Five “thirsty” red wines for entertaining at a low price

Finding the all-purpose wine that will please all members of the family is a joyful challenge. Add to that the constraints posed by traditional holiday cooking – between tourtière, turkey with cranberries, leg stew, pickled beets and fruit ketchup – and the task takes on the appearance of an impossible mission. And yet…

To increase your chances of success with this potpourri of flavors and textures, forget the big powerful reds: the sweetness of the marinades and the famous Mexican pâté will make the tannins appear hard and angular. Bet instead on smooth wines, rather supple than tannic, like the five reds commented on here. You will enjoy yourself at little cost.

Health !

Badenhorst Family Wines, Swartland 2021, Papegaai Red

★★★1⁄2 | $$ | $21.15 | South Africa 13% | <1.2g/L

The Swartland wine region has a quaint charm. Its wines too. Those of Adi Badenhorst always have a little je-ne-sais-quoi, in all price ranges. This thirst-quenching red owes its originality to an unusual blend (Grenache Noir, Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Tinta Barroca) that Badenhorst ferments without adding yeast and without pushing the tannic extraction. The result is a juicy red full of vitality, almost sparkling; packed with fruit and lifted with notes of menthol and kirsch on the finish.

Code SAQ : 15015580

The Bacchantes, R1 2021

★★★ | $1⁄2 | $17.15 | IGP Wine of Quebec 12.5% ​​| 1.4g/L

The joint efforts of Geneviève Thisdel (in the vines) and Thomas Lahoz (in the cellar) bore fruit from their first vintage in this Hemmingford estate, south of Montreal. Drinkable and bursting with fruit, R1 is 100% Marquette, a hybrid whose suppleness and aromas of black fruit, pepper and violet should appeal to lovers of Gamay, the famous Beaujolais grape variety. A must as an aperitif, with a charcuterie board, and at the table, with meat pie.

Code SAQ : 14455436

Valtuille Wines, Bierzo 2020, Valdoneje Payment

★★★ | $1⁄2 | $15.85 | Spain 14% | 2.2g/L

Dimas García Canedo founded his small estate in 1999 in Valtuille de Abajo, in the heart of the Bierzo appellation. This red wine, which he produces today with his children, Elena and Marcos, comes from 85-year-old mencía vines. The age of the vines undoubtedly contributes to the natural concentration of Pago de Valdoneje, whose tannic grain is velvety, but quite dense and lifted with intense flavors of blackberry, violet and cherry jam, which persist in a warm and satiating.

Code SAQ : 14297562

Clos des Fous, Itata 2021

★★★ | $1⁄2 | 19,35$ | Chili 13 % | <1,2 g/L

Pedro Parra has been dedicated to characterizing the Chilean wine-growing terroirs since 2003. The Cinsault, Pais, Carignan and Syrah that make up this cuvée come from the Itata sector, well south of Santiago. All dapper with youth and freshness, the 2021 combines the lightness and fruitiness of Cinsault (85%), the smoky accents of Pais, the floral notes and the staying power of Malbec and the vigor of Carignan. The mouth is alluring, but it does not lack consistency either. A good authentic Chilean red wine, sold at an attractive price.

• Want to find the perfect meal to celebrate with your wine at a low price? Listen to our interview with Gino Cyr at the microphone of on the waves of :

Code SAQ : 12797686

Cinco Leguas, Wines of Madrid 2021, The Curse, Tinto Fino

★★★1⁄2 | $1⁄2 | $17.50 | Spain 13.5% | 1.4g/L

Nothing better to start your rediscovery of the Spanish terroir than this red from very old Tempranillo vines (between 60 and 100 years old), grown at altitude, south-east of Madrid. Marc Isart ferments everything in concrete vats and neutral oak barrels, without pushing the extraction. The 2021 is an explosion of flavors in the mouth. Still super young and lively with a hint of gas, the wine develops a complex range of fruity aromas in the glass, but not only… pepper, dried herbs, rose petal, citrus peel… Tasty and very original !

Code SAQ : 14472818

Correct ★

Bon ★★

Very good ★★★

Excellent ★★★★

Exceptional ★★★★★

More stars than dollars: well worth the price

As many stars as dollars: worth its price

Fewer stars than dollars: wine is expensive