Wines of the week

The average increase in the price of wines at the SAQ in mid-June would have been 1 to 3%, but several wines suffered greater increases: Bourgogne de Piuze rose from $23.05 to $24.65, an increase of 7%. Burgundy, Beaujolais and Champagne wine prices are under pressure from ever-increasing demand and limited supply. Other regions are less affected: here are three suggestions, at almost unchanged prices, to quench your thirst this summer.

Discovery: mat for the aperitif

This should no longer be a discovery: Austrian wines are now well established in Quebec. But many people are still hesitant to venture off the beaten path. If you are a lover of dry, light, fresh and crisp white wines, this is the one to discover. Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s most widely grown grape variety. It can also make rich and powerful wines, but the more affordable wines are usually simple, cheerful and very versatile. That of the Meinklang family is the perfect example. Already very fresh on the nose, it offers a background of ripe fruit, with notes of pear and citrus, embellished with vegetal and spicy notes. Dry, light and tonic, it awakens the taste buds! Ideal for an aperitif, a picnic or to accompany raw vegetables, a large aioli, fried fish, tempura vegetables with herb dip.

Meinklang Gruner-Veltliner Osterreich 2021, $19.90, (13631071), 11%, organic

Aging: 1 or 2 years

Affordable: Provençal rosé for the table

The Domaine Les Béates, located in Lambresc, in the northwest of Aix-en-Provence, is one of the pioneers of organic farming in the region. The Terrat family pampers 40 hectares of vines there on predominantly limestone hillsides. Its cuvée Les Béatines is made mainly from Grenache, with Syrah and Cinsault. It sports the pale color typical of Provençal rosés, and in the mouth it is definitely camped on the side of the table. The aromas are discreet, with ripe fruit adorned with vegetal notes, orange, herbs, Darjeeling tea. The palate stands out for its vinous character and its structure. It shows firmness, chewiness and relief; wine is ideal for the table. Try it with tomato tart, stuffed vegetables, ratatouille, or even eggplant go parmigianagrilled sausages or lamb chops with herbs.

Les Béates Les Béatines Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence rosé 2022, $21.00 (11232261), 13%, organic

Aging: 1 or 2 years

Classique: a successful vintage

Despite its price increase (it was retailing at $23.05 previously), this wine remains good value for money, especially given its origin. Produced by Quebecer Patrick Piuze, from Tonnerrois grapes, this is a very pretty fine white Burgundy, with a classic style. The nose opens with notes of pear, butter and cream, with a hint of white mushroom and almond. The mouth offers a beautiful fruity substance, with a delicately creamy texture. The whole is carried by a fine and tonic acidity. A great success in this cool vintage, the wine is indeed light – which makes it all the more digestible –, but also demonstrates a ripe substance, with relief and energy. Perfect for fried or grilled fish and seafood, or to accompany corn roast!

Patrick Piuze Burgundy Chardonnay 2021, $24.65, (14853741), 12%

Aging: 3 or 4 years