Buyers Guide to Vintages August 1st Release

Aligning on Affordable Summer Values, Led by Sicily and Sardinia

By David Lawrason, with notes from Michael Godel, John Szabo, Sara d’Amato and Megha Jandhyala

Welcome back from the most laid-back of our summer holiday weekends, and one of the most laid-back Vintages releases of the year, which is not uncommon in August. It is a smaller release: 92 wines, with 37 under $20. So don’t expect an onslaught of high-scoring, memorable and classic wines. But do expect some nuanced scores and reviews befitting cheaper wines, with a handful of keeners that rise above. Yes, there can be good value wines that don’t reach 90 points.

This release features “Sicily and Sardinia,” two prominent Italian-governed — if governed is the word when it comes to Italy — islands in the Mediterranean. There are other Mediterranean islands and coastal regions in Italy, Spain, France and Greece that offer very similar climatic and topographic conditions, and a range of interesting indigenous grape varieties that are foreign to us but should not be. I think the Mediterranean basin is one of the most intriguing, exotic and value regions in the world today.

I don’t want to minimize the very serious wildfire situation in Europe, but these Mediterranean regions have existed with extreme heat for decades. The grape varieties have been nurtured and the winemaking adapted. Historically they were considered low-brow, somnolent, southern regions. But no longer. I am highly engaged by Mediterranean whites with opulent ripe, almost tropical fruit, yet core energy, warmth and minerality. The same with reds with bushels of red and black fruit made in an open-knit, warm, generous style that is not as hot and heavy as expected.

Sicily, in particular, has a reputation of being the California of Europe. They are similar in latitude and climate, though Sicily has a different and more interesting geological terroir with its own set of thriving grape varieties, which California may want to emulate. It is one the most important value-driven and exotic wine regions, at prices that afford adventure.

I have been to Sicily twice, once in the west near the capital of Palermo and the regions of Trapani and Marsala with their maritime, low altitude, almost tropical ambiance. The second journey was to the dramatic east coast: to Siracusa, Taormina and the north slope of Mt. Etna, which was spectacularly erupting as we posted. There are so many other parts of the island’s hilly interior that I would love to explore, with vineyards everywhere. And I would also love, one day, to explore the rugged isle of Sardinia, which for now I can only do through its wines.

Before getting to our reviews, a note that our own Michael Godel and John Szabo are world class experts on Sicily, both attending the annual Sicily En Primeur tasting. Most recently, last October, John authored a look at the top Sicilian wines of 2025. And, with input from Michael, the WineAlign database of Sicilian reviews must be one of the most comprehensive anywhere.

So here are our picks this time out. For the first time in months we had our full complement of five critics on hand, bringing you a larger than usual selection of recommended buys, most based on value. And there are more “alignments,” too, on the best wines and sharpest values, with a very rare “five aligner” on what may be the best rosé buy of the season. They are presented in ascending price order within their categories.

Buyer’s Guide Vintages August 1: Sparkling

Benjamin Bridge Méthode Classique Brut Rosé Sparkling, Nova Scotia, Canada
$32.95, Lifford Wine & Spirits (Select Wine Merchants)
John Szabo – Crispy, crunchy, vibrant and fresh bubbles in the Maritime style from Benjamin Bridge. I like the minty-limey flavours and the well-integrated effervescence. Good fun, good bubbles, ready to go.
Michael Godel – Less than Brut in sweetness, and right there with ship-shaping acidity. The texture benefits from an underlying earthiness. Few wines deliver this combination of grounding and excitement.

Buyer’s Guide Vintages August 1: White & Rosé

Brigaldara Soave 2024, Veneto, Italy
$16.95, Rogers & Company
Megha Jandhyala – This is an approachably priced and alluringly textured Soave, with gentle, seductive roundness and bright, focused flavours of citrus and orchard fruit.

Umani Ronchi Vellodoro Pecorino 2025, Abruzzo, Italy
$17.95, Connexion Oenophilia
John Szabo – Sharp value pecorino from the ever-reliable Umani Ronchi, a notable Marche operation across the full range, showing pleasantly plump green and yellow-fleshed fruit flavours absent oak interference; length and depth are solid. Chill and go over the near term.
Michael Godel – Hard to find a more productive, intentional and knowing producer for success in any of Abruzzo’s most distinctive varietal wines. Just woolly enough to act out the varietal part, plus the texture comes from development where summers are hot, and still the tension remains.
David Lawrason – Textbook pecorino — a brisk and dry white with a fresh nose of lemongrass, yellow plum and background waxy note. No wood. Good weight and flesh with a quite lemony streak on the finish. Enjoyed it with grilled salmon and roasted veg.
Megha Jandhyala – This characteristically zippy and zesty pecorino is great as an aperitif or accompaniment to light seafood. Gently waxy, with vivid acidity and a hint of sweetness, then bitterness, it is balanced and universally appealing. The fact that it is priced at under $20 only adds to its appeal.

La Cala Vermentino Di Sardegna 2024, Sardinia, Italy
$17.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
David Lawrason – The high acid, aromatic vermentino grape thrives in the western Mediterranean along the coast of Liguria, and in Sardinia. Expect an almost tropical sultana raisin nose with honey, fresh fig and wildflowers. It is medium weight with a certain richness and fruit sweetness, yet enough freshness to carry a hot summer day.

Astrix Assyrtiko 2024, Peloponnese, Greece
$24.95, Intra Vino Inc.
Michael Godel – Some might see the Burgundian way, though with not much more than a kiss, and restraint is the better part of valour. Really quite a lot happening in this varietal Greek white.
Sara d’Amato – Assyrtiko doing what it does best — salty, stoney and just a little wild but with a more viscous and fleshy Peloponnese twist. A touch of friendly oxidation adds roundness to the silky, mid-weight palate. Basically: sunshine, sea spray and a little attitude.
David Lawrason – Ditto, love all the brine! For less than Santorini examples.

Batasiolo Morino Vineyard Langhe Chardonnay 2024, Piedmont, Italy
$27.95, Charton Hobbs
Sara d’Amato – From an unexpected corner of the chardonnay world, this Piemontese surprise is gently kissed by French oak. It’s a balancing act, pairing a generous, textured palate with a vibrant, energetic lift, creating a dynamic interplay that keeps each sip engaging. Cool-climate roots shine through with bright acidity, soft floral notes, and complex orchard fruit. Its thoughtful without being fussy, polished without losing its edge, and offering excellent value.

Jean-max Roger La Grange Dimiere Sancerre Rosé 2025, Loire, France
$31.95, Connexion Oenophilia
Megha Jandhyala – Inviting, vibrant, and expressive, this rosé is awash in ripe red fruit, while hints of citrus zest and herbs emerge on the long finish. It will make for a versatile addition to the dinner table and should pair well with gently spiced cuisine like khoresh gheymeh and zereshk polo.
John Szabo – A fleshy and ripe, fluid, plush rosé reflecting the warm vintage with its evident ripeness and good concentration. I love the pure sweet red cherry and raspberry flavours, the underlying oyster shell, the surprising acids that sweep through the long finish. Lots of flavour and integrity on offer.
Sara d’Amato – A pinot noir led rosé from Sancerre that features more structure than its pale Provençal cousins, thanks to a touch of extended maceration. Poised, sophisticated, dry, finely etched with freshness, and effortlessly elegant. Expressive with notes of pure raspberry and cherry along with a whisper of dried herbal tea, underpinned by a subtle mineral edge. A versatile partner at the table, this is rosé with both charm and intention.
David Lawrason – Pours pale, luminous pink and bristles with redcurrant, rhubarb, sour cherry and herbal notes. Light on its feet, nicely firm and lively with real mineral cohesion and elegance.
Michael Godel – Delivery of mouth-watering red fruit. Vibrancy, energy and agency in rosé.

Keint-he Greer Road Chardonnay 2023, Ontario, Canada
$40.00, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
John Szabo – Evidently dense, compact, intensely flavoured chardonnay with the typically low yields of the county on full display with the impressive concentration on offer. A very fine example from an excellent vintage, best from 2027 — give it the extra months for the texture to refine.

Buyer’s Guide Vintages August 1: Reds

Sur De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2023, Mendoza, Argentina
$16.95, Intra Vino Inc.
Michael Godel – Juicy, wood-spiced and getable and, as such, gamely elevated. What more could you ask from a malbec costing just $17?

Jerzu Antichi Bantu Cannonau Di Sardegna 2023, Sardinia, Italy
$19.95, Db Wine & Spirits
David Lawrason – Cannonau is Sardinian for grenache, and I really taste Sardinia in the finish of this wine — a certain energy, warmth and tannin structure that speaks to its place. As opposed to softer mainland editions. The nose, however, is very much grenache with strawberry/rhubarb pie, confectionary sweetness, sage/lichen herbals and pepper. It is medium bodied with warming 14% alcohol.

Lakeview Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Ontario, Canada
$21.95, Trajectory Beverage Partners
Michael Godel – More wood here than any other in a flight of seven high-level Canadian cabernet sauvignon wines blind tasted at the National Wine Awards of Canada. So much chocolate mint, oh mon dieu! Also, herbals and longest chains of tannin. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2026 NWACS.

Planeta Frappato 2024, Sicily, Italy
$23.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
John Szabo – A bit over a year since last tasted, and Planeta’s frappato from the sandy marine soils of Vittoria is in great shape, likely at peak I’d say, at the intersection of lively strawberry fruit and more evolved, salty and savoury elements. Salinity has crept up, conspiring with acids to refresh and draw saliva, and desire for another sip. Tannins still have a bit of grip, but nothing that stands in the way of a light chill and backyard BBQ.
Sara d’Amato – A classic Frappato from Sicily’s southeastern corner, youthful, bright and juicy with very mild black and pink peppercorn on the nose and even a hint of cola. With ethereal tannins, simmering acids, it’s vibrant, engaging and delicious with a slight chill. 
Megha Jandhyala – This frappato from Vittoria displays authentic varietal and terroir-based character — toasted black pepper notes are a delightful prelude to its melody of plump red fruit, rhubarb, dried savoury botanicals, and violets. I would enjoy this vibrant red wine over the next year or two, served lightly chilled.
David Lawrason – My colleagues have described it well. I remain incredulous and charmed that red grapes like frappato and nerello mascalese (of Etna Rosso) can render such light and delicious wines in such a warm place.

Wending Home Estate Gamay 2023, Ontario, Canada
$29.95, Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery
Sara d’Amato – Pepper-infused strawberry compote sets the tone in this bright, energetic gamay from the temperate Creek Shores appellation. It’s a wine that speaks clearly of its place, brightened by lively acidity, yet centred on pure, expressive red fruit. Fresh, focused and distinctive, it captures both the charm and precision of the variety.
Megha Jandhyala – This charismatic gamay is elegant yet unaffected, with an easy grace and charm. I love its engaging perfume of red fruit, pepper and underbrush almost as much as its delicately fleshy, silky texture and long, flavourful finish. 
David Lawrason – This even, friendly gamay has aged into a fine state of grace and pleasure. It shows pretty, well-meshed and complex strawberry/cherry fruit, peony florals and fine underbrush/earthy notes. Balance is very good with perfect 12.5% alcohol, fresh acids and fine tannin. Drink over the next year.

Réva Langhe Nebbiolo 2023, Piedmont, Italy
$29.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
David Lawrason – A baby Barbaresco, with more complexity and structure than many Langhe nebbiolo peers. Shows a classic, complex nose of red currant/sour cherry with tobacco, mineral, red rose and spicy notes. It is medium weight, firm and tart-edged with some tannic grit. (Vintages materials say this is Nebbiolo d’Alba but the label reads Langhe Nebbiolo.)

And that’s a wrap for this edition. We return for the August 15 release, which features a weird LCBO theme of “best wines for take-out” — and a much more interesting look at Austrian wine. – David

Use these quick links for access to all of our August 1st Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.

John’s Top Picks – August 1st
Lawrason’s Take – August 1st
Megha’s Picks – August 1st
Michael’s Mix – August 1st
Sara’s Selections – August 1st

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