BILL ZACHARKIW’S WINES OF THE WEEK:

Under $18: Everyday drinking Tannat 2015, Reserve, Juanico, Don Pascual, Uruguay red, $15.80, SAQ # 10299122.

Tannat may not be a well-known grape variety, but its flavours might seem familiar. Dark fruited, dense and richly tannic — in many ways, it’s like a more rustic malbec. Spice-infused black raspberry and cherry. This is made for meat. Really good for the price. Grape variety: tannat

Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L Serve at: 18C. Drink now-2018.

Food pairing idea: pepper steak, stronger flavoured meats like deer

$18-$23: Mid-priced marvel Cahors 2013, Le Combal, Cosse Maisonneuve, France red, $19.65, SAQ # 10675001.

Amazing precision. Cabernet sauvignon-like with its juicy blackberry fruit, but has a nuanced black licorice note that acts as an earthy anchor. Tannins are ripe and finely layered, but not drying in the least. Something wild in this wine. Grape variety: malbec Residual sugar: 1.4g/L Serve at: 18C. Drink now-2018. Food pairing idea: red meat, stronger flavoured like lamb or deer

$23 and up: For a treat Muscadet 2012, Cuvée M, Collection Privée des Frères Couillaud, France white, $24.85, SAQ # 12580348.

Almost riesling-esque with its pervasive minerality. But this is so very Muscadet, with its sleek palate and lemony fruit. At five years, this Musdadet is a great example of how they gain texture and aromatic depth while staying punchy and fresh.

Grape variety: melon de Bourgogne Residual sugar: 1.8g/L Serve at: 8-10C. Drink now-2022. Food pairing idea: apéritif, raw oysters, sole meunière, lobster bisque