WINES OF THE WEEK

UNDER $16

Côtes de Gascogne Igt 2016, Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine de L’Herré, France white, $15.60, SAQ #12015525.

My type of sauvignon blanc. Fresh yet textured, a subtle herbal note, and a clean and balanced finish. This is all citrus and nicely dry. Very good for the price.

Grape variety: sauvignon blanc. Residual sugar: 2.3 g/l. Serve at 8C. Drink now.

Food-pairing idea: apéritif, asparagus, white fish with lemon and herbs.

$16-$20

Valpolicella Classico 2016, Le Bine, Campagnola, Italy red, $17.40, SAQ #13425930.

Tastes like it has a bit of ripasso in it, which some of the better winemakers do to give their wines more body and complexity. Nice range of fruit notes from cherries to dark plums. Light and very easy drinking.

Grape varieties: corvina, rondinella. Residual sugar: 6.5 g/l. Serve at 15C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, vegetarian pizza with olives.

$20-$25

Bordeaux 2015, Domaine Virginie Thunevin, France red, $22.60, SAQ #13448883.

Merlot-driven blend that works well. Soft and with a luxurious palate, ripe and finessed tannin. No oak-driven flavours, this is all about the fruit. One of those wines that will go with almost anything, which is the beauty of good Bordeaux table wines.

Grape varieties: merlot, cabernet franc.

Residual sugar: 2.5 g/l. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2020.

Food-pairing idea: apéritif, vegetarian pizza with olives.

$25 AND UP

Savigny-lès-Baune 1er Cru 2014, Aux Clous, Domaine Louis Chenu et Filles, France red, $48.25, SAQ #12876106. Organic. Get out a big, wide glass for this one. Delicate aromas of field fruits with just a hint of oak in the background, adding sweet spice on the finish. Touch of sappiness as well. Classic Burgundian tannins, razor thin and dense. Take your time and enjoy this one.

Grape variety: pinot noir. Residual sugar: n/a. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2022.

Food-pairing idea: apéritif, salmon tartare, grilled filet mignon.