WINES OF THE WEEK

Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for pairings.

UNDER $15

Côtes du Rhône 2017, Héritages, Ogier, France red, $14.45, SAQ # 535849.

Classic grenache-based, silky southern Rhône. Good complexity with a touch of black olive alongside the black raspberry notes and pepper spice. A certain oak sweetness here that makes it more attractive, but the finish is dry and focused.

Residual sugar: 2.9 g/l. Grape varieties: grenache, syrah, mourvèdre. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now.

Food pairing idea: grilled sausages.

$15-$20

Toscana Igt 2017, Vermentino, La Pettegola, Banfi, Italy white, $18.95, SAQ # 12725130.

Nicely done. Nuanced fruit with lime and stone fruits, touch of herbs and a subtle mineral note on the finish. While very fresh, there is just enough fat to give the wine a bit of texture. Residual sugar: 5.9 g/l.

Grape variety: vermentino.

Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now.

Food pairing idea: aperitif, mussels with anise and parsley.

$20-$25

Côtes du Marmandais 2016, Le Vin est une fête, Elian Da Ros, France red, $22.30, SAQ # 11793211.

Yes, it’s light, but so-so fresh and juicy. Aromatics are exuberant, the tannins refined, the finish focused and refreshing. It’s a not-so-serious Bordeaux. Buy and drink with abandon. Residual sugar: 1.4 g/l.

Grape varieties: merlot, cabernet franc, abouriou.

Serve at: 14-16 C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing idea: aperitif, chicken or pork roast.

$25 AND UP

Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Métis, Klein Constantia, South Africa white, $28.90, SAQ # 13631258.

Made alongside Sancerre producer Pascal Jolivet, a sauvignon blanc that all fans of the grape should try. Wonderfully textured, with lime, apricot and peach notes, a touch of dried garden herbs and a comfortable, mineral-laden finish.

Residual sugar: 1.3 g/l.

Grape variety: sauvignon blanc. Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing idea: aperitif, goat cheese salad, lighter fish with lime butter herb sauce.