WINES OF THE WEEK Bill Zacharkiw

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 $17:

EVERYDAY DRINKING

Active grenache, syrah

Côtes du Rhône 2011, Héritages, Ogier, France red, $15.45, SAQ

#535849. You see both the grenache and syrah in action here. All grenache up front, with fresh red berries, soft tannins and a satiny mid-palate. The syrah takes control of the finish with notes of black olives and herbs. Light, juicy and easy drinking. Serve at 15 C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: Apéritif, salmon with olives.

$17-$22:

MID-PRICED MARVEL

Total quaffability

Chinon 2011, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine de la Perrière, France red,

$21, SAQ #917351. Loire cabernet franc can be easy-drinking while still showing great concentration and depth. Such quaffability! Walks that fine line between ripe and just-ripe with its characteristic faint hint of green. Tannins still have some zip to them, acidity is perfect. Serve at 16 C. Drink now-2017. Food-pairing idea: Chicken brochettes with tzatziki.

$22 AND UP:

FOR A TREAT

Unique pinot noir

Pinot Noir 2012, Marlborough, Framingham, $23.90, New Zealand red,

SAQ #11076633. Not what I expected. Much more delicate than previous vintages — almost Beaujolais-like in its drinkability. Built along freshness, fine acidity and razor-thin tannins. I love the restraint, especially with the aromatics. This is a very unique pinot noir. It’s a shame Marlborough’s international offer is so focused on sauvignon blanc. Serve at 16 C. Drink now2016. Food-pairing idea: Apéritif, grilled salmon with delicate flavoured mushrooms.