Winter is officially over. Rejoice! Whether you're seeing friends and family or enjoying the warmer weather on your own, nothing says spring better than a glass of wine.Here's is a list of excellent wines for under $20. Wonderful in a glass and light on the credit card, these gems are sure to make you the best sought-after guest of the summer season. Luigi Bosca Malbec Price: $18.95 Let's start with this delicious Malbec from Argentina. Unlike their French counterparts, Argentinian Malbecs are more fruit-forward, with almost a velvety feel in the mouth. LCBO Website Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combes Aux Jacques Price: $18.95 Easy to drink and even faster to produce, Beaujolais started as a vineyard worker's favourite to mark the end of harvest. Yet that doesn't mean that these wines are of any lesser quality nor that they haven't evolved since the 50s. This specific bottle will taste a bit spicy with touches of licorice, grey pepper and rose flower. LCBO Website Château Ksara Réserve du Couvent 2017 Price: $17.95 How about trying something different? You are special, and it's time you let it shine through your choice of bottles. Next time you're at the LCBO, pick a Lebanese wine from the shelves. These bad boys are incredibly underrated and are a great conversation starter.For instance, this Cabernet Sauvignon blend is super full-bodied. Ksara is Lebanon's oldest wine producer still operating. LCBO Website Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Price: $16.95 You'd be a fool to leave this bottle on the shelf. It's under $15, yet won a gold medal at the Concours de Vins Macon, one of France's most established wine competitions.In the "entry-level" categorization of wines produced in the French Rhône Valley, this Domaine Autrand is a terrific, easy-drinking, bottle that will please all. You'll taste bits of spices and an earthy finish, which will come together nicely combined to a selection of Mediterranean mezze. LCBO Website Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2020 Price: $17.95 Yes way, Rosé! Try this excellent easy rosé with plenty of fruit flavour. Half of it is made of Grenache, which could explain its strawberry notes. Some online critics recommend pairing it with a rich platter of seafood or scrumptious paella. LCBO Website Primus Carmenère Price: $19.95 This wine was recommended by Carolyn Thorpe from Rogers & Company. She says, "this Primus Carmenère is sophisticated enough to be a suitable gift for SO's parents." Have you ever heard of a Carmenère? It's a French variety that got imported to Chile, where it is mostly grown now. Strong on red berry aromas, it was a texture similar to that of a Merlot which makes it easy to adopt. This specific Carmenère brings out the plums and cherries of this world, with a hint of spice. LCBO Website Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé Crémant d'Alsace Price: $19.95 The Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé will make you feel fabulous not only because of its affordability, but it's exceptional taste. Coated in a beautiful light salmon pink colour, this bubble has just a tiny bit of acidity and bright strawberries notes. LCBO Website Chenin Blanc Jardin Inspector Peringuey Price: $17.95 In the past years, South Africa has turned into a Chenin Blanc powerhouse, yet kept its prices rather competitive. So do look their way for a great value. This bottle from the Jordan Wines Estate got multiple accolades from the online experts. You're looking here at a pear and pineapple experience that would pair up fantastically with some Asian-style takeout. LCBO Website Bonterra Chardonnay Price: $19.95 This Chardonnay would be a great follow-up bottle if you enjoy the vibrancy of tropical fruits. However, expect a more creamy texture than the previous one. With hints of buttercream and caramel, you're looking here at a sunset-patio type of wine glass. Put on some Nina Simone (or Ariana Grande, whatever your jam is) and just let it soak in. LCBO Website La Vieille Ferme Luberon White Price: $12.45 You know the saying: if it's a front shelf and so cheap, something's fishy about it. Wrong. Whoever is in charge of selling this wine in Canada just knows how to do excellent product placement, for a product of excellent value. The juice is made of a funky blend: Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino. Try pronouncing them after two full glasses: lots of fun guaranteed. LCBO Website
