WINES OF THE WEEK
UNDER $16
Sicilia 2017, Syrah, Cusumano, Italy red, $13.80, SAQ # 10960777: Even fresher than previous vintages, without sacrificing any body. The style is becoming even more northern Rhône, as those darker fruit notes become more and more red, and the florals replace the licorice and smoked-meat notes of past vintages. Very good for the price. Grape variety: syrah. Residual sugar: 2.4 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now. Food pairing idea: roast chicken with tapenade.
$16-$20
Morellino di Scansano 2016, Moris, Italy red, $19.55, SAQ # 13466205: This is a great Tuscan vintage, especially in these more entry-level wines. Beautifully ripe, with bright aromas of cherry and other red berries, good body for a sangiovese and an elegant and well-balanced finish. This is one of those wines you forget you’re drinking, and then the bottle is empty. Grape varieties: sangiovese, merlot, syrah. Residual sugar: 2 g/L. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing idea: veal Parmesan.
$20-$25
Côtes d’Auvergne 2016, L’Impromptu, Vignobles Saint-Verny, France red, $20.85, SAQ # 13343264: Classic gamay. Light and crunchy field fruits — leaning toward raspberries — florals, and a pinch of white pepper on the finish. This is so easy-drinking and thirst-quenching. For you white wine fanatics who want something red in your glass. Grape variety: gamay. Residual sugar: 1.8 g/L. Serve at: 15 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, charcuterie, salmon tartare.
$25 AND UP
Etna Rosso 2016, Benanti, Italy red, $31, SAQ # 13507716: The nebbiolo of the south? For you fans of nebbiolo and pinot noir, here’s a chance to get a bit crazy while staying with a similar theme. Grown on the volcanic slopes of Etna. You get boozy cherry, a hint of herbs and a salty, mineral finish. Tannins are super fine and elegant, and the acidity is quite zippy. Grape varieties: nerello mascalese, nerello cappuccio. Residual sugar: 2.1 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now to 2022. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, charcuterie, salmon tartare. Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings.