WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $18: EVERYDAY DRINKING Langhe 2015, Nebbiolo, Villadoria, Italy red, $17.45,

SAQ # 12941431: Intrigued by the nebbiolo grape? This inexpensive wine shows exactly what there is to love about it: florals and cherry fruit, fine yet pervasive tannin, touch of mushroom on the finish. This is not an apéritif wine, so feels a touch austere on its own. Give it some olive oil and mushrooms, and it will shine. Grape variety: nebbiolo. Residual sugar: 2.1 g/L. Serve at: 18C. Drink now-2019. Food pairing idea: mushrooms in olive oil, white meats in red wine sauce.

$18-$23: MID-PRICED MARVEL Côtes-du-Rhône 2015, E. Guigal, France white, $19.25,

SAQ # 290296: Excellent in 2015, and even richer than usual. Notes of pear and peach, and a spice-driven finish. Just enough acidity to keep things from getting heavy. One of the better regularly listed white wines year in, year out. A replacement for many a chardonnay, this is a great white to drink on the warmer side (12-14C). Grape varieties: viognier, roussanne, marsanne, bourbelenc. Residual sugar: 1.9 g/L. Serve at: 10-14C. Drink now-2019. Food pairing idea: scallops, lobster, fish in sauce.

$23 AND UP: FOR A TREAT Dao 2011, Reserva, Quinta da Pellada, Àlvaro Castro, Portugal red, $28.70, SAQ #

11902106: Brilliant fruit and finesse: It’s what Dao does best, and Castro is a master. Ripe and dark-fruited, full of dates and spice. Tannins are round and rich, but grip. Even after four days open, this wine kicks. Liked it best 24 hours after opening. Grape varieties: touriga nacional, tinta roriz. Residual sugar: 2.5 g/L. Serve at: 18C. Drink now2021. Food pairing idea: spicy sausages, grilled bavette marinated with tamari and coriander.