Bill Zacharkiw Wines of the Week: December 3, 2021

Article content

Each week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his best selections of wines available at SAQ and offers ideas for pairings.

Article content

Less than $ 17

Vin de Pays d’Oc 2020, Le Pive Blanc, Vignobles Jeanjean, France white, $ 16.30, SAQ # 13806097. Organic. Continuing the tremendous value of their organic rosé, here is a white worthy of the Pive label. A unique blend of richer grapes like Viognier and Roussanne with the freshest and most aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, the result is a wine that is fun to drink and pleasantly goes down that Goldilocks path, not too rich and not too acidic. It really is good. Grape varieties: viognier, sauvignon blanc, roussanne. Residual sugar: 1.2 g / L. Serve in: 8-10 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: appetizer, prosciutto and melon, aromatic seafood stir fry.

$ 17- $ 20

Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore 2018, Prugneto, Poderi dal Nespoli, Italy red, $ 18.95, SAQ # 11298404. Fruity, floral, juicy and fresh. What more can you ask for from a good sangiovese? This meets all the requirements. The mild tannins too, making it the ideal midweek tomato sauce wine, with enough freshness to handle a simple meal but with enough body to handle a bit of meat if you like. Great wine at a great price. Variety of grapes: sangiovese. Residual sugar: 2.2 g / L. Serve in: 16 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: veal parmesan, lasagna.

Article content

$ 20- $ 25

Cahors 2017, Le Combal, Cosse Maisonneuve, France red, $ 20.80, SAQ # 10675001. A touch of texture softer than previous vintages. But, as always, it shows astonishing precision. The tannins are so finely sharp that they cling after the wine enters the mouth, until the long, lingering finish. Lots of juicy blackberry, with a subtle note of black licorice. An excellent Cahors is ideal for you “great red wines” who want to take a walk on the wild side. Cosse Maisonneuve definitely takes you there. Grape varieties: malbec, merlot, tannat. Residual sugar: 1.8 g / L. Serve in: 18 C. Drink now-2025. Food pairing idea: Stronger-tasting red meats, such as lamb or venison.

$ 25 and up

Saint-Julien 2016, Aspirant of Beychevelle, Château Beychevelle, France red, $ 52, SAQ # 14742161. Many Bordeaux fans believe that Pauillac is the most comprehensive of the great Bordeaux appellations. It is the complete orchestra. If that’s true, then Saint-Julien is the great rock band. Maybe Steely Dan early. There is more cassis than dwelling in the nuanced fruit, always with the juicy, earthy note that adds so much soulful depth. Third wine from Beychevelle, with a touch more merlot. This shows exactly why I prefer Saint-Julien over other denominations. It is such a wonderfully full-bodied, interesting and delicious wine. Grape varieties: merlot, cabernet sauvignon. Residual sugar: 1.6 g / L. Serve in: 18 C. Drink now-2026. Food pairing idea: Grilled Ribs.