WINES OF THE WEEK

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

UNDER $15

Malbec 2016, Barrel Select, Mendoza, Norton, Argentina red, $13.95, SAQ # 860429.

Very tailored and refined, but well done. You get just enough red fruit, fresh acids, that rich mid-palate and a finish that is moderately tannic. Very good for under $15.

Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L.

Grape variety: malbec.

Serve at: 16 C.

Drink now. Food pairing ideas: beef brochettes with tarragon, vegetarianfriendly dishes with mushrooms.

$15-$20

Pinotage 2015, The Innocent, Lammershoek, South Africa red, $19.95, SAQ # 13668392.

A really fresh and fruitier style of pinotage. You still have that classic smoky note underneath the fruit, but the palate is so full of dark fruit and exotic spice that the subtle smokiness just adds

even more depth. Has some tannic bite. This is really fun to drink. Residual sugar: 1.4 g/L. Grape variety: pinotage. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: beef tajine with dates, vegetarian stirfry with Chinese five-spice.

$20-$25

Côtes de Provence 2014, Château la Tour de l’Evêque, France white, $23.70, SAQ # 972604.

One of the more unique whites on the market. Deceptively rich,

as the attack is primarily citrus and apricot. But it amps up nicely as it warms in your mouth, finishing with almond and spice. Residual sugar: 1.2 g/L. Grape variety: rolle. Serve at: 10-12 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing idea: seafood pasta with béchamel.

$25 AND UP

Médoc 2010, Cru Bourgeois, Château La Cardonne, France red,

$28.15, SAQ # 11095121. Classic 2010 with lots of fresh fruit and admirable freshness. There’s a touch of smoke and spice in there, driven by barrel aging. Give this 30 minutes in a carafe before serving.

Residual sugar: 2.8 g/L.

Grape varieties: merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2020. Food pairing idea: veal roast with mushrooms.