WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $18: EVERYDAY DRINKING Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2015, Riparosso, Illuminati, Italy red, $14.30, SAQ #

10669787: Very well done and with surprisingly lots going on for the price. Has a solid tannic finish, so be aware. If you are chomping on some meat, it will help reveal loads of red fruit, spice and some dried herbs and licorice on the finish. While powerful, the wine stays remarkably fresh. Grape variety: montepulciano. Residual sugar: n/a. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2018. Food pairing suggestion:

Pepper steak, magret de canard with wild berry sauce. $18-$23: MID-PRICED MARVEL Toscana Igt 2014, Casamatta, Bibi Graetz, Italy red, $18.25, SAQ # 11372441: Really fresh without sacrificing power. Shows classic sangiovese notes of cherry and a bright acidity but the ripe merlot brings a silky mid-palate and a certain familiarity. Very alive and dynamic wine that keeps making you want another sip. Grape varieties: sangiovese, merlot, syrah. Residual sugar: 6 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now. Food pairing suggestion:

Aperitif, charcuterie, vegetarian pizza with olives.

$23 AND UP: FOR A TREAT Bolgheri 2014, Poggio ai Ginepri, Tenuta Argentiera, Italy red, $23.85, SAQ #

11161299: Something so likable about this wine. Bordeaux blend but with a good dose of syrah, you get the expected refined tannins, the Italian bright acidity. So powerful yet so fresh. The finish is a lingering taste of tobacco and red berries, and sends me right to Tuscany. Authentic, unique, and very good. Grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot, petit verdot. Residual sugar: 2 g/l. Serve at 18C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing suggestion:

Roast beef, centre cut.