WINES OF THE WEEK
UNDER $16
Albente 2018, Falanghina, Feudi di San Gregorio, Italy white, $13.90, SAQ # 14228356.
I love whites like this. Very muscat-like, with dynamic fruit and lower acidity. Dry, textured and so much fun to drink. One of the better under-$15 whites I’ve tasted in a while.
Grape variety: falanghina. Residual sugar: 1.6 g/l.
Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, fish tacos, white fish with fruit salsa.
$16-$20
Côtes du Roussillon 2018, Marie-gabrielle, Domaine Cazes, France red, $18.65, SAQ # 851600.
Organic. One of the more fun inexpensive reds out there. Loaded with ripe fruit and power that’s balanced by grippy tannin and a fine acidity that offers up an elegant finish. The wine stays very linear, very fine. High drinkability factor here.
Grape varieties: shiraz, Grenache, mourvèdre.
Residual sugar: 2.6 g/l.
Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing ideas: cassoulet, flavourful sausages.
$20-$25
Carménère 2017, Aconcagua Alto, Errazuriz, Chile red, $22.95, SAQ # 14172321.
Another great example of the strides Chile has made. Unmistakably Chilean, with notes of eucalyptus and tomato leaf mixed in with the dominant red fruit. The palate is soft, mouth-filling and just tannic enough to bring some edge on the finish. Oak is nicely balanced. Super classy.
Grape variety: carménère. Residual sugar: 2.2 g/l.
Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing ideas: leg of lamb, braised meats with tomato.
$25 AND UP
Bordeaux 2018, Le Blanc Sec, Château Suduiraut, France white, $29.55, SAQ # 14112759.
I do love my white Bordeaux. Here the blend is almost 50/50 Sémillon and sauvignon blanc, and the result is a very elegantly textured yet fresh wine. The fruit is a mix of honeyed pear and lemon. Subtle notes of oak round out the corners and offer up a note of vanilla and spice on the finish. Classy!
Grape varieties: Sémillon, sauvignon blanc.
Residual sugar: 1.2 g/l.
Serve at: 10-12 C. Drink now2022.
Food pairing ideas: apéritif, mussels meunière, grilled shrimp.