WINES OF THE WEEK

It is rare that a wine’s quality does not reflect its price. However, there are exceptions. The wines of the week are reserved for those wines that show exceptional quality and outstanding value.

UNDER $16:

EVERYDAY DRINKING

Rich, dark fruit with a spicy finish

Corbières 2010, La Garnotte, JeanNoël Bousquet, France red, $13.85,

SAQ # 11374411. A blend of carignan, syrah and grenache. Seems a bit richer than last year, so perhaps not quite as focused. But, still, a great example of Corbières. The fruit is dark, with a finish that is full of spice and white, dusty granite. Tried it at different temperatures and preferred it a touch cooler. Serve at 15-16C. Drink now. Food pairing: grilled sausages, Toulouse in particular.

$16-$20:

MID-PRICED MARVEL

Licorice and earthy notes, perfect with wild meats

Cahors 2007, Grande Cuvée, Prestige, Château la Coustarelle, France red,

$17.50, SAQ # 482240. So Cahors. A nose of rotting leaves, animal parts and other earthier notes like black licorice and some sort of wild aromatic herb, perhaps rosemary. There is some fruit there, deep down, but it definitely plays second fiddle. Tannins have started to fade slightly, but have enough pop to allow the wine to fight back against some serious animal fat. Earthy and animal: for the huntergatherer in each of us. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2016. Food pairing: duck, wild meats.

$20 AND UP: FOR A TREAT Silky and peppery sirah, not for the faint of heart

Petite Sirah 2008, Napa Valley, Girard, California red, $34, SAQ #

11604061. Yes, it clocks in at a whopping 15+ per cent alcohol, but petite sirah, much like grenache, seems to work well at this extreme ripeness. Silky textured, very peppery on the finish. I bet there is American oak in here as well that gives it even more raw power. While not for the faint of palate, a very well-balanced and satisfying wine. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2016. Food pairing: filet mignon au poivre.