Wines of the week | Three wines that you can taste over two or three days

If you only want to drink a glass or two, there is no need to deprive yourself. An opened bottle should not absolutely be drunk! When a wine is well made, it will keep very well for a day or two, or even longer. Sometimes it will be even better: more open, more expressive, more blended. Here are three that you can enjoy over two or three days without problem.

Affordable: under the Mendoza sun

Santa Julia belongs to the Zuccardi family, one of the largest wine producers in Argentina. The family is also a real locomotive that advances the quality of Argentinian wines, the search for expression of terroirs and sustainable viticulture. A large producer, therefore, but also capable of offering wines with very good value for money. This Cabernet Sauvignon has all the fruity brightness typical of Mendoza’s high-altitude wines. Very aromatic, it opens with notes of blackberries, spices and ink, with a floral touch. The palate is all fruit, with ample, silky texture, carried by lots of freshness and moderate tannins. The wine offers all the fruit and sun of Mendoza, but remains dry, with a certain restraint, the structure of Cabernet and a delicate mineral impression on the finish. Perfect for red meats, grilled sausages, with chimichurri sauce.

Keeping: 2 to 3 years

Santa Julia Organic Cabernet-Sauvignon Mendoza 2022, $15.50 (13359282), 13.5%, organic

Classic: harmonious and complete

In the Rhône Valley, the Montirius estate, with the sixth generation of the Saurel family at its helm, is among the best in the Vacqueyras appellation thanks to extremely meticulous work. The Le Village vintage is perfect for introducing yourself to the style of the house, more in finesse and elegance than in the power that we associate with the region. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it opens gently on a complex, very fine nose, with notes of red fruits, anise, garrigue, black olive, dried flowers. The palate reveals a very beautiful fruity substance, rich, ample, while remaining fresh and slender. We approach the Pinot character of Grenache, but with more firmness and structure. Moderate tannins stretch into a mineral-like finish. Complete, harmonious, it will be best at the table: lamb chops, ratatouille, chicken with black olives, mushroom risotto.

Keeping: 3 to 4 years

Montirius Le Village Vacqueyras 2021, $25.50 (872796), 14%, organic

Treat: Introduction to Oregon Pinot Noir

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is famous for Pinot Noir. This is what attracted the Drouhin family, from Burgundy, who developed an estate there at the end of the 1980s. Cloudline wines are also made by the family, using grapes from their vines and purchased . The range is intended to be an affordable introduction: Oregon Pinot Noirs can be excellent, but they are also very expensive – as is the case for very good Pinots everywhere! The 2021, a true expression of the Willamette, is delicious. The nose is fragrant: red fruit compote, strawberry, rhubarb and undergrowth, with a hint of rose. The palate is silky, with woodiness present, but very well integrated, and very light tannins. Dry, supple and juicy, it will accompany grilled salmon, roast chicken or pan-fried mushrooms.

Keeping: 3 to 4 years

Cloudline Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2021, $28.70 (11334161), 13.9%