La Belle Romaine 2019 Savoie-Arbin, Château de Mérande
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 !
Country : France
Price : 29,30 $
Code SAQ: 14460711
Score : 90/100
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.
This lovely organic (but not mentioned) Gamay, brims with youthful charming fruit. Deeply coloured, with typical scents of cinnamon candy, ripe cherry and potato skin. Light bodied as expected, but surprisingly flavourful with good balance and length. Try this very well priced red with your favorite cold cuts and dried sausages. Enjoy!
A classic blend from the southern Rhône Valley : Grenache (70 %), Syrah (20%) and Mourvèdre (10 %). This sun soaked red from Lirac, neighbours the highly reputed Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Juicy field berries with earthy, floral and animal scents. Well balanced, with tons of ripe charming rich flavours that linger. Try this flavourful, great value red with your favorite Italian sausage pizza. Enjoy !
Bursting with ripe flavours from the 2018 vintage, this lovely Morgon is from in the reputed Corcelette vineyard. Deeply coloured, the slightly woody nose brims with dark berry aromas. Quite structured with firm tannins, a solid Gamay that will age well (4 to 5 years). Flavourful, with good length, it should match perfectly with a mushroom risotto.