQ do not hesitate to ask someone who works there for some help! All the employees are trained to answer your questions and love sharing wine knowledge. One final tip, avoid animal names or overly flashy bottles; they are usually trying to compensate for not having the best wine. Happy Wine Hunting collegiettes!
Photo Credits
Sylla.fr
Jon Nadeau
Blog.winealign.com
LCBO.com
Gdwine.blogspot.com
Ocado.com
Wineandgoodfood.com
SAQ.com