Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his best wine picks available at SAQ and offers ideas for cooking combinations.
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Less than $ 17
Vin de France 2021, Vieilles Vignes, Cazal Viel, Francerosé, $ 13.40,SAQ # 10510354.I'm always looking for small gems in this price range, but this is one. Despite its color, there are many wines here. I noticed that the aroma of dark fruits, dark flowers and slightly dried herbs was surprisingly "big" in the mouth. At least it's not heavy, but it's quite flavorful. The finish has good focus and freshness. Especially considering the price, it is delicious and interesting. It works on its own, but works best with food. Grape varieties:Syrah, Grenache, Cinsaut. Residual sugar: 1.2 g / l. Please enjoy at 8 ℃. Please drink now. Cooking combination ideas:Apéritif, fajitas, grilled pork and fruit salsa.
$ 17- $ 20
Grüner Veltliner2021, Niederosterreich, Weszeli Felix, Austrian White, $ 19.25,SAQ # 13618521.Organic. Great grüner here at a great price. This is the lighter and more delicate aspect of the grapes that I am always grateful for. So instead of becoming overly herbal, it stays in a citrus zone with lemon and lime, and the finish has a hint of classic pepper spice. The first bite reminds me of a wonderful Vhino Verde with a bit of carbon dioxide aching, but this almost disappears almost immediately. The perfect apéritif and lunch shipper with salad. Grape varieties:Grüner Veltliner. Residual sugar: 2.2 g / l. Serve at 8-10C. Please drink now. Food pairing ideas:Apéritif, smoked salmon.
$ 20- $ 25
Costières de Nîmes 2019, Cuvée Safranée, Château Grand Escalion, French Red, $ 20.35,SAQ # 14836968.This is one big, plump wine for $ 20. This southern outpost in Rhone can produce some ripe wines, which is a classic example. It is dominated by schillers here, showing the warm climatic characteristics of dark olive-tinged fruits. Grenache gives its smoothness and bite of alcohol, and carignan is a tannin structure with the concept of wild meat, licorice and aromatic herbs. There's a lot going on here, so it's not only the steak stuffing you want to throw on the grill, it's also very interesting. Grape varieties:Syrah, Grenache, Carignan. Residual sugar: 3.2 g / l. Please enjoy at 16 ℃. Drink now-2025. Food pairing ideas:Grilled veal mushrooms and roasted beets.
$ 25 or more
Bandol Blanc 2021, Domaine la Suffrene, France White, $ 28.70,SAQ # 1486200.If you want to mix things a little and try something a little different, there is no better starting point than this white. I love white people in Southern France, and Bandol produces some of the best. As in 2020, each bite has nuance and pure power. The nose is delicate yet complex, with white flowers, apricots, peaches and other fruity flavors. The texture is perfect, with a layer of fat wrapped around a mineral and acidic core to keep it fresh. You don't have to super cool it. Drink at 10-12 ° C to maximize both aroma and mouthfeel. Grape varieties:Clairette, Ugni Blanc.Residual sugar: 1.3 g / l. Consume at 8-12 ° C. Drink now-2026. Food pairing ideas:Cream sauce seafood or mushroom pasta.
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