Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks:Value-priced bottles that will warm you up

These easy-drinking value-priced wines warm the body and the soul as we head into colder weather. Find them WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

Bottega Rosé Vino dei Poeti
LCBO No. 277202; $12.25

This special-edition (pink ribbon on the bottle) pale rose-coloured sparkler is a blend of pinot nero and raboso grapes from Veneto and Lombardia. A portion of profits is donated to BHI, the Breast Health Institute internationally and in Canada this month to Princess Margaret Breast Cancer Foundation (October is Breast Cancer Awareness month).  Off dry with a festive, easy to drink character, it has a floral bouquet and ripe raspberry/strawberry taste.

Argento Bonarda 2011
LCBO No. 292458; $9.95

Argento’s value-priced wines are well constructed by head winemaker Silvia Corti to deliver above expectations with fruit purity and flavour concentration. This deep purple Mendoza red from 100% bonarda grapes is full bodied and rich on the palate with a rounded, soft finish. Full of ripe raspberry flavours with an overlay of oak, it goes well with a spicy stew.

Volcanes Summit Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011
LCBO No. 292607; $9.95

In Chile’s Rapel Valley, the Bodegas Volcanes wine-making team searches out grapes influenced by volcanic soil. This blend of largely cabernet sauvignon with 35% merlot is violet-tinged garnet in hue. Medium bodied, it has ripe berry on the nose and palate with some oak overtones. Cedar, spices and herbaceous notes make an appearance as well, especially in the firm dry finish. Have with pepperoni pizza or pasta puttanesca style.