WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $18: EVERYDAY DRINKING

Côtes-de-Gascogne Igt 2015, Sauvignon-Blanc, Domaine de L’Herré, France white, $15.60, SAQ # 12015525: Surprisingly not “overly sauvignon” — an inexpensive wine can sometimes overdo green flavours and sweet finishes. Here you’ll find ripe lemon and grapefruit, a hint of jalapeño, with a dry, mineral finish. Well done. Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L. Serve at 18C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: Apéritif, ceviche, white fish with citrus and parsley.

$18-$23: MID-PRICED MARVEL

Costières de Nîmes 2014, Les Galets, Château Mourgues Du Grès, France red, $18.90, SAQ # 10259753: Syrah and grenache blend shows off the ripe fruit of the southern Rhône, but ventures into more Northern Rhône notes of cassis and blackberry, alongside an interesting mineral and peppery spice note on the finish. Tannins are very fine, razor thin. Very good southern syrah that stays fruity, as opposed to heading too much into the olive. Like this a lot. Residual sugar: 2.7 g/L. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2019. Food pairing idea: Vegetarian friendly, ratatouille, white meats.

$23 AND UP: FOR A TREAT

Rioja 2009, Reserva, Lan, Spain red, $24.20, SAQ # 11414145: This is aging with grace. The brightness of a young wine is still there, but the mushroomy, leather and old oak veneer notes give tremendous depth. Structurally still kicking like a young stallion with tannins that still grip. Big thumbs up, especially for the price. Residual sugar: 2.5 g/L. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing idea: Grilled pork with mushrooms.