WINES OF THE WEEK
Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings. Douro 2015, Vale do Bomfim, Portugal red, $14.55, SAQ # 10838982.
Always one of the better “bargain Douros” at the SAQ, but the 2015 is even drier and more focused. Bright fruit, low oak, ripe tannins and a gravelly, mineral finish. Despite the heft, drinks well on its own. For price, a great taste of the Douro region. Grape varieties: tinta barroca, touriga franca, touriga nacional, tinta roriz. Residual sugar: 2.6 g/L. Serve at: 18C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: osso buco, duck confit.
Montecucco 2016, Vermentino, Melacce, ColleMassari, Italy white, $18.90, SAQ # 13574370.
Organic. One of the better vermentinos I have tasted. Shows a viognier-esque oily texture but with more freshness on the finish. Fruit is nuanced with notes of peach and lime, with a touch of spice and herbs. Great complexity and so incredibly easy to drink. Grape variety: vermentino. Residual sugar: 3.1 g/L. Serve at: 8-10C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: apéritif, cavatelli with olive oil, garlic and sautéed vegetables.
Santorini 2016, Assyrtiko/ Athiri, Domaine Sigalas, Greece white, $23.70, SAQ # 11607377.
Riper styled assyrtiko that shows almost a Sancerrelike fleshiness alongside the expected bright acidity and smoky, mineral finish. With seafood season around the corner, if you have yet to try one of the world’s most exceptional white wine styles, here’s the perfect wine to do it. Grape varieties: assyrtiko, athiri. Residual sugar: 1.5 g/L. Serve at: 10C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing idea: apéritif, paella, scallop tartare with lemon zest, grilled octopus.
Brunello di Montalcino 2012, Col d’Orcia, Italy red, $52, SAQ # 403642.
Always very good, the 2012 vintage of Col d’Orcia shows an even richer texture with more fruit than earthy tobacco and leather notes. The tannins are refined and finely layered, with a spice driven finish. While it will gain even more with extended cellar time, at six years of age this is drinking exceptionally well. Grape variety: sangiovese. Residual sugar: 2.7 g/L. Serve at: 18C. Drink now-2025. Food pairing idea: roast beef with horseradish.