We start with a very pretty white from Penedès, a region located in the north-east of Spain.
We continue with three inexpensive red wines: a very classic Bordeaux, a South African Cabernet Sauvignon which surprises with its juicy side, and another Spanish one from the northeast, but this time from ‘Aragon and produced in the Carineña appellation. We end with a beautiful UFO from the southwest of France made from Négrette, a grape variety that is not often found at the SAQ.
Drink less. Drink better.
Celler Credo, Miranius 2022, Penedès
Spain 11% – Organic | ★★ | $$ | $21.65
“PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE SAQ SITE”
SAQ code: 12866557
Xarel-lo (pronounced “cha-rel-lo”) is a grape variety mainly used for cava, the sparkling wine of Catalonia. Vinified as a “still” wine by Recaredo (a small producer which produces excellent cava), this Miranius vintage is distinguished by its slightly open nose and enviable complexity with tones of chalk, honey and apricot. . Very dry and carried by a vibrant acidity, of fairly good volume and just long enough, it leaves a saline impression. More delicate than in the past, it will accompany oysters or fried squid.
Lalande Bellevue 2020, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
France 12% – Organic | ★★ | $1/2 | $14.80
“PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE SAQ SITE”
SAQ code: 624304
A classic that has been on the SAQ shelves for over 20 years. Produced by the Les Vignerons de Tutiac cooperative, it benefits from the richness of this excellent vintage. The wine stands out precisely for its generous side while remaining low in tannin and highly digestible. Notes of blackcurrant and spices. Serve around 15-16°C with a piece of grilled tuna or a steak with Bordeaux sauce. Excellent value.
Man, Cabernet-Sauvignon 2021, Coastal Region
South Africa 14% | ★★ | $1/2 | $15.75
“PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE SAQ SITE”
SAQ code: 10802832
Excellent little cabernet sauvignon from South Africa. Vegetal touch intertwined with coffee, plum and smoke. Fleshy palate, rather strong and endowed with a nice frankness. Quite rich overall with firm tannins, it is easy and frankly effective when served slightly chilled (around 16°C). Nice pairing to be expected with beef skewers with teriyaki sauce. Offered at a friendly price.
Esteban Martin, Reserva 2019, Carinena
Spain 14.5% | ★★ | $1/2 | $14.80
“PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE SAQ SITE”
SAQ code: 12990460
Produced by Bodegas Esteban Martin, from the winegrower of the same name, this red surprises with its light ruby color and its beautiful intensity nose. You should know that Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon are aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, which brings the smoky/grilled side to the notes of candied cherry and figs. Moderately tannic and with good acidity, it leaves a warm impression on the finish. Powerful without being heavy, it will be the perfect companion for braised meats.
La Colombière, Les Frontons Flingueurs 2022, Fronton
France 12.5% – Organic | ★★★ | $$ | $22.90
“PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE SAQ SITE”
SAQ code: 14228516
The negrette – also called the black madwoman – owes its name, as you can imagine, to its very dark color, not to say black. It is found almost only in the Fronton appellation, in the southwest of France. It usually produces fairly muscular wines, but also very aromatic with notes of violet, black fruits and pepper. It is grown here organically and biodynamically by Diane and Philippe Cauvin behind the La Colombière estate who offers us a very “gluglou” version. Well perfumed, it displays a full, juicy and slightly tannic structure. It is served quite fresh with kebabs or a gizzard salad.
★ Correct
★★ Good
★★★ Very good
★★★★ Excellent
★★★★★ Exceptional
More stars than dollars: well worth the price.
As many stars as dollars: worth the price.
Fewer stars than dollars: wine is expensive.