WINES OF THE WEEK
Under $16 Chardonnay 2015, Serra Gaúcha, Miolo, Brazil white, $15.95, SAQ # 11202345. Great surprise to see this vintage back on the shelves. A very well-made chardonnay for the price. Simple, straightforward, with apple, peach, tangerine and a touch of dill. Structurally perfect, with an ideal balance between richness and acidity. Grape variety: chardonnay
Residual sugar: 3 g/L Serve at: 8-10 C Drink: Now Food pairing idea: Apéritif, mushroom or seafood risotto. $16-$20 Costières de Nîmes 2016, Les Galets, Château Mourgues du Grès, France red, $17.55, SAQ # 10259753. A touch less torque than last year, which reveals more of the fruit over the structure. A southern Rhône, Syrah-driven blend that leans toward darker fruits, along with spice and a rocky mineral note on the finish. Tannins are fine and nicely layered.
Grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache
Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L.
Serve at: 16 C. Drink: Now through 2020. Food pairing idea: Sausages, vegetarian-friendly dishes such as ratatouille. $20-$25 Mencia 2011, Pittacum, Spain red, $20.65, SAQ # 10860881. Sneaky power here. There’s a low-level smoky note that acts as an earthier counterpoint to the rich fruit. Tannins are grippy but not overly driving. At seven years of age, there’s a balsamic note as the fruits start to move toward dates and figs. Works really well with tamari. Grape variety: Mencia
Residual sugar: 2.9 g/L Serve at: 16 C Drink: Now through 2021 Food pairing idea: Grilled bavette marinated in coriander and tamari. $25 and up Pouilly-Fumé 2016, Domaine des Rabichattes, France white, $26.50, SAQ # 12291491. Quite aromatic, with sweet limes and a touch of fresh parsley. The texture is beautiful — as crisp as you would expect, but with just enough fat to coat. The finish is chalky and fresh, and that lime lingers nicely. If you haven’t drunk great Loire sauvignon blanc recently, here’s one to try.
Grape variety: sauvignon blanc Residual sugar: 1.6 g/L Serve at: 8-10 C Drink: Now through 2020 Food pairing idea:
Apéritif, grilled white fish with asparagus.