WINES OF THE WEEK
UNDER $16 Maremma Toscana 2017, Le Focaie, Rocca di Montemassi, Italy red, $14.75, SAQ # 11184968.
Good tannins and classic Sangiovese acidity make this a very tightly wound wine, so put it in a carafe for an hour. Very elegant and finessed, with lots of fresh fruit and some spice on the finish. I’m shocked by the price — I guessed $18-$20 a bottle on this one. Grape variety: Sangiovese. Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L.
Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, spaghetti with meat sauce.
$ 16-$ 20 Sauvignon Blanc 2018, The Ned, Marlborough, Marisco Vineyards, New Zealand white, $17, SAQ # 13915795.
Sauvignon Blanc grown at a higher altitude. Very zippy acidity nicely balanced by the sugar, which pumps up the aromatics. Classic lime cordial fruit with a hint of jalapeno and cilantro. Fans of the style will love this. Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc.
Residual sugar: 5.3 g/L.
Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now.
Food pairing ideas: apéritif, asparagus, grilled shrimp with fresh coriander.
$ 20-$ 25 Grenache 2017, Tarot, Alpha Box & Dice, Australia red, $22.25, SAQ # 13491081.
Is it red? Is it rosé? Whatever it is, this type of wine would never have been produced 10 years ago in Australia. There’s next to no colour, it’s fresh and not creamy in the least. But there’s surprising length and power, with a mix of red fruit, ginger and pepper. One of those wines you can just pack back and never be bored. Grape variety: Grenache.
Residual sugar: 1.7 g/L.
Serve at: 16 C. Drink now.
Food pairing ideas: beef stir-fry with hoisin and ginger, pizza with sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
$25 AND UP Savigny-lès-Beaune 2017, Domaine du Prieuré, France red, $35, SAQ # 12875630.
Really nice to find a good Burgundy under $40. Shows nice florals and just-ripe red fruits, balanced acidity and a spicy, nicely textured finish. Touch of oak still shows a bit, but this drinks beautifully. Really classy. Grape variety: Pinot Noir.
Residual sugar: 1.6 g/L. Serve at: 16-18 C. Drink now2024.
Food pairing ideas: apéritif, grilled salmon. Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings.