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

Gard, Sable de Camargue 2019, Le Pive Gris, Maison Jeanjean, France rosé, $15.80, SAQ # 11372766. Organic. I’m taking a chance here, but let’s hope for warmer, sunnier weather. If it hits, be ready with this bottle in the fridge. This is the best under-$16 rosé on the market. Fresh and floral, the perfect acidity, good power, dry finish and organic to boot! Easy buygrape varieties: grenache, merlot, cabernet franc.

Residual sugar: 1.2 g/l.

Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now.

Food pairing ideas: apéritif, spring rolls, tomato and goat cheese salad.

$16-$20

Riesling 2018, Kung Fu Girl, Charles Smith Wines, Washington white, $17, SAQ # 11629787. Loaded with tropical fruit, with a backbone of lime cordial. The texture is very comfortable — fresh, without excess pucker. That’s because the balance between the acidity and residual sugar is dead-on. Keep this one cool. Grape variety: riesling.

Residual sugar: 14 g/l.

Serve at: 8 C. Drink now-2021.

Food pairing ideas: apéritif, spicy seafood dishes.

$20-$25

Cahors 2016, Le Combal, Cosse Maisonneuve, France red, $20.15, SAQ # 10675001.

Amazing precision, as always. Cabernet lovers will like this a lot, with its juicy blackberry fruit and very finely layered tannins. The trip here is in the nuanced black licorice, acting as an earthy anchor. There’s something very wild, almost savage, in this wine. Grape variety: malbec.

Residual sugar: 1.6 g/l.

Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2022. Food pairing idea: stronger-flavoured red meat, like lamb or deer.

$25 AND UP

Chianti Classico 2016, Riserva, Tenuta Borgo Scopeto, Italy red, $28.20, SAQ # 10560351.

A more modern style of Chianti, which might suit those who often find classic Chianti a touch stark and sinewy. Here you get a relatively rich palate — almost juicy, with cherry and plum notes, a touch of earth, and some sweeter spices that made me think of nutmeg. Grape variety: sangiovese. Residual sugar: 3.3 g/l.

Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2023. Food pairing idea: grilled pork with beet relish.