Thanksgiving | Wines of the week

This week, three wines which all offer good value for money to entertain your guests and which go well with the recipes of the week. A little unpretentious white wine, but surprisingly well put together, very versatile. And two fleshier red wines, ideal for autumn cuisine, which show a lot of character and which are authentic expressions of their terroir.

Bargain

Everything to please

I recommended this wine to you in March 2024. It was the 2022 vintage, and it cost $15.30. The 2023 is just as good, quite a bit cheaper and in a lighter bottle: everything you need to appreciate it! It is a blend of Antão Vaz, a grape variety indigenous to the Alentejo region in southeastern Portugal, and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine opens with a lovely nose, fine, fresh and fruity, with notes of peach, citrus, zest and orange. On the palate, a ripe, enveloping fruity substance caresses the palate, supported by a fresh acidity. Delicate saline notes enhance the flavors, and light bitters add depth to the finish. Very well made, with surprising strength and complexity at this price, it will accompany squash and goat cheese bruschetta, seafood risotto or simply grilled fish.

Keeping: 1 to 2 years

Ervideira Flor de Sal Alentejano 2023, $13.70 (14915711), 13.5%

Consult the SAQ sheet

Affordable

To accompany sagamity

Present for many years on our market, the Classic vintage from Domaine La Madura has always been good value for money. And unlike many wines, its price has barely increased in recent years. A blend of Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah, it offers a true expression of its Saint-Chinian terroir. Its color is deep, as is its palette of aromas, with notes of black fruits and cherry, earth, spices and garrigue. The palate is dense, firm, but also shows a lot of brightness and freshness with moderate, fairly supple tannins. An animal touch adds a slightly wild character and makes it a perfect partner for game, braised meats, duck confit or comforting soups like sagamité.

Keeping: 2 to 3 years

Domaine La Madura Saint-Chinian Classic 2021, $20.90 (10682615), 14%, organic

Consult the SAQ sheet

Discovery

Wine of character

The region of Bairrada, on the coast of Portugal south of Porto, has long lived in the shadow of that of the Douro. The sometimes fierce character of the local Baga grape, with intense acidity and tannins, didn’t always help. But several very good winegrowers have sought to revalorize it by cultivating it with care in good terroirs. Luís Patrão de Vadio is one of them. Its Bairrada 2020, made from 100% baga, is full of character. An intense nose offers aromas of very ripe, almost candied black fruits, with notes of ink, graphite, cocoa. The palate, rich and full, shows ripe substance supported by fresh acidity and firm tannins. The finish stretches out over a mineral, stony impression. Made for the table, it will accompany a lamb shank with lentils, Portuguese-style chicken or even sagamité.

Keeping: 4 to 6 years

Vadio Wines Vadio Bairrada 2020, $27.30 (13620840), 13%

Consult the SAQ sheet