WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $18: EVERYDAY DRINKING Janez 2015, Dveri Pax, Slovenia white, $16.45, SAQ

# 13110161: One of the more interesting whites I have tasted recently. Great aperitif wine with its evocative nose of flowers and melons, a moderately rich mid-palate and an almost imperceptible fizz, which adds a little tonic on the finish. Like a muscadet with extra body and aromatics. Grape varieties: riesling, furmint, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc. Serve at: 8C. Residual sugar: n/a. Drink now. Food pairing suggestion:

Aperitif, prosciutto with cantaloupe, sushi.

$18-$23: MID-PRICED MARVEL Carmenère 2014, La Capitana, Valle de Cachapoal, Vina La Rosa, Chile red, $18.45,

SAQ # 10694190: Tasty. Full of flavour. The ripe fruit and smoky oak duel it out, but the real champ is the acidity as the ensemble stays remarkably fresh despite the ripeness. Tannins are grippy, rustic. Dry, fruity with a subtle note of vanilla on the finish. A style of carmenère that will satisfy most “big red” wine drinkers. Grape variety: carmenère. Serve at: 16C. Residual sugar: 1.6 g/l. Drink now-2018.

Food pairing suggestion: Ribs with barbecue sauce, pepper steak.

$23 AND UP: FOR A TREAT Chardonnay 2015, Carneros, Schug, California white,

$29.35, SAQ # 11089910: Rich but not thick. Oak is there but acts like a very thin, spicy taco shell, filled with lime and butter. So easy to drink. Love it for its authenticity, a true Carneros chardonnay: ripe and textured. A wine should revel in its origins and this one does. Grape variety: chardonnay. Serve at: 10-12C. Residual sugar: 1.5 g/l. Drink now-2019.

Food pairing suggestion: Thai green curry with coconut milk and shrimp.