WINES OF THE WEEK

Each week, Bill Zacharkiw shares his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings.

UNDER $16

Dao blanc 2017, Meia Encosta, Portugal white, $10.45, SAQ #12332301.

Lime and rocks on the nose with a fresh, yet sneakingly rich texture on the finish. Has a chardonnay-esque feel but just a touch more vibrancy. Serve it cold as an apéritif or let it warm for the table.

Enough body for lobster and richer fish dishes.

Residual sugar: 3.4 g/L.

Grape varieties: malvasia fina, encruzado, bical, fernao pires. Serve at: 8-12 C.

Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, seafood pasta, cold lobster with ginger mayo.

$16-$20

Coteaux Varois en Provence rosé 2017, Château La Lieue, France rosé, $17.80, SAQ #11687021. Organic. If blindfolded, you might think this is a white wine. Very citrusy with grapefruit leading the way. So incredibly fresh and juicy, it’s hard to stop drinking. A touch of thyme and other fresh garden herbs add depth. Always one of the better rosés year after year, the 2017 might be my favourite.

Residual sugar: 1.3 g/L.

Grape varieties: cinsault, grenache. Serve at: 10 C.

Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, ceviche, bruschetta.

$20-$25

The Strapper 2015, Barossa Valley, Yalumba, Australia red, $20, SAQ #12505866.

Classic GSM blend that does it right. Yes, it’s ripe, but the grenache offers up such a smooth palate with the shiraz and mourvèdre bring the dark fruit, spice, a hint of bitter chocolate and the tannin. Wood is at a minimum. Nice dry finish. Really well done. Residual sugar: 2.1 g/L.

Grape varieties: grenache, shiraz, mataro.

Serve at: 16 C.

Drink now-2020. Food-pairing idea: Mexican chicken molé, beef brochettes with tamari and ginger.

$25 AND UP

Mercurey 2015, Château De Chamirey, France red, $29.85, SAQ #962589.

Consistently one of the best Burgundies under $30. The 2015 shows great maturity, with cherry and other fresh fruits and a hint of spice on the finish. Tannins are grippy, and while less finessed than the wines of the Côte-de Nuits, they are definitely those of pinot noir: they grip, but oh so sensually.

Residual sugar: 2.1 g/L.

Grape variety: pinot noir.

Serve at: 16 C.

Drink now-2021. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, pork filet with grilled mushrooms.