The wines of the week | Three reds for traveling

The SAQ shelves are slowly filling up, but it is still difficult to know the quantities available. At the time of this writing, these three red wines still had a very good distribution. Three very authentic wines, which will transport you to their region of origin, for lack of being able to travel. They are a little more expensive: if the gatherings cannot be numerous, we can still have fun!

Veronique rivest
Sommelier, guest collaborator

Charming cuvée from Spain

Envinate was created in 2005 to showcase exceptional terroirs in Spain, often abandoned because they were too difficult to work. Since then, he has charmed the whole world with his original, authentic and transparent wines, which wine lovers are raving about. Here is his most affordable vintage (though they all are): a perfect introduction to his style. It comes from Garnacha Tintorera, alias alicante bouschet, a grape variety, cultivated in the Almansa region. Rather pale cherry color, it offers a fruity and charming nose, with aromas of cherry, currant, cranberry, with notes of anise, pepper and flowers. The palate is full of fruity shine, very cherry, a little kirsch, with a lot of freshness, a little spice and very few tannins. Perfect to accompany turkey, with herb stuffing and cranberry sauce!

Keeping: 1 to 3 years

Envinate Albahra Vin d’Espagne 2020, $ 23.00 (13566732), 13%

Direction Oregon

Oregon Pinots Noirs have carved out a solid reputation for themselves – but remember, there are good and bad everywhere, that doesn’t mean they’re all good! However, they have all become very expensive. Here is a very nice cuvée to learn about Pinots from the State, at a very reasonable price. Coming from several vineyards in the Willamette valley, it offers an aromatic nose, with red fruit, but also many notes reminiscent of black earth, undergrowth, root vegetables. On the palate, ripe fruit and light tannins give a silky texture, enhanced with fresh acidity, with hints of cherry and spices. Also perfect for turkey, the wine will also be delicious with smoked duck breast or cherry breast, grilled sausages, roast chicken.

Keeping: 3 to 5 years

Grochau Cellars Commuter Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019, $ 27.00 (13234771) 13.3%

Sicily in a bottle

What a beautiful wine! It’s all the Sicilian sun in a bottle. Unifying, it will appeal as much to lovers of full-bodied wines as to those who prefer lighter wines. It’s easy to make rather jammy and heavy wines with nero d’Avola, the most cultivated red grape in Sicily. At Gulfi, with very careful viticulture and vinification, this gives a ripe wine, certainly, but also full of freshness, finesse and radiance. The nose is dense, dark, with notes of black fruits, brambles, spices and flowers. The wine fills the mouth with a rich and ripe, enveloping substance, enhanced with fresh acidity and a host of aromatic details. Moderate, ripe, chocolaty tannins spread over a long, tasty finish. Complete and harmonious, it will be versatile at the table: aubergines parmigiana, spaghetti puttanesca, braised lamb shank.

Keeping: 4 to 6 years

Gulfi Nerojbleo Nero D’Avola Sicilia 2019, $ 28.00 (13437391) 14% Organic