To change favorite wines

You probably know Carpineto Dogajolo and Chardonnay Le Bonheur. This red from Italy and this white from South Africa are among the favorites of Quebecers. They are both located in the top 10 sales to the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ). Want to change? Here are some suggestions that should satisfy you.

Tuscany at a low price

For those who wish to taste something other than Carpineto Dogajolo without leaving Tuscany, the Citto cuvée from Volpaia is the perfect choice. This estate, located in the village of Radda, produces an organic red that sells for under $20. It will make a lot of people happy around a spaghetti bolognese sauce. Unlike Carpineto, Citto is not aged in oak barrels. This brings out the aromas of plum, blackberry and herbs. These aromas are found in a mouth with silky and subtly heady tannins. Like Carpineto, Citto contains Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, a modern blend.

Volpaia Citto Toscana 2020, $16.85 (14044653), 13%, organic

A cut above

Who says Italian wine says sangiovese. This variety of grape is the star of the country and is found little elsewhere in the world. That’s why winemaker Frank Mitolo planted it in his adopted country: Australia. The result is surprising. The fruit is harvested in the southern part of McLaren Vale, then the wine is vinified in French and American barrels. Powerful, spicy and a little earthy, the wine is typical of the variety. A short decanter will soften its tannins and express its fruit flavors. This curiosity will enliven the meal.

Mitolo Cinquecento Southern Sangiovese 2019, $37.50 (14930698), 14.5%

Cheap Chardonnay

The Le Bonheur vineyard in South Africa lives up to its name: it produces wines whose taste and price have everything to make you happy. But on the other side of the planet, in Chile, the Emiliana estate is also making people happy. In the Casablanca Valley, the vines are planted a few kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. The fresh wind chases away diseases and allows the vineyard to work without pesticides. In the glass, the lemony attack is followed by aromas of ripe fruit, pear, apple and a creamy texture. It’s a good choice with turkey.

Emiliana Adobe Chardonnay Reserva Valle Casablanca 2021, $15.90 (14195460), 12.9%, organic

Traditional Burgundy

Chardonnay is one of the grape varieties that has best adapted to different terroirs and climates around the world. In the Mâconnais, between Beaune and Lyon, it finds its place of origin and it expresses itself with great complexity in this cuvée from the Bicheron estate. The scents of flowers and fine herbs mingle with those of pineapple. The smoky aromas suggest that the wine was aged in oak barrels, but this is hardly the case. Prolonged contact with the lees brings these ashy aromas and this creamier texture. Divine !

Domaine du Bicheron Mâcon Péronne Chardonnay 2019, $20.60 (11387546)