5 original wines under $20

No need to break the bank to drink unique wines which, in their own way, tell the story of their place of origin.

Sometimes you just need to stray a little from the beaten track and explore, for example, lesser-known appellations, which can hold some very nice surprises at low prices.

Health !

ViNos Valtuille, Pago de Valdoneje 2022, Bierzo

Spain 14% | ★★★ | $1/2 | $17.20

Code SAQ : 14297562

Dimas García Canedo founded his small estate in 1999 in Valtuille de Abajo, in the heart of the Bierzo appellation. His children Elena and Marcos joined him a few years ago and with him produce a very good quality red wine, made from 85-year-old Mencía vines. Inviting nose of violet and blueberry jam. The attack on the palate is frank and dry, without even a hint of sweetness. We are also surprised by the overall quality of the wine (starting with the tannins), which is quite unusual in this price range. Complete, harmonious, good length. A good red that is both fresh and fleshy to accompany braised meat or ratatouille.

Telmo Rodriguez, Basa 2023, Rueda

Spain 13% | ★★★ | $1/2 | $17.70

Code SAQ : 10264018

Basa de Telmo Rodriguez is perhaps the best-known wine from Rueda, an appellation dedicated exclusively to white wines in the Castile and León region of northwest Spain. We can rejoice in this, since its quality has not suffered any decline. The flavors of citrus and tropical fruits of the Verdejo grape variety are clean and precise, highlighted on the palate by pleasant vegetal notes, carrying freshness, and by a fine bitterness which is somewhat similar to that of grapefruit. The finish is salivating and calls for a warm salad of green vegetables and grilled tofu with ginger.

A&D Wines, Arinto Monologue p24 2022, Vinho Verde

Portugal 12.5% ​​- Organic | ★★★ | $$ | $19.05

Code SAQ : 14296666

The Arinto grape variety can sometimes be very lively when young, especially if it is produced in a cool and humid area, near the Atlantic coast. That of Diana and Alexandre Gomes rather benefits from the hot and dry climate of the Baião sector, at the southern limit of the Portuguese Vinho Verde region. The nose of this single-plot cuvée (p24 on the cadastral map) opens with notes of lime and green almond; the mouth is tense, lively and calls for a fried dish like a breaded eggplant escalope.

Domaine La Montagnette, Signargues Côtes du Rhône Villages 2022

France 14.5% – Organic | ★★★ | $1/2 | $17.95

Code SAQ : 11095949

This Rhône Valley classic now carries organic certification. Les Vignerons d’Estézargues, a very small cooperative cellar, has been committed to an approach to quality and development of the terroir for years, and the La Montagnette cuvée reflected this in all vintages. The 2022 is no exception. Beautiful aromatic intensity on the nose, with notes of cocoa and kirsch, quite typical of Grenache, of which half the wine is composed. Vinification is done without inputs, with a limited supply of SO2. A straight, frank and fairly ample red, with a beautiful fruity coating. A must-have in the general repertoire, available in almost all branches of the SAQ network.

Juan Gil, Bonhomme Zero +, Verdejo, Wine of Spain

Spain 0.5% | $13.95

Code SAQ : 15296748

Finally, a recommendation for those of you who have decided to take on one of the two alcohol-free challenges (January or February) at the beginning of the year, this good dealcoholized white wine produced by Quebec winemaker Nathalie Bonhomme, in collaboration with the Gil family (Juan Gil). Zero + Verdejo is made from 100% verdejo, a grape variety from the Rueda appellation. The nose is rather discreet, but on the palate, we distinguish the citrus flavors specific to the grape variety, with vegetal nuances. A leftover amount of sugar brings a certain roundness, without heaviness. Serve it chilled with sushi or a poké bowl.

★ Correct

★★ Bon

★★★ Very good

★★★★ Excellent

★★★★★ Exceptional

More stars than dollars: well worth the price.

As many stars as dollars: worth the price.

Fewer stars than dollars: wine is expensive.