WINES OF THE WEEK
UNDER $15
Sicilia 2017, Syrah, Cusumano, Italy red, $13.60, SAQ # 10960777: Young, ripe and juicy. No oak. Dark-fruited, with a hint of black olive and herbs to add some depth. This is a consummate table wine that puts ease of drinking ahead of complexity. Keep it cool and the bottle will be empty before you know it. Grape variety: syrah. Residual sugar: 2.4 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now. Food pairing: roast chicken with tapenade. $15-$20
Vermentino di Sardegna 2017, Merì, Argiolas, Italy white, $19.70, SAQ # 13044416: I’ve been waiting for this wine to arrive, and the 2017 is as good as the last vintage. Delicate and nuanced aromatics, with white flowers, pear and just a hint of citrus. Serve on the warmer side to benefit from the textured finish. Great all-around white to take you from apéritif through your meal. Grape variety: vermentino. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/L. Serve at: 10-12 C. Drink now. Food pairing: seafood pasta with garlic, caramelized vegetables and olive oil. $20-$25
Rosso di Montalcino 2015, Caparzo, Italy red, $20.55, SAQ # 713354: Caparzo’s wines lean toward more classic expressions of sangiovese. This is a perfect example. While that Luxardo cherry note dominates the nose, the mouth is all about acidity and earthier notes, with fresh and dried herbs on the finish. Great wine for any tomato sauce. Grape: sangiovese. Residual sugar: 3.4 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing: veal Parmesan, spaghetti with meat sauce. $25 AND UP
Bourgogne 2016, Nature d’Ursulines, Jean-Claude Boisset, France red, $30.75, SAQ # 13297940: More luxurious than you might expect from a generic Burgundy. Darker fruit; shows a Côte de Nuits expression of the Pinot grape. Dark cherry and blackberry, a velvety midpalate, with fine tannins on the finish giving it surprising length. Hint of pepper on the finish as well. Grape: pinot noir. Residual sugar: 1.4 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now2022. Food pairing: apéritif, veal roast with herbs.
Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings.