WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $18: EVERYDAY DRINKING Colline Pescaresi 2012, Lolita, Podere Castorani, Italy red, $16.25, SAQ No. 10859599: Organic. The montepulciano grape blended with sangiovese and merlot is full of red fruits, and for the price, very good complexity. Acidity is vibrant, tannins have that characteristic sangiovese and montepulciano grittiness and the merlot smooths things out nicely. A touch of sweetness on the finish, but with tomato sauce works very well. Residual sugar: 6.2 g/L. Serve at 16 C. Drink now.

Food pairing: Spaghetti with meat sauce.

$18-$23: MID-PRICED MARVEL Côtes de Provence 2013, Château la Tour de L’Evêque, France red, $21.30, SAQ No.

440123: Organic. Wonderfully robust wine. The cabernet sauvignon dominates, bringing fresh blackberry, followed by classic Provençal aromatics of lavender and rosemary. The tannins are ripe, edgy and powerful, yet giving. Big wine that shows great finesse now and will gain even more with a few years in the cellar. Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L. Serve at 18 C. Drink now to 2020.

Food pairing: Lamb chops with rosemary.

$23 AND UP: FOR A TREAT Chablis Premier Cru 2012, Fourchaume, La Chablisienne, France white, $38.50, SAQ No.

11094671: Excellent Fourchaume with its balance between the fruit and mineral structure. The fruit is ripe but subtle, with stone fruit and apple. Beautifully focused finish that goes all rock. Let this warm a bit to allow it to show the richness of the 2012 vintage. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/L. Serve at 10 to 12 C. Drink now to 2018.

Food pairing: Apéritif, scallops, fish with cream sauce.