A relatively recent LCBO release of exceptional value is Chateau de Gourgazaud Minervois (LCBO #22384), an unbeatable value for only $12.95.  It is dry, very bold and spicy and will be perfect with grilled meats or other strong flavours.  It’s an amazing value from the Languedoc region of southern France, and I highly recommend it.

Incidentally, in my last wine post, I mentioned a couple of whites from Megalomaniac in Vineland, but I neglected to pass along the winery’s website so here it is:  www.megalomaniac.com.  Enjoy!

Over the last several years, I have had an opportunity to litigate and arbitrate a number of matters on behalf of both grape growers and wineries in the Niagara region.  The work has been extremely interesting, and I have acquired a great deal of industry knowledge.  When I began this blog, I decided to create a separate section that I could use to discuss legal developments relating to the wine industry.

Several weeks ago, a friend of mine told me that he had assumed that I would be using this part of the blog to talk about wines I like.  He suggested that if I recommended any particular wines, he would be happy to try them.

This had not occurred to me because I am certainly no wine expert.  I am not capable of discussing the finer points of wines.  I am incapable of recording tasting notes that make any sense to anyone.  All I know is what I like and what I don’t like.

Nevertheless, I did resolve to take his suggestion seriously and provide information as to my own personal favourites mainly among wines newly released from time to time by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.  I will try to emphasize wines that represent good value at any price point but particularly under $20.

That is where I left the topic until last night.  A wine which I sampled last night for the first time has motivated me to actually get going with this part of the blog.  I say that because it is a terrific wine for the price.

The wine to which I refer is Castillo de Monseran Garacha (LCBO #73395).  It is produced in Spain and is currently being sold at the amazing price of $7.95. 

While I am always interested in good wines costing less than $20 a bottle, I gave up long ago on attempting to find good wines at less than about $12 a bottle.  This is an exception.  This wine is really good, and I highly recommend it. 

While I am on a roll, I can’t conclude this post without also promoting a couple of whites produced by my good friend, John Howard, owner of Megalomaniac Wines in Vineland.  While I have enjoyed Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling for years (LCBO #67587, $17.95) and highly recommend it, his Megalomaniac Homegrown Riesling at $12.95 (LCBO #183061) is also an outstanding value.  Slightly sweeter than the Narcissist Riesling, Homegrown is perfect for sipping on its own.