OK, they’re not Canadian, but at least these white and red wines among today’s new releases at the LCBO are not American. And they’re both exceptional values—even before the additional HST savings!

Deux Roches Tradition Macon-Villages 2022 — Burgundy, France ($27.95)
Named for a Grand Site Naturel of France, the distinctive twin peaks of Solutré and Verisson in this east-central France town of Davayé, a two-hour drive west of Geneva, Switzerland, inspired the winery name of Deux Roches (Two Rocks). At just $25.15 with the HST reduction, the grapes for this 100% medium-bodied Chardonnay are drawn from multiple sites—and hats off to the blending talents of the winemaking team. This is so well pieced together. The nose is fruit forward—apple and peach—with a mineral spine, moderate oak and juicy acidity. It’s smooth but lively going down, with a long and satisfying finish. A superior value. 92

Morandé Vitus Única Pinot Noir 2022 — Casablanca Valley, Chile ($17.95)
This wine hails from the El Ensueño estate in Lo Ovalle in the Casablanca Valley—a cool-climate region just 15 kms from the sea that’s ideal for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and, yes, fresh reds such as Pinot Noir. As with the other wines in the Vitis Única series, this Pinot undergoes a special vinification process. First, its grapes are refrigerated for five days after harvest, then manually selected, followed by a delicate process of grinding and manual stomping. The must undergoes cold maceration for 35 days and then 80% aged in huge wooden foudres (thereby keeping the oak influence nominal), with the remaining 20% in French oak barrels where it is aged for 12 months. The operative word for the final result is “vibrant.” This is an energetic, medium-bodied expression of Pinot Noir with a touch of spicy heat, but with a modest 13% alcohol and a measly 2g/L of sugar. Firmly structured with medium tannins, it features tart cherry fruit and a touch of eucalyptus, with an impressive finish for the humble price. Just $17.05 until the HST break ends in two weeks. 90