Quebecers are buying more and more white and rosé wines, a constant trend in recent years. On the other hand, even though their market share has fallen from 68% in 2000 to 58% in 2021, red wines still dominate wine sales at the SAQ. But here too, the tide is turning, while fresher and more digestible red wines are popular. Here are two that fit in perfectly with this wave, and a slightly beefier red to accompany your fall stews.
Old variety up to date
Sumoll, do you know? This is the name of the grape variety of this cuvée. An old Catalan variety, it was saved from extinction and is now enjoying renewed interest – a movement that can be observed all over the world. Its low color and high acidity, two of the reasons why the grape variety had been abandoned, are qualities more sought after today. The wine is indeed pale in color, with a discreet, fruity nose, with accents of cherry and cranberry, with a tad of herbs and spices. Very dry and very fresh on the palate, the wine is light, invigorating and dapper. Tannins, a little more than light, bring just the right amount of roughness and call for nourishment. Serve chilled, it is ideal for slicing into the fat of a dry sausage or jamón, or to accompany a margherita pizza.
Keep: to drink.
Pardas Sus Scrofa Penedès 2019, $ 22.05 (14042009), 12%, organic.
Consult the SAQ file
Sparkling bistro wine
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SAQ
Sébastien David Hurluberlu Vin de France 2020
Loire Valley wines have flowed freely in Parisian bistros for decades. Not surprisingly: several of them, the Cabernet Franc reds, among others, are quintessential bistro wines. Like this one ! With a deep purplish color, it offers an expressive nose, with rich and ripe fruit. Notes of raspberry, morello cherry and blackberry intermingle with those of leaves, herbs and pencil lead. With a lot of sparkle, on the nose and on the palate, it shows greed, but also hold and substance. The fruitiness is crunchy, and iron and vegetal notes add nuance and interest. Light tannins complete the picture. In front of the bistro cuisine: steak tartare, veal liver, kidneys, cold cuts, roast pork and remoulade.
Keeping: 2 or 3 years.
Sébastien David Hurluberlu Vin de France 2020, $ 23.20 (14172719), 13%.
Consult the SAQ file
The Roussillon sun in a bottle
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Cazes Hommage Côtes du Roussillon 2019
All the Roussillon sun is found in a bottle. A blend of almost equal parts of Syrah and Grenache, with a hint of Mourvèdre, the wine opens with a rather delicate nose, with accents of kirsch, cherry and spices. The palate, on the other hand, is rich, dense and warm, but with a nice fruity structure that brings radiance and freshness. All around this material are woven dark notes of blackberry, bramble and black earth. Very dry, with very present but ripe tannins, it will be at its best at the table. To decant and serve with grilled red meats, lamb shank with lentils, braised beef with anise. The only problem: a heavy bottle, really not necessary …
Keeping: 4 to 6 years.
Cazes Hommage Côtes du Roussillon 2019, $ 18.65 (12704101), 14%, organic.
Consult the SAQ file