WINES OF THE WEEK

Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings.

UNDER $16

The Pirate Of Cocoa Hill 2015, Dornier, South Africa red, $15.50, SAQ #10679361.

Smooth and supple, loaded with red fruits and a subtle smoky note in the background. Tannins grip on the finish, but otherwise are soft enough to not get in the way of the wine. Very easy drinking, but with some substance. Grape varieties: syrah, merlot, cabernet franc, tempranillo. Residual sugar: 4 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now. Food- pairing idea: grilled chicken.

$16-$20

Pacherenc du Vic Bilh 2016, Grains de Roy, Cave de Crouseilles, France white, $16.65, SAQ #13028192.

Winner! Hardly a well-known grape variety, but I love wines like this. Shows texture without being heavy. A wide range of fruit notes ranging from apple to the more tropical. A hint of spice adds even more interest. . Drink on the warmer side to get the most out of this excellent bargain. Grape variety: gros manseng. Residual sugar: 2.4g/l. Serve at 10-12C. Drink now-2020. Food-pairing idea: steak tartare, seafood curry.

$20-$25

Saumur-Champigny 2015, Château de Villeneuve, France red, $21.55, SAQ #10918958.

Loire cabernet franc from a ripe vintage is always a treat as you get more fruit than the greener elements. This cuvée is even more Bordeaux-esque than usual with its refined tannins, ripe and fresh fruit, and great length. Grape variety: cabernet franc. Residual sugar: 1.5 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2022. Food-pairing idea: pot roast with bay leaf and herbs.

$25 AND UP

Brunello-di-Montalcino 2012, La Casa, Caparzo, Italy red, $78, SAQ #11098752.

One of my favourite Brunello producers, this single vineyard cuvée is exceptional. It revels in its kirsch-infused cherry alongside other field fruits. Very floral and fresh on the nose. Tannins are plentiful but ripe and forgiving. Finish is more spice than anything right now, but will develop with time. Give it a few hours in a carafe if you want to drink it now. Grape variety: sangiovese. Residual sugar: 2.5 g/l. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2027. Food-pairing idea: lamb chops.