WINES OF THE WEEK

Under $16 Bordeaux Supérieur 2015, Château la Mothe du Barry, France red, $15.05, SAQ # 10865307.

Organic. Riper and richer than 2014. Juicy, plummy fruit with soft tannins and a satiny mid-palate. Classic right-bank Merlot that stays finessed and elegant despite its ease of drinkability. Grape variety: Merlot. Residual sugar: 3.4 g/L. Serve at: 16C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: roast pork with herbs, beet salad.

$16-$20 Syrah 2014, Boya, Vina Garces Silva, Chile red, $19.50, SAQ # 13288091.

Great under-$20 syrah that shows both the grape and its source with integrity. A blend of red fruit and tomato leaf on the nose, with a finish that is crisp and fruity, with just a touch of eucalyptus for extra fun. Refined tannins and the fruity/floral side of syrah. Grape variety: Syrah.

Residual sugar: 1.9 g/L. Serve at: 16C. Drink now-2019. Food pairing idea: lamb chops with chimichurri sauce.

$20 -$25 Vermentino di Sardegna 2016, Merì, Argiolas, Italy white, $20.10, SAQ # 13044416.

One of the better and more interesting whites I have tasted in awhile. Lower acidity but not heavy, with pear and peach notes, a squeeze of lime and just a touch of dried herbs. Finish is rich and spicy. Grape variety: Vermentino.

Residual sugar: 1.8 g/L. Serve at: 8-12C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: pasta with garlic, caramelized vegetables and olive oil.

$25 and up Brunello-di-Montalcino 2011, Col d’Orcia, Italy red, $52.50, SAQ # 403642.

One of my favourite Brunellos. Very traditional with pure cherry fruit, just ripe, and where the oak has turned to spice on the finish rather than vanilla. Tannins are very sangiovese, chunky and lots of them, but that doesn’t impede the joy factor. Built for at least another 5 to 7 years of aging, but with a steak, it will do just fine right now. Grape variety: Sangiovese.

Residual sugar: 1.8 g/L. Serve at: 18C. Drink now-2025. Food pairing idea: roast beef with horseradish. Bill Zacharkiw