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
Patras 2017, Roditis, Domaine Tetramythos, Greek white, $15.90, SAQ
# 12484575. Organic. Try something different this week — try this. Tetramythos uses the roditis grape in one of the more interesting, and very tasty, inexpensive whites at the SAQ. It won’t wow you with aromatics — it’s all in the texture. Lean, yes, but gains richness on the finish with a touch of spice. Residual sugar: 2.2 g/L. Grape variety: roditis. Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, fried calamari, fish and chips.
$16-$20
Cinsault 2016, Swartland, Leeuwenkuil, South Africa red, $20, SAQ # 12976895. Why more warm-climate wineries don’t grow cinsault is beyond me. This is absolutely delicious. So much fruit, and bright acidity that keeps it gulpable, but with a fine tannic structure similar to top-end Gamay in many ways. If you like your reds on the lighter side, this is for you. Residual sugar: 2.5 g/L. Grape variety: cinsault. Serve at: 14-16 C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing ideas: barbecue chicken and other white meats.
$20-$25
Tavel 2016, Vieilles Vignes, Tardieu-Laurent, France rosé, $23.25, SAQ # 13199274. Even more body than last year, so for those of you who believe rosés are wimpy, try this. I have had this with leaner cuts of meat and it works tremendously. Even if power isn’t a consideration, give it a whirl. Ages well, too. Residual sugar: 3.6 g/L. Grape varieties: Grenache, cinsault, Syrah. Serve at: 10-12 C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing ideas: apéritif with canapés, mushrooms in olive oil, filet mignon.
$25 AND UP
Bandol 2015, La Bégude, Domaine de la Bégude, France red, $31.50, SAQ # 13622626. Organic. Delicious Bandol. So full, so rich, so incredibly earthy. While the oak is still taking up space, it does little to impede the fun. A mix of cassis, aromatic herbs and shiitake mushrooms. Tannins are there, but so forgiving, and so lengthy. Residual sugar: n/a. Grape varieties: mourvèdre, Grenache. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2025. Food pairing idea: braised lamb with tarragon and bay leaf.