Safe choices at the SAQ Dépôt | Press

With distribution to SAQ branches still slowing down as salaried warehouse workers vote this weekend on the tentative agreement reached this week, finding the perfect bottle for Christmas can be a challenge. So you don’t miss out, here are five good choices that are widely available on the Crown corporation’s shelves, available in most SAQ Dépôt stores.

Karyne Duplessis Piché
Special collaboration

Large white

To accompany the turkey, this white produced in the north of Portugal surprises with its complexity. La Quinta de Sanjoanne vinifies in Vinho verde. Its wines do not contain the small gas bubbles like we find in many other wines from this region. The estate relies more on local varieties and the enhancement of its terroir. And it works ! This blend of avesso, trajadura and arinto opens with aromas of peach, green almond and flowers. The round and full texture on the palate does not lack tone. The subtly saline finish prolongs the pleasure.

Casa de Cello Quinta de Sanjoanne Escolha Vinho Verde 2020 (14479702), $ 25.35, 12.5%

Solid grenache

Often greedy and fruity, Grenache Noir is solid and powerful in this Roussillon cuvée. Protected by the Pyrenees and surrounded by scrubland, the vineyards of the Lafage estate produce this magnificent red wine filled with black fruits, raspberries and lavender. Once in the mouth, the balance between the power of the alcohol, the finesse of the aromas, the aging in barrels and the tannins is mastered. It’s amazing for a wine of this price! Enjoy with a leg of lamb with rosemary or cellar for a few years.

Domaine Lafage Côtes Catalanes Nicolas 2019 (12211366), $ 19.15, 15%

Pop rosé!

It’s hard to be more versatile at the table than rosé wine. And this is even more true when the bottle contains bubbles. The Forget family brings together Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay in this magnificent rosé champagne with aromas of strawberries. The long aging on lees brings texture and a lot of volume on the palate. Perfect for a classic pairing with smoked salmon or daring with a duck breast with berries.

Forget Brimont Brut Premier Cru (10845883), $ 56, 12%

Safe value

You can’t change a winning recipe, especially after more than 125 years of history. The Riojanas estate offers a reserva, aged for more than two years in American oak barrels, with classic taste and aromas. As soon as it is poured, this tempranillo opens with notes of tobacco, plum and raspberry. The juicy attack is enhanced by sustained tannins and notes of vanilla and leather. The vegetal hint perceived on the finish betrays the age of the wine. It’s the perfect red for stewed red meat. It will also go wonderfully with grilled vegetables and mushrooms.

Monte Real Reserva Rioja 2017 (856005), $ 24.50, 14%

Vibrant white

Do not seek depth and richness in this wine from Austria. Winemaker David Weszeli offers a crisp, fresh and crisp white that whets the appetite and will be the perfect companion to an oyster platter. Lime, chervil and white pepper flavor the glass. Once in the mouth, the tonic attack will awaken the taste buds. The mouth continues with notes of white fruits and a salty touch. It is a good choice for learning about Austrian wines and its star grape variety grüner-velteliner.

Weszeli Felix Niederosterreich 2020 (13618521), $ 18.75, 12%