Bill Zacharkiw Wines of the Week: November 26, 2021

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

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

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Less than $ 17

Penedès 2020, Tuvi, Sumarroca, Spain white, $ 15.55, SAQ # 13574687. Organic. I really like this wine, and at this price it is very difficult to beat. You get the conductive acidity of xarel-lo, which softens the texture, fruit, and aromas of the other grapes. This is just plain fun to drink. Floral, fruity but without being too perfumed. I love the complexity of the fruit, which ranges from citrus to melon. It worked great with ceviche and oysters, but you can go for something richer. Grape varieties: xarel-lo, gewürztraminer, riesling, viognier. Residual sugar: 2.9 g / L. Serve in: 8 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: appetizer, prosciutto and melon, aromatic seafood stir fry.

$ 17- $ 20

Douro 2019, Vale de Cavalos, Poças, Portugal red, $ 18, SAQ # 12455184. The best Douro wines, those that are not too ripe, have a great universality. They check so many boxes: they are full-bodied and abundant fruit trees, but without harsh or overly drying tannins. Here you will find a nice mix of fresh black fruits, with just a hint of raisins. A nice spicy touch on the finish adds some complexity. There are many powerful flavors here. Grape varieties: National Touriga, French Touriga, Tinta Roriz. Residual sugar: 2.7 g / L. Serve in: 18 C. Drink now-2026. Food pairing idea: grilled meats.

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$ 20- $ 25

Côtes du Rhône Villages 2019, La Petite Bellane, Clos Bellane, France red, $ 20.35, SAQ # 14559500. Organic. I had to double-check the denomination to make sure it was not a Syrah from further north. This is beautiful. Drinks like a mini Côte-Rôtie (although not so complex), with its notes of violets and juicy red fruits. Surprisingly fresh, it tickles your tongue as it goes down, finishing with a hint of hot spices and more of that delicious fruit. Medium bodied, it is wonderfully drinkable and has many pairing possibilities. Variety of grapes: syrah. Residual sugar: 2.7 g / L. Serve in: 16 C. Drink now-2023. Food pairing idea: appetizer, mixed dishes of cold cuts and cheeses, grilled mackerel, veal with mushrooms.

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$ 25 and up

Garnacha 2018, Gravas, Newly Discovered Wines, California Red, $ 46, SAQ # 14784504. My surprise of the week. While I did taste a very good Grenache from California, I don’t recall one that showed this degree of finesse and power. In many ways it reminds me of the Garnacha del Priorat, with its darker fruit hue, almost meaty texture and chiseled tannins. The nose is very tempting, floral and spicy. The oak is very good in the background, adding just a hint of vanilla to the palate. I have a feeling this will age very well. Pitcher if you drink immediately. Variety of grapes: Garnacha. Residual sugar: 1.2 g / L. Serve in: 18 C. Drink now-2025. Food pairing idea: Grilled Ribs.