[Wines] 25 Under $25 at the 2016 Wine Festival

At the 2016 Vancouver International Wine Festival, I once again went to the popular 25 Under $25. Hand-picked by James Nevison, The Province’s “Wine Guy”, we got to sample 25 wines from around the world that are priced reasonably at $25 or less.

Here is the list of wines grouped by colour (white, rosé, red or port), then sorted by countries in alphabetical order. In the event program, there is a price listed for each wine, so I’ve included it here for your reference. If they are currently available at BC Liquor Stores, I have used their listed price instead. Keep in mind that prices may be different at private liquor stores.

I’ve highlighted the ones I enjoyed the most:

White Wine Under $25

• Canada, Quails’ Gate Winery, Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris 2014 ($17.49 at BC Liquor Stores)
  
• Canada, Sandhill, Viognier 2014 ($16.99 at BC Liquor Stores)
• Canada, TIME Estate Winery, Sundial 2013 ($12.99)
• Canada, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Oldfield Series 2 Bench White 2014 ($21.49 at BC Liquor Stores)
• Canada, Unsworth Vineyards, Allegro 2014 ($20.00)
• Italy, Tenute Piccini, Prosecco NV ($17.99) – Sparkling
• Italy, Umberto Cesari, Moma Bianco 2014 ($16.49)
• USA, Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2013 ($21.99 at BC Liquor Stores)
• USA, Wagner Family of Wine, Conundrum White 2014 ($21.99)

Rosé Under $25

• Villa Teresa, Organic Rosé Frizzante NV ($15.49 at BC Liquor Stores)

Red Wine Under $25

• Argentina, Bodega Amalaya, Malbec 2014 ($19.99 at BC Liquor Stores)
• Canada, Hester Creek, Character Red VQA 2014 ($17.99 at BC Liquor Stores)
• Canada, Stoneboat Vineyards, Duet 2013 ($18.99 at BC Liquor Stores)
• Chile, Viña Santa Ema, Barrel Reserve 60/40 2014 ($17.99)
• Chile, Viña Ventisquero, Root 1 Heritage Blend 2013 ($13.49 at BC Liquor Stores)
• France, Gérard Bertrand, Terroir Saint Chinian 2013 ($23.49 at BC Liquor Stores)
• France, Antoine Moueix, Château Grand Renom Bordeaux Rouge 2013 ($16.49)
• Italy, Bibi Graetz, Casamatta Rosso NV ($21.99)
• Italy, Castello di Gabbiano, Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2012 ($21.79)
• Italy, Medici Ermete, Concerto Lambrusco Reggiano DOC 2014 ($19.99 at BC Liquor Stores) – Sparkling
  
• New Zealand, Babich Wines, Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2014 ($21.72)
• Spain, Campo Viejo, Rioja Reserva 2010 ($17.49 at BC Liquor Stores)
• USA, Hahn Family Wines, Hahn GSM 2013 ($21.99 at BC Liquor Stores)
• USA, Trim Wines, Trim 2013 ($20.79)

Port Wine Under $25

• Taylor Fladgate, Late Bottled Vintage Port 2010 ($23.99)

I thought the selection this year was more interesting, more diverse than last year’s, and actually more appealing to my palate. At $55 per ticket, this event was reasonably priced, allowing you to mingle with other wine lovers, while discovering some new, affordable, favourite wines.