WINES OF THE WEEK

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

Under $16

Costières de Nîmes 2017, Buti Nages, Michel Gassier, France rosé, $14.70, SAQ # 427625. Organic. Has a bit of everything: floral and fruity aromatics, a fruit-driven and textured mouth and a touch of dried herbs on the finish. Not powerful by any stretch, but this satisfies as an apéritif or for lighter meals.

Grape varieties: syrah, grenache.

Residual sugar: 1.2 g/L. Serve at: 8C. Drink now.

Food pairing ideas: apéritif,

Niçoise salad.

$16-$20

Dolcetto d’Alba 2016, Pian Balbo, Poderi Colla, Italy red, $18, SAQ # 13674362. Unlike many dolcettos, Poderi Colla manages to keep the tannins to a reasonable level, allowing the fruit and the aromatics to show. This is a beautiful and delicate wine. You just want to swirl your glass and take small sips. Fresh, fruity and floral. Only 12.5 per cent alcohol. Grape variety: dolcetto.

Residual sugar: 2.4 g/L. Serve at: 15C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing ideas: mixed charcuterie and cheese, pork brochettes with olive oil and garlic.

$20-$25

Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Aconcagua Alto, Errazuriz, Chile red, $20.65, SAQ # 13394766. I was served the 2012 vintage blind, and thought it was extraordinary. The 2015 should follow a similar trajectory. Right now, it has full mint and blackberry, ripe but grippy tannin, and a long, finessed and powerful finish. So fresh despite the heft. Looking for an inexpensive cellar wine? This is it.

Grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, cabernet franc.

Residual sugar: 2.5g/L. Serve at: 18C. Drink now-2025.

Food pairing ideas: rack of lamb, magret de canard with dark berries.

$25 and up

Chardonnay 2016, Western Cape, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, South Africa white, $41.25, SAQ # 11662270. The similarities to fine Burgundy are plentiful. So rich and mouth-coating, but you would never call this heavy. There’s apple and a hint of more exotic fruit, and it’s so nuanced. The oak is there, but frames the wine so tastefully you don’t notice it. Bravo.

Grape variety: chardonnay. Residual sugar: n/a.

Serve at: 10-14 C.

Drink now-2022.

Food pairing ideas: apéritif, lobster, scallops.