Bill Zacharkiw Wines of the Week: December 30, 2021

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

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

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Less than $ 17

Pinot Noir 2020, Organic, Rapel Valley, Southern Cone, Red Chile, $ 16.05, SAQ # 11386877. Organic. I never expect much from an inexpensive pinot noir, but this cuvée still delivers. It reminds me a bit of Syrah, with its darker fruity tones, so it might disappoint pinot purists. But seen as a lighter wine, less tannic, is delicious. Full of cherries and raspberries, pleasant aromas and a dry finish. Keep it fresh and it will go well as a snack or with most lighter meals. Variety of grapes: Pinot Noir. Residual sugar: 2.6 g / L. Serve in: 15 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: appetizer, roast pork with fruit compote.

$ 17- $ 20

Côtes du Rhône Villages 2019, Signargues, Domaine La Montagnette, France red, $ 17.45, SAQ # 11095949. If there is a better price Rhône, I have not found it. This is not a massive wine by any means. Instead, you get a refreshing, substantial, and fairly complex red for under $ 18. The fruit is fresh and juicy, and there’s a delicate herbal note along with a hint of pepper at the end. Enough tannin to give it a bit of grip. Variety of grapes: Garnacha, Syrah, Cariñena, Mourvèdre. Residual sugar: 3 g / L. Serve in: 16 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: appetizer, middle eastern food like falafel and hummus, white meat.

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$ 20- $ 25

Costières de Nîmes 2019, Nostre Païs, Domaine Gassier, France white, $ 24.20, SAQ # 12854169. Organic. Lighter and fresher than you might expect, considering the grapes. Besides Clairette, they are all fat. But like all Gassier wines, there is a lot of delicacy and elegance. You get the natural fat from the grapes, but the finish is incredible as it is concentrated in a delicious, almost salty point. I love wines like this. Grape varieties: white garnacha, clairette, viognier, roussanne. Residual sugar: 2.6 g / L. Serve in: 8-12 C. Drink now-2024. Food pairing ideas: appetizer, scallops with parsley and butter, steak tartare.

$ 25 and up

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2019, Clos des Allées, Domaine Luneau-Papin, France white, $ 26.55, SAQ # 14439495. Organic. Those who continue to dismember should try this. I find muscadets interesting and tasty. They are a little leaner but even more mineral than the average Chablis. They are as refreshing but not as fragrant as sauvignon blanc. Due to the contact with the lees, they have a touch of almond and spices on the finish. They can also age for at least a decade and get even better. Give them a try. Variety of grapes: burgundy melon. Residual sugar: 3.5 g / L. Serve in: 8-12 C. Drink now-2029. Food pairing ideas: appetizer, oysters, cold seafood such as lobster or crab.