Wines of the week | Classics to revisit

This week, a white and a red with a very good quality-price ratio, which appear in the directory of regular products of the SAQ, therefore with a very good distribution. And an excellent bottle of bubbles, from one of the best winemakers in Jura, or even in France, but which will quickly disappear!

Veronique rivest
Sommelier, guest collaborator

Affordable and reliable

With almost everything rising in price, here’s a wine that doesn’t cost more than it did three years ago: the 2017, recommended in 2018, was $ 14.50. Very reliable in quality, year after year it does not disappoint once again. The nose is delicate, simple, but fresh and fruity, with notes of pear, apple and honeydew melon. Dry and light, with just the right amount of relief and nuance, it is very well made and very versatile. At this price, we can afford a little glass of white whenever we want! It will keep well once opened over two or three days, and it is all the more practical with its screw cap. To be enjoyed simply as an aperitif, or with grilled fish with gremolata.

Keep: to drink.

Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2020, $ 14.20 (12635097). 13%.

Consult the SAQ file

A faithful red

Here’s another classic on our shelves that I haven’t tasted in quite some time. It comes in a new look, but the wine remains very good value for money, true to my memory. Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre, organically and biodynamically grown on the schist soils of Faugères, it opens on the nose with notes of blackberries, anise, garrigue and leather, with a floral touch. . The palate is full of fruit, plump, with fresh acidity and moderate tannins, ripe but also firm. And with this mineral impression that we associate with the terroir of the region which lasts on the finish. Particularly successful in this vintage, it will accompany a lamb shank, duck confit, braised meats, but can also evolve in the cellar for a few years.

Keeping: 4 to 6 years.

Château des Estanilles Faugères Vallongue 2019, $ 18.75 (10272755). 14%. Organic.

Consult the SAQ file

Excellent Crémant

I had recommended this excellent Crémant in December 2019, as part of our special bubbles (which will return this year on December 11!). But by then, there will most likely be none left! Because once again the wine is excellent. Not surprisingly, Stéphane Tissot is an outstanding winemaker, who cultivates his family’s vines and produces his wines with the greatest care. A blend of chardonnay and pinot noir especially, with a little poulsard and trousseau, it offers aromas of pear, with a little chard apple, almond, apple blossom and a hint of walnut. Very full on the palate, with fullness, a slightly chalky texture and a very slight tannic impression, it will go smoothly at the table with chicken with morels, veal sweetbreads, or simply a grilled cheese!

Keeping: 4 to 6 years.

André & Mireille Tissot Dosage Zéro Crémant du Jura, $ 35.50 (11456492). 12.5%. Organic.

Consult the SAQ file