WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $16

The Wolftrap 2016, Western Cape, Boekenhoutskloof, South Africa red, $14.45, SAQ # 10678464: Big wine that still shows some decent freshness. The nose is reticent — this wine happens in the mouth. Soft tannins — perhaps a touch biting on the finish, but I’m being picky. For the price, very well done. Residual sugar: 3.8 g/L. Grape varieties: syrah, mourvèdre, viognier. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: white meat roasts with dark berry sauce.

$16-$20

Penedès 2013, Gran Coronas Reserva, Torres, Spain red, $19.60, SAQ # 36483: A very good cabernet for the price. Big, of course, with wood-dusted blackberry fruit. But very focused — the oak is way in the background. Tannins are finessed. Whether you like New or Old World styles, you’ll like this. Residual sugar: 2 g/L. Grape variety: cabernet sauvignon. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now2023. Food pairing idea: T-bone steak with spice, lamb with mustard.

$20-$25

Lirac 2015, Château MontRedon, France red, $24.75,

SAQ # 11293970: Even more complete and rich than the 2014, yet without going overboard. Richly textured grenache where the kirschcherry fruit meets a fleshy, red meat note. Tannins are ripe and richly layered with the expected dried herbs, black olives and licorice. Residual sugar: 2.2 g/L. Grape varieties: grenache, syrah, mourvèdre. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing idea: pork filet with mustard and herbs.

$25 AND UP

Barolo 2013, Beni di Batasiolo, Italy red, $28.55, SAQ

# 10856777: Good under-$30 Barolos are hard to find. While this is not the most complex, it’s a great introduction to the appellation. Drinks very nebbiolo-like. The fruit shows tart cherry mixed with faded rose and spice. Residual sugar: 3.3 g/L. Grape variety: nebbiolo. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: veal scaloppine.