We’re looking at a six-pack of value wines suitable for partying in all weather in this all-European review this month. Spoiler alert: 87 is the magic number! But that’s pretty solid considering that most of the wines are under $10!

 

Casa Santos Lima Passion of Portugal 2016 – Lisbon, Portugal ($7.95)
From just outside Lisbon comes this outstanding value—easily one of the best you’ll find for under $10 at the LCBO. A Syrah/Tinta Roriz/Tinta Barroca blend that has now twice dropped its regular price, there’s an earthy, woody, dark fruit palate, and a bit of stemmy-ness, which I don’t mind—especially at a price point where wines can be overly sweet, plummy and processed. There are very few things to complain about and a pretty decent finish for a wine in this ultra-affordable category. An excellent choice for a banquet red, not to mention summer BBQs. 87

Lab Rosé 2018 – Lisbon, Portugal ($9.95)
Very pale pink with orange tinges, this blend of cabernet sauvignon and local red varietiesis pleasingly dry. The palate yields mild strawberry with a refreshing splash of grapefruit, stoney minerality and a smooth finish. At this price point you tend to look for flaws more than complexity, but there’s nothing to complain about. Great value. Drink it up this summer. 87.5

Lab Red 2017 – Lisbon, Portugal ($9.85)
Oak aging for a brief four months provides a nice balance of structured dark red fruit, soft tannins and soft spice, making this smart blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Touriga Nacional a nice pairing for spicy burgers. 87

Farnese Fantini Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2018 – Abruzzo, Italy ($14.95)
Hot salmon pink, this Italian rosé leads with a soft rhubarb/cranberry/passionfruit blend, with raspberry and strawberry elements drawing in. Dry with a distinct lime-dominated acidity, it’s refreshing, if a hair tart. Don’t serve this one too cold—it needs a couple minutes out of the fridge to spring to life. A well-valued crowd-pleaser. 87

Matervitae Negroamaro 2018 – Puglia, Italy ($7.95 until Aug. 17)
Almost grape in its deep red hue, the introduction to this 100% Negroamaro from Southern Italy (currently $1.40 off) features a fruity sour black cherry and a touch of anise. Midweight and with eight months of stainless steel aging, it’s on the sweet side of dry. Here’s the trick to this one: It’s much better at room temperature than chilled. The red fruit really opens up as it warms, with less sweetness than you’d think. Hard cheeses and cold cuts are the recommended pairing. Easy drinking stuff here. Although a very economical wine, it’s worth a decanting to bring out its best. 86.5

Blu Giovello Prosecco – Italy ($14 until Aug. 17)
Easy to spot in its iconic blue bottle, this refreshing, soft-moussed Prosecco (currently $1.50 off) has an applesaucy, apple cider, kiwi nose. The applesauce continues on to the palate, but there’s a bit of greenness that lingers there. 86.5