Seven red wines from $18 to $60 to savour at the dinner table | Canada Voices

Lately, some readers, who are dining out less to save money, have been asking for recommendations for higher-quality wines to make their meals at home feel more special.

Considering how quickly a $20 bottle of wine can become $60 or more on a restaurant wine list (owing to markups to cover overhead, staff and service charges) they want to elevate their dining experience at home with a more expensive bottle while still saving money overall.

Of course, just because you spend more on wine doesn’t mean you’re going to like it more. Branding, reputation and rarity can drive up the price without contributing much toward a wine’s drinkability, let alone deliciousness. However, since you asked, here are three suggestions for superior and pleasurable restaurant-quality red wines that truly deliver. (Other appropriate selections will be considered for future columns.)

There is also a selection of serious yet affordable bottles that are well-balanced and approachable red wines to pair with a variety of foods. They are sure to taste even better if you try lighting candles, putting on some music and serving the wine in your nicest glasses.

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Catena Alta Historic Rows Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Argentina), $49.95

Rating: 93

The Catena family harvests grapes from specific parcels of cabernet sauvignon vines from high-altitude vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley to produce this nicely structured and age-worthy red wine. A small percentage of cabernet franc contributes to the final blend that’s aged for up to 18 months in French oak barrels for added complexity and texture. The finished wine is dry and distinctly cabernet in nature, with a core of currant, plum and berry fruit flavours along with cedar and spice notes on display. It’s approachable now, but decanting is recommended for its best enjoyment. This has 14 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2036. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $54.99 in Nova Scotia, $62.98 in Newfoundland.

Château de Nages Héritage Costières de Nîmes 2023 (France), $19.95

Rating: 91

This complex and compelling red wine features the classic southern Rhône blend of grenache, mourvèdre and syrah from Château de Nages’s organically farmed vineyard. Grenache brings a mix of red fruit and rosemary flavours, while mourvèdre and syrah bring additional spice and pepper notes to the finished wine. This is nicely balanced with ripe fruit and soft tannins enhancing its generous and appealing character. This has 15 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2031. Available at the above price in Ontario, $22.65 in Quebec.

Fielding Fireside Red 2024 (Canada), $18.45

Rating: 88

Fielding’s Fireside Red is a cabernet-franc-based blend from six different vineyards in Niagara that offers a combination of berry, peppery spice flavours. The medium-bodied style is bright with some sweetness and moderate tannins that add depth and structure. This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario ($16.95 until March 29).

Ktima Papaioannou Old-Vines Single-Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2015 (Greece), $46.95

Rating: 92

The historic Nemea wine region is located in the northeastern Peloponnese peninsula, renowned for producing intense and flavourful red wines like this one made from the indigenous agiorgitiko grape variety, also known as St. George. Wine has been cultivated here for more than 3,000 years, while the appellation and foundation of the modern industry was established in 1971. This full-bodied expression comes from a single vineyard of 50-year-old vines that are farmed organically, showcasing impressive structure and complexity. It features expansive and ripe cherry and cassis fruit layered with cedar and spice notes from 18 months of aging in new French oak barrels. This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2020 (Canada), $60.95

Rating: 93

Since its debut with the 2001 vintage, Osoyoos Larose has been a merlot-based blend featuring all five of the classic Bordeaux red grape varieties that’s built for aging. Originally a joint venture between Canada’s Vincor International and Groupe Taillan, a major producer of wine in Bordeaux, Osoyoos Larose has been entirely owned by the French company since 2013. The 2020 vintage is developing nicely, with a core of sweet dark fruit that gains complexity from cedar and sage notes. Osoyoos Larose’s evolution continues to embrace the generosity of the Okanagan fruit and polished tannins to produce red wines that are more approachable upon release. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2036. Available at the above price in Ontario, $59.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $63.99 in Manitoba, $62 in Quebec, $67.70 in New Brunswick, $60.39 in Prince Edward Island.

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Torres Altos Ibéricos Crianza 2021 (Spain), $19.95

Rating: 91

The Torres family established their winery in Rioja in 2007, where they work with some of the oldest vineyards of tempranillo from the cooler Rioja Alavesa sub-region. This medium-bodied Crianza spent one year maturing in a combination of French and American oak barrels to enhance the aroma and texture of the red berry and pepper-infused flavours. This represents a modern interpretation of Rioja, emphasizing juicy fruit flavours as a key element of its vibrant character. This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $24 in New Brunswick, $23.76 in Nova Scotia, $24.59 in Newfoundland.

Yalumba Galway Vintage Shiraz 2023 (Australia), $19.95

Rating: 90

First produced in 1943, the Galway Shiraz is made in a traditional style to capture the classic characteristics of a Barossa shiraz. This impressive red wine is made in a rich and ripe manner, featuring both dark and red fruit flavours complemented by savoury, spicy and earthy notes. These elements blend seamlessly to form a well-balanced and persistent profile. The fresh and focused style is impressive now and has potential to age. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Vegan. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.