WINES OF THE WEEK
Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings.
UNDER $16
Sicilia IGT 2016, Nari, Nero d’Avola/Petit Verdot, Firriato, Italy red, $9.50, SAQ # 11905809: Once again, one of the best under-$10 wines at the SAQ, if not the best. Tightly layered and ripe tannins, dark fruit and spice. Lots of complexity, zero makeup, and dry. This is pure fruit and a delicious wine that I would still recommend if it were $5 more. Grape varieties: nero d’avola, petit verdot. Residual sugar: 2.6 g/L. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: entrecôte, lamb chops.
$16-$20
Sicilia 2015, Nerello Mascalese, Vurria, Di Giovanna, Italy red, $19.85, SAQ # 11577366: Organic. A much more playful version of the nerello mascalese grape, grown not on Etna, but in the interior of Sicily. So fresh and fruit-driven, with ripe cherry and strawberry notes, and a complex finish of pepper, pomegranate and orange peel. Tannins have some grip as well. One of the more interesting under-$20 reds you’ll find. Grape variety: nerello mascalese. Residual sugar: 1.9 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2019. Food pairing ideas: pasta with tomato sauce, vegetarian pizza.
$20-$25
Sicilia IGT 2016, Grillo, Tami, Italy white, $22.35, SAQ # 12797651: This is why I love the grillo grape so much. A blend of fruit that mixes the freshness of citrus notes with more exotic notes of apricot. Great texture and drinkability. Grape variety: grillo. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/L. Serve at: 10 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, lighter seafood.
$25 AND UP
Etna 2013, Archineri, Pietradolce, Italy red, $44, SAQ # 12920402: So beautiful. Made from 80- to 100-yearold vines, this is a great example of why many compare the nerello grape with nebbiolo. Shows faded roses and distant cherries on the nose, tannins are grippy but yielding, and there’s exceptional length. Grape variety: nerello mascalese. Residual sugar: 1.9 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2023. Food pairing idea: roasted veal with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.