WINES OF THE WEEK

BILL ZACHARKIW

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

UNDER $16

Vinho regional Península de Setúbal 2019, Castelão, Fonte do Nico, Portugal red, $8.20, SAQ # 12525120: Yes, the price is just over $8, so don’t expect miracles, but this hits all the right buttons. Made entirely with the indigenous castelão grape, it’s dark-fruited with lots of spice, especially on the finish. A solid little wine that does the job for peanuts.

Grape variety: castelão. Residual sugar: 4.2 g/l.

Serve at: 16 C. Drink now.

Food pairing idea: roast chicken with mushrooms.

$16-$20

Alsace rosé 2019, Pinot Noir, Willm, France rosé, $18.70, SAQ # 12521401: This one surprised me. Wonderfully textured rosé that shows juicy red fruit and just a hint of herbs in the background to give it extra depth. One of the more elegant pink wines I have drunk all summer. If you find many rosés too acidic, try this. Makes a great accompaniment to fish and seafood.

Grape variety: Pinot Noir. Residual sugar: 4 g/l.

Serve at: 8-12 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: aperitif, grilled or cold salmon or tuna.

$20-$25

Vittoria 2018, Frappato, Planeta, Italy red, $22, SAQ # 12640611:

A lighter, fruitier red for these warm summer nights. The fruit is so fresh and crunchy, as if you are biting into a just-ripe strawberry. A clove-type herbal note sits in the background, which adds some more complexity. The acidity keeps the wine streamlined and zippy, so keep it on the cool side. This is one of those ice-bucket reds. Beautiful floral bouquet without getting too perfumed. A fun drink.

Grape variety: Frappato. Residual sugar: 2.5 g/l. Serve at: 15 C. Drink now-2021.

Food pairing ideas: aperitif, vegetarian-friendly dishes such as quinoa with mixed vegetables and coriander.

$25 AND UP

Chablis 2018, Les Champs Royaux, Domaine William Fèvre, France white, $29.20, SAQ # 276436: I have always been a fan of the Fèvre style of Chablis, with the emphasis on the soil coming through in every sip: chalky, salty, crystalline. The fruit is there — subtle notes of green apple and softer, whiter fruits — but the charm is in the structure. It’s an ode to the tradition of the place, and a tasty one at that.

Grape variety: Chardonnay. Residual sugar: 2.5 g/l.

Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing ideas: aperitif, richer seafood, lobster.