The Mourvèdre grape dominates the Bandol (red) appellation. This cuvée from l’Olivette also has 10% of Grenache that rounds it out. A charming Provence red displaying supple, elegant flavours. Don’t be frightened by the 15% alcohol content, it’s medium bodied, well balanced with good length. Its seductive nose displays jammy, spicy, field berries scents. Should work well with veal scaloppini with mushrooms. Enjoy!
Country : France
Price : 35 $
Code SAQ: 10884567
Score : 88/100
A classic field blend of Assyrtiko (85%), Athiri (10%) and Aidani (5%) that produces a lovely (white) example from this mythical island! The intense nose displays seductive fruity and floral aromas. Round, velvety and quite tasty, with soft acidity and a hint of bitterness that assure balance. A delicious white that will match perfectly with seafood and olive oil pasta. Enjoy!
Country : Greece
Price : 28,30 $
Code SAQ: 15374742
Score : 89/100
The fan of intense Sauvignon blanc will be seduced by this lovely South African example. Reminiscent of the Marlborough, New Zealand style, the exuberant nose displays guava, grapefruit, tomato vine and bell peppers. Typically light bodied, well balanced, and as expected, very flavourful. Lively acidity and a hint of bitterness add freshness and length. A perfect match with either oysters on the shell or fresh goat cheese on salad. Great value! Enjoy!
Country : South Africa
Price : 23,70 $
Code SAQ: 15115935
Score : 88/100
Would like to discover something different? Try this Carignan from the island of Sardinia! A grape that merits our attention, this Carignano bursts with charming juvenile fruit. Crafted in a fruity, medium bodied, easy drinking style, by one of the best producers of the island. A great value rosso, well balanced with a lingering seductive fruity finish. Built to be enjoyed in its youth, try this lovely red with simply grilled Italian sausages. Enjoy!
Country : Italy
Price : 21,15 $
Code SAQ: 14501480
Score : 88/100
Tasted with friends on Xmas eve, this lovely sparkler offers great value! Crafted with the classic regional varieties : Parellada (38%), Macabeu (23%), Xarel-lo (29%) and a hint of Chardonnay (10%), the typical nose displays floral, fruity and petroleum scents. With only 2,6 gr/li of residual sugar, this lively, dry bubly is rather fresh and seductive. Lots of character and length for such a low price. Happy New Year to all!
Country : Spain
Price : 18,70 $
Code SAQ: 13408929
Score : 89/100
The ideal red for the Holidays because of its versatility when it comes to pairings. This easy drinking, organic Sicilian red, is made from Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%). Its charming nose displays spicy field berry scents. Medium bodied with fresh acidity, quite flavourful and perfectly balanced. This original, fresh and tasty red, offers great value. Unfortunately, not much left, so move quickly. Enjoy!
Country : Italy
Price : 25,15 $
Code SAQ: 10553362
Score : 88/100
From the sauvignon blanc variety (100%), this charming cuvée is fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature to maintain the freshness of the vintage. Aged in traditional large wooden vats for 6 months, the typical nose exudes lovely citrus and passion fruit scents with mineral overtones. Quite fresh and balanced, this intense, tasty Sancerre diplays very good length. A great match for the Holiday seafood and fish dishes. Enjoy!
Country : France
Price : 31,75 $
Code SAQ: 13657538
Score : 91/100
Back on the SAQ shelves this lovely gamay will pair perfectly with the Holiday turkey dinner! Grown according to biodynamic principles, it has maintained remarkable freshness in this rather scorching hot vintage. Bursting with charming ripe juvenile fruit, enhanced by spicy (pepper) and floral hints. Good weight, well balanced, typically easy drinking and satisfying Gamay. A seductive red that offers great value. Enjoy!
Country : France
Price : 24,85 $
Code SAQ: 14185000
Score : 89/100
Don’t miss this tasty, very well priced sparkler! Rarely will you come across such remarquable value in this category! A classic Champagne style blend of Chardonnay (52%), Pinot Noir (43%) and Pinot meunier (5%) from Oregon that offers amazing freshness, richness and perfect balance. This lovely cuvée is quite dry only 2,3 gr/li of residual sugar. The fruity yet complex nose complements its flavourful finish. A great buy for your Holiday celebrations. Cheers!
Country : USA
Price : 39 $
Code SAQ: 14381342
Score : 92/100
Here is a lovely expression of Burgundian Chardonnay from a trendy revitalized sub region. From the excellent 2022 vintage, it offers intense flavours, freshness, good balance, and a typical hint of bitterness (2022), that adds length and complexity. With just a kiss of oak, the classic ripe nose exudes apple, pear, some citrus and mineral hints. A tasty and lively chardonnay that will pair perfectly with grilled scallops. Enjoy!
Country : France
Price : 27,35 $
Code SAQ: 13134702
Score : 89+/100
The Mourvèdre grape dominates the Bandol (red) appellation. This cuvée from l’Olivette also has 10% of Grenache that rounds it out. A charming Provence red displaying supple, elegant flavours. Don’t be frightened by the 15% alcohol content, it’s medium bodied, well balanced with good length. Its seductive nose displays jammy, spicy, field berries scents. Should work well with veal scaloppini with mushrooms. Enjoy!
