WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $18: EVERYDAY DRINKING

Luberon 2016, La Vieille Ferme, France white, $13,

SAQ # 298505: Once again, a study in nuance and texture. This wine could not be further removed from the hyper-acidic, super-aromatic whites that are all the rage these days. This is about pear and peaches, a solid mineral streak and a rich, comforting finish. Serve this on the warmer side, or you simply won’t get what I am talking about. Residual sugar: 1.2 g/L. Grape varieties: bourboulenc, grenache blanc, ugni blanc, vermentino. Serve at: 10-12 C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: avocado and shrimp with mayonnaise, scallops, cold lobster.

$18-$23: MID-PRICED MARVEL

Rasteau 2014, L’Andéol, Perrin & Fils, France red,

$19.85, SAQ # 10678149: A great example of the ripe and powerful fruit of the southern Rhône, yet a wine that remains finessed and elegant. The acidity is there, but surrounding that spine is seductive and fleshy grenache. The syrah drives the wine and brings some ripe but grippy tannin. The dried herb note adds a Mediterranean postal code. Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L. Grape varieties: grenache, syrah. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing idea: barbecued steak with steak spice, lamb chops with mustard and mint.

$23 AND UP: FOR A TREAT

Venezia Giulia 2013, Rivarossa, Mario Schiopetto, Italy red, $30.25, SAQ #

11035946: For you merlot haters, this will change your prejudice. Perfectly ripe, with all of the expected dark, plummy fruit. A suave and silky mid-palate with a crunchy tannic finish. Only moderate oak, which thinly frames the ensemble, and the finish tightens up nicely. Classy but fruit forward. Residual sugar: 2.1 g/L. Grape varieties: merlot, cabernet sauvignon. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2023. Food pairing idea: grilled filet mignon, deer steak with wild berry sauce.