Lirac 2020 Château Mont-Redon, Rhône
Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s little brother, Lirac, produces lovely reds and surprising whites! Crafted with the region’s classic varieties : Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, the charming nose exudes scents of honey, white peach with floral and vegetal hints. The combination of soft acidity with a touch of bitterness assures balance and freshness. Quite round, velvety and flavourful, this seductive white will marry well with grilled scallops with a sprinkle of mild curry. Enjoy!
Country : France
Price : 27,30 $
Code SAQ: 12258973
Score : 90/100
This excellent domaine from the Loire Centre is certified organic and biodynamic. A lovely Pinot from the Sancerre district/appellation that is surprisingly ripe and charming. Deep ruby colour, youthful fruity nose displaying raspberry and cherry enhanced by floral and mineral accents from the terroir. Medium bodied, lush tannins, good length with a seductive ripe velvety finish. Soft acidity assures balance. Some potential : 3 to 5 years. This charming red will match perfectly with a veal cutlet with mushrooms. Enjoy !
Burgundy prices continue to increase, very few wines offer good value in this prestigious region ! According to La Revue du Vin de France, Lucien Muzard is amongst the best producers of Santenay. This affordable old vines cuvée is quite typical of the warm 2019 vintage. The nose exhibits charming red berry scents. Bursting with ripe seductive flavours, this medium bodied red is rather elegant yet quite flavourful. Soft, supple tannins for some cellaring (4 to 6 years). A lovely Pinot that should marry perfectly with veal fillets in a raspberry vinegar sauce.
Still quite unknown, wines from the region of Savoie have shown great improvement in the last decade. A very successful vintage, 2019 offers luscious ripe fruit while remaining perfectly balanced. Made entirely with the Mondeuse grape, this organic red displays a charming yet discreet nose of field berries with mineral overtones. Medium bodied, soft textured with good length, this Savoie-Arbin red should marry perfectly with the Holiday turkey dinners and also with grilled pork or veal. Available in 79 SAQ stores. Enjoy !
This Beaujolais is the perfect wine for the Holiday turkey dinners ! Made entirely with Gamay, it displays a deep ruby colour, and a fairly intense aroma dominated by spicy, jammy red berry (strawberry, raspberry and cranberry) scents. Light bodied but quite tasty, the ripe flavours are perfectly balanced by fresh acidity. With the ongoing problems at the SAQ, take note that this lovely red is presently available in 117 stores. Move quickly and enjoy !
The lesser known Etna Rosso appellation produces one of the best reds of Sicily. But be aware : this best kept secret, which is usually light bodied, fresh and elegant, can display a rather austere finish. Luckily this typically light Etna Rosso is rather supple, charming and quite easy drinking. From the local grapes Nerello Mascalese (90%) and Nerello Capuccio (10%), the nose displays a lovely fruity scent reminiscent of fresh strawberries with discreet floral and mineral accents. A lovely organic red which should marry perfectly with veal scalopinni and porcini mushrooms. Enjoy!
This lovely organic Muscadet is typically light and refreshing. Mineral and fruity nose displaying citrus and green apple. Light bodied with lively acidity, this delicate white remains balanced and surprisingly lengthy. An elegant, well priced white perfect with oysters on the shell or with linguini con vongole (clams). Enjoy!
A classic blend (Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo) offering a unique opportunity to discover an evolved Gran Reserva Rioja at an amazingly affordable price ! Complex nose displaying forest floor, graphite, spicy berry and floral hints. This typical woody rojo offers good extract and volume in a traditional elegant style. Quite flavourful and lengthy, it will continue to evolve favourably (5 to 8 years). Great match with simply grilled veal or pork. Presently on sale : 2$ rebate plus 1000 Inspire points.
This charming Spanish red from the Mencia grape offers great value ! Deeply coloured, this rich rojo displays good volume, a solid structure while bursting with ripe seductive flavours. Youthful fruity aromas are enhanced by vegetal, smoky and licorice scents. Surprising acidity (for this vintage) assures balance. Quite flavourful with good length, this satisfying red will be the ideal companion for simply grilled lamb chops.
Fans of full bodied powerful wines should abstain! A lovely classic blend of Poulsard (40%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Trousseau (30%) that showcase a perfect example of the Jura region style. The seductive nose displays floral, berry fruit and leather scents. Typically light, fresh and well balanced, this easy drinking red remains surprisingly flavourful. A hint of bitterness on the finish adds length and complexity. Enjoy this delicate Arbois red with grilled chicken and mushrooms.