THIS WEEK’S TASTING NOTES: FOUR REDS TO TRY

Malbec 2015, Pure, Trapiche, Argentina red, $17.50, SAQ # 12823397:

No oak for a change, giving a more pristine view of what Uco Valley fruit offers. Very juicy, but far from jammy. Shows violet and subtle meaty characteristics alongside darker notes of cassis and black cherry. The alcohol shows a touch if served too warm, so keep it cool. Grape variety: Malbec. Residual sugar: 1.9 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now to 2018. Food pairing idea: cassoulet.

Ribera del Duero 2013, Chartier — Créateur d’Harmonies, Spain red, $20.10, SAQ # 12246622:

Lots of pop in this wine. Has a nice reticence in terms of fruit, so don’t expect explosive aromatics. Tannins are finely grained, quite refined. Almost has a northern Rhône feel with its blackberry fruit and tannin. Grape variety: Tempranillo. Residual sugar: 1.9 g/L. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now to 2019. Food pairing idea: magret de canard with elderberry sauce.

Etna Rosso 2015, Planeta, Italy red, $25.95, SAQ # 12473577:

Etna is one of Italy’s many terroir jewels, and this wine does a good job of showing why. Clean acids, a mineral streak with bright fruit, and Nebbioloesque tannins that grip. Good job. Grape variety: Nerello Mascalese. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/L. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now to 2020. Food pairing idea: meat lasagna.

Chorey lès Beaune 2014, Les Beaumonts, Jean-Claude Boisset, France red, SAQ # 12987367:

Quite linear, so less fleshy than the last vintage. The fruit leans toward the darker side, and with very fine but multi-layered tannins. The finish goes to exotic spice, with clove and dried coriander that might be barrel, might be terroir — not sure — but the oak isn’t overly noticeable. Grape variety: Pinot Noir. Residual sugar: n/a. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now to 2022. Food pairing idea: apéritif, pan-fried salmon with coriander.