FIVE RED WINES TO TRY FROM CLASSIC APPELLATIONS
Cairanne 2015, Prestige, Domaine Saint Andéol, France red, $17.15, SAQ #11459837 (SAQ Dépôt only):
A rich, ripe and very fruit-driven wine from the Cairanne appellation in the Côte du Rhône. This is dark, black fruited and black olive, with some gritty tannin. Needs a very flavourful piece of meat like duck or wild game for it to show itself off. Good power at a small price. Grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah. Residual sugar: 2.1 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2018. Food-pairing idea: Duck breast, deer filet.
Rioja 2011, Reserva, Marqués de Caceres, Spain red, $24, SAQ #897983:
Lighter-styled Rioja but faithful to the aromatic nature of the region. More cigar wrapper and tobacco notes than fruit, integrated tannin. Not very fruit driven, but with a veal and mushrooms, this will kick. Grape varieties: Tempranillo, Grenache, graciano. Residual sugar: 2.6 g/l. Serve at 18C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: Veal or chicken with mushroom sauce.
Chignon 2012, Theleme, Lorieux, France red, $26.20, SAQ #917096:
Smells like strawberry jam. But in the mouth, it’s classic Chinon. Full of fruit, but dry with delicate tannins and even a touch of green pepper on the finish. You wouldn’t expect that considering the ripe aromas. But so chuggable. Keep it at cool and pack this back. Grape variety: cabernet franc. Residual sugar: 1.5 g/l. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2022. Food-pairing idea: Vegetarian-friendly, beef stirfries.
Graves 2012, Villa Bel Air, France red, $28.95, SAQ #10752716:
For the moment, a mix of basic fruit and oak. Mix of dark and red berries, finely layered tannin and good length. Nicely streamlined with a refreshing acidity. Like to see this in a few more years to see how it gains in depth. Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, cabernet franc. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/l. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2020. Food-pairing idea: Pork with mushroom sauce.
Margaux 2012, Les Remparts de Ferrière, France red, $42.25, SAQ #12194463:
Nicely balanced Bordeaux that is starting to come into its own. Call this a firm grip but with a loving touch. The tannins are still pretty serious and the oak is just starting to penetrate. But the fruit is delicious, the mid-palate texture seductive, and the finish lengthy. Great for a steak. Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Residual sugar: 2.6 g/l. Serve at 18C. Drink now2022. Food-pairing idea: Roast beef, hangar steak in red wine sauce.