This sparkling white is my favorite bubbly to celebrate the New Year ! When compared to its Champagne counterpart, this well made California sparkler offers a much better quality-price ratio. Finesse, freshness with a delicate satisfying finish. An obvious crowd pleaser. Happy New Year to all ! Cheers !

Country : United States

Price :  30,10 $

Code SAQ: 11442701

Score : 90/100

Sparklers are a must during the Holidays! This fine example from Spain offers a remarkable quality-price ratio. Made with classic Spanish varieties : Parellada, Macabeu, Xarel-lo and a hint of Chardonnay (10%), its intense nose displays green apple and citrus aromas with an echo of petroleum. Quite fresh, well balanced and elegant, a slight bitterness adds length and character. Cheers!

Country : Spain

Price :  17,60 $

Code SAQ: 13408929

Score : 88/100

This week, an all purpose white for the Holiday meals ! This very typical New-Zealand Sauvignon blanc is from the reputed region of Marlborough. Intense nose with accents of guava, grapefruit, tomato vine and bell peppers. A light bodied, well balanced white that remains surprisingly flavourful. Lively acidity and a hint of bitterness add freshness, and guarantees a perfect match with either oysters on the shell and/or fresh goat cheese on salad. Great value ! Enjoy !

Country : New-Zealand

Price :  20,40 $

Code SAQ: 13450203

Score : 88/100

The perfect wine for the Holidays ! This charming Beaujolais offers a remarkable juvenile fruitiness. Its superb nose displays lovely spicy (cinnamon) red fruit scents. Surprising freshness for such a warm vintage, typically light but flavourful, perfectly balanced and easy drinking. This satisfying and versatile red will accompany poultry, pork, veal, salmon and tuna, as well as light cheeses and many charcuteries. Available in 195 SAQ stores. Don’t miss this one ! Enjoy !

Country : France

Price :  24,15 $

Code SAQ: 12454991

Score : 89/100

For many Beaujolais enthusiasts Moulin-à-Vent might be the best of the 10 crus! From the excellent 2016 vintage, this lovely Gamay red is medium bodied, quite fresh and surprisingly elegant. The mineral/fruity nose displays charming red berry and red plum scents. A typical Moulin-à-Vent bursting with character : excellent mouthfeel, great balance and some aging potential (3 to 5 years). Should be the perfect partner for the Holiday turkey. Enjoy!

Country : France

Price :  29,65 $

Code SAQ: 14558030

Score : 90/100

A lovely blend of old vines Chenin Blanc (66%) with Viognier (19%) that adds volume and Sauvignon Blanc (15%) for its intense aromatics. Lively acidity and reasonable alcohol (12%) translates into a very easy drinking white. The fruity nose (pear and apple) is enhanced with floral and mineral hints. A very refreshing trendy high acid white, that is light bodied but surprisingly flavourful. A hint of bitterness on the finish adds length. A perfect match with grilled shrimp with basil. Enjoy !

Country : South Africa

Price :  19,60 $

Code SAQ: 14447946

Score : 88/100

This (DOCG) appellation merits our attention. A superb Sicilian red is made with Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%). It’s amazing nose is curiously reminiscent of ripe and evolved Pinot Noir : red berry aromas enhanced by floral animal and spicy hints. In a traditionnal seductive style : medium bodied, velvety texture, great balance and good length. Maybe a bit expensive, but worth every penny! Should be perfect for many holiday feasts : turkey, pasta, veal, pork, cold cuts and cheeses. Will also make a great gift for your favorite oenophile!

Country : Italy

Price :  38,50 $

Code SAQ: 12484997

Score : 92/100

You must experience this outstanding organic/biodynamic red from Savoie! From a sun soaked vintage (2018), made entirely with Mondeuse, with no added sulfites (natural), it’s a charmer. According to La Revue du Vin de France : «This Savoie vintage offers exceptional richness. Many remarkable whites and especially reds from Mondeuse and Jacquère». Deeply coloured, intense fruity and floral aromas, with surprising extract (richness) for this region and grape variety! Don’t miss this superb red that will match perfectly with the classic bavette à l’échalote.

Country : France

Price :  28,90 $

Code SAQ: 14460711

Score : 92/100

Not an easy task to find good, affordable Pinots ! This lovely example from Austria delivers the goods ! Deeply coloured (for Pinot), the nose exhibits charming field berry aromas enhanced by flowery, spicy and smoky scents. Fruit forward with good balance, and a hint of bitterness that adds freshness and length. Pair this characterful Pinot with grilled veal and wild mushrooms. Enjoy !

Country : Austria

Price :  25,70 $

Code SAQ:  13616710

Score : 88/100

Unfortunately too many consumers ignore/neglect Italian white wines. Here is a flavourful yet elegant example from the Adriatic region of Marches that should impress. Obviously made with Verdicchio (100%), it’s nose exhibits charming fruity (apple) and mineral scents. Fresh, tasty, well balanced and very dry, It will marry perfectly with a shrimp risotto. Enjoy!

Country : Italy

Price :  25,65 $

Code SAQ:  14550530

Score : 89/100