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 Castilla 2019, Wine by Nature, Airén/sauvignon Blanc, Bodegas Latúe, Spain white, $9.70, SAQ # 14294214. Organic.

I talked about this wine last year and decided to try it again. I’m still impressed. It’s a really fun under-$10 white. Lemon/lime, a bracing freshness on the palate and a finish with just enough bitter pith to make you want some food. Simple, straightforward and varietally dead-on. Grape varieties: Airén, sauvignon blanc.

Residual sugar: 2.4 g/l. Serve at: 8 C.

Drink: Now.

Food pairing ideas: Apéritif, delicate white fish with lemon, mussels with parsley.

$16-$20 Alma Negra 2017, A. Bartholomaus & E. Catena, Argentina red, $19.95, SAQ # 11156895.

With the warmer temps, more people are firing up the barbecue. If your choice is steak, this is a solid accompaniment. Richly flavoured, full of dark-berried fruit, a touch of smoke and spice from the barrel, and a lengthy finish. This isn’t breaking any new ground, but does a great job at bringing a ton of flavour for a good price.

Grape varieties: Malbec, bonarda.

Residual sugar: 2.5 g/l.

Serve at: 16 C.

Drink: Now-2022.

Food pairing idea: T-bone with steak spice.

$20-$25 Pacherenc du Vic Bilh 2017, Ericka, Château Laffitte-teston, France white, $22.60, SAQ # 11154582.

One of my favourite lesser-known white wine appellations, Pacherenc is in southwest France. The wine is richly textured, almost honeyed. The fruit is focused on apricot and peach; the finish is spice and more spice. The core of acidity keeps it from getting heavy. Amazing complexity and a blast to drink.

Grape varieties: Petit manseng, gros manseng, petit courbu.

Residual sugar: 4.9 g/l. Serve at: 10-14 C.

Drink: Now-2024.

Food pairing idea: Indian curries.

$25 and up Sicilia 2016, Maldafrica, COS, Italy red, $34.25, SAQ # 12465155. Organic.

This will redefine how you look at the classic cabernet-merlot blend. Yes, 10 per cent is the local grape frappato, but even more interesting is the 12.5 per cent alcohol level, which means there is less overripeness and more refreshing acidity. Yet they manage to have so much delicious fruit, and no perceivable green pepper notes that unripe cabernet can show. Jarring, but delicious.

Grape varieties: Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, frappato. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/l. Serve at: 16 C.

Drink: Now-2023.

Food pairing idea: Lamb or beef tajine.