Bill Zacharkiw's Wines of the Week: March 15, 2019
Every week, Bill Zacharkiw identifies his top wine picks available at the SAQ and offers ideas for food pairings.
Under $16
Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Porteño, Mendoza, Bodega Norton, Argentina white, $11, SAQ # 13289704. Has that well-water feel, as if the texture was amped up by minerals and a touch of saltiness. No excessive green character or residual sweetness that plagues so many sauvignon blancs in this category. A pleasure to drink, and excellent for the price. Grape variety: sauvignon blanc. Residual sugar: 1.2 g/L. Serve at: 8 C. Drink now. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, fresh goat cheese, smoked salmon.
$16-$20
Valencia 2017, El Bonhomme, Nathalie Bonhomme, Spain red, $18.75, SAQ # 11157185. If you want a richer, more powerful wine, this is one with class. Powerful fruit, but with grippy tannin, good acidity and a hint of smoky spice on the finish. Not the most complex wine, but solid bang for your buck. Grape varieties: monastrell, cabernet sauvignon. Residual sugar: 2 g/L. Serve at: 18 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing idea: braised lamb.
$20-$25
Chenin Blanc 2017, Château de la Roulerie, France white, $24.25, SAQ # 12571610. Organic. Just a hint off-dry. There’s a lot of wine in this glass. You get the feeling it’s about to explode as the taut acidity is kept in check by the sugar. Delicately floral, with citrus and orange peel, and lots of exotic spice on the finish. Fun to drink. Grape variety: chenin blanc. Residual sugar: 3.1 g/L. Serve at: 8-10 C. Drink now-2022. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, spicy shrimp curry.
$25 and up
Pinot Noir 2017, Yarra Valley, Innocent Bystander, Australia red, $26.90, SAQ # 13859797. Good-value pinot that shows impressive fruit without losing the freshness and zip that one expects from the grape. Floral and full of red berries, a touch of spice on the finish, and just enough of an earthy, rhubarb note to make it interesting. Grape variety: pinot noir. Residual sugar: 2.3 g/L. Serve at: 16 C. Drink now-2021. Food pairing ideas: apéritif, tuna or salmon with sesame and sweet-and-sour sauce.