Pinot Gris 2018 Marlborough, Fromm
Are you a fan of «Orange» wines ? These whites that have gone through maceration with the skins are very trendy. Since it bleeds colour and is quite flavourful, Pinot Gris is often chosen for this «Orange» category. This lovely example from New-Zealand displays an amber/copper/orangy colour. The nose exhibits scents of apple, cider, sponge toffee with floral and animal hints. Quite tasty with good length, some residual sugar (6,4 gr/li) adds volume and mouthfeel. Soft acidity and a touch of bitterness assure balance. A great match with grilled salmon and veggies in a light teriyaki sauce. Enjoy!
Country : New-Zealand
Price : 28,80 $
Code SAQ: 14718030
Score : 89/100
This organic Pinot noir from Austria displays perfectly ripened fruit flavours, partly due to global warming of course ! Usually this country’s Pinots are light and often a bit thin, but not this 2019 warm vintage version : light to medium bodied, very elegant, well balanced, flavourful and good length. Seductive fruity nose of ripe raspberry and cherry. This very enjoyable Austrian Pinot should match perfectly with simply grilled chicken. Enjoy!
This lovely blend of Corvinone (40 %), Corvina (40 %) and Rondinella (20%) is crafted according to biodynamic farming practices. Far from the many «Ripasso» styled Valpolicellas available at SAQ, this rather traditional version is reminiscent offerings from another era ! Discreet nose displaying fruity and spicy aromas enhanced by floral and animal hints. Light bodied as expected, it remains quite flavourful, soft and easy drinking. A seductive red for fans of refined, elegant classics. Enjoy with braised veal cheek pasta !
For consumers looking for «clean» or if you prefer «natural» wines, check out this superb biodynamic Alsatian Pinot Noir! The 2020 reds from Alsace are surprisingly rich and flavourful, no doubt global warming is partly responsible! Ripe nose displaying red berry scents (cherry, raspberry) and floral hints. Remarkably charming with good length and mouthfeel, while remaining soft and supple. Some aging potential : 3 to 5 years. Minced poultry with shiitake mushrooms should match perfectly. Enjoy!
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!
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!