WINES OF THE WEEK

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

Costières de Nîmes 2019, Buti Nages, France white, $15.95, SAQ #13808682. Organic.

If you’re tired of overly aromatic and zippy whites, you’re ready for this. Made by exceptional Rhône winemaker Michel Gassier, this blend of Grenache blanc and roussanne manages to show both great freshness and texture. Subtly fruited, with white peach and pear, and with a touch of spice on the finish, this is just so comfortable to drink. A true pleasure for under $16. Grape varieties: Grenache blanc, roussanne.

Residual sugar: 1.3 g/l.

Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, cavatelli with asparagus, fiddleheads with Parmesan.

Carménère 2018, La Capitana, Valle del Cachapoal, Vina La Rosa, Chile red, $19.40,

SAQ #10694190.

One of my favourite Chilean reds, this is carménère done so well. Loads of ripe fruit, textured mid-palate, with a touch of smoke and spice on the finish. Tannins are soft and cuddly, offering just enough grip. No excess wood or sugar — just a classic big red that offers powerful flavours with just enough finesse.

Grape variety: carménère. Residual sugar: 2.8 g/l.

Serve at: 16 C. Drink now to 2023. Food pairing ideas: ribs with barbecue sauce, grilled pepper steak.

Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2019, Altitude, Clos Bellane, France red, $21.10, SAQ #12513567. Organic. Quickly becoming one of my favourite rosés available at the SAQ. This shows flavour with such nuance. Just floral enough, without being overly aromatic. Fresh and driving acidity out of the fridge, but when it warms there’s a gorgeous mouth feel. Great rosé is pretty, never too powerful, but has substance. Try this and you’ll see what I mean. Grape variety: Grenache. Residual sugar: 1.2 g/l.

Serve at: 10-12 C. Drink now to 2021.

Food pairing ideas: apéritif, bouillabaisse.

$25 AND UP

Chablis 2018, Domaine Daniel Dampt et Fils, France white, $28.80, SAQ #13134711.

You can almost taste the fossilized oyster shells here. That’s what I love about Dampt’s wines: the essence of Kimmeridgian soil in a bottle. This is downright bony, skeletal, with lemon and green apple notes pierced by a salty knife. So refreshing, so mouth-watering, so good. Buy an extra bottle and save it for oyster season.

Grape variety: Chardonnay. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/l.

Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now to 2022.

Food pairing ideas: apéritif, shrimp, mussels, cold lobster salad, oysters.