This week we tour the Penedès in north-west Spain, focusing on its neighbour, the famous Ribera del Duero known for producing rich and powerful wines, before crossing the Pyrenees to stop in Fitou, a Languedoc region that offers full-bodied wines. at low prices.
Then we travel to Chinon, in the far north, in the Loire with its famous castles to finish in the southernmost part of Italy, in Puglia located at the heel of the famous “boot” with a white wine at a very low price.
drink less drink better
San Marzano, Trebbiano 2022, Puglia
Italy 12% | ★★1/2 | $ | $9.25
SAQ code: 15210318
A great new product that has just arrived at the SAQ. A trebbiano-based white called ugni blanc in France where it is mainly used to make cognac or armagnac. Widespread in the Puglia region where it can produce large volumes, it is very well dominated by the San Marzano cooperative that offers us a pale white with light aromas of white fruits, dry and lively on the palate. We sense a bit of roundness that comes from the light residual sugar, but the acidity balances it out and gives it an undeniable drinkability. Think fried calamari, seafood, fish tacos.
Albet and Noya, Xarel-Lo El Fanio 2022, Penedès
Spain 13% – Organic | ★★★1/2 | $$ | $23.25
PHOTO TAKEN FROM SITE SAQ
SAQ code: 12674221
This is definitely one of the best whites under $25! Old vineyards of Xarello of organic cultivation giving a small production. 2022 is even better than 2021 which was already very amazing. Already very open and also focused on a more ripe fruitiness, it offers tones of white fruit, melon, nuts and iodine. Fuller and easier to approach, it retains a lively acidity that brings a lot of tone. Quality bitters punctuate the finish, which leaves a salty impression. Wonderful with oysters.
Grands Chais de France, Les Jardins de la Baume 2021, Fitou
France 14% | ★★1/2 | 1/2 $ | $16.65
PHOTO TAKEN FROM SITE SAQ
SAQ code: 15224269
A red made with Grenache to which Cariñena and Syrah are added. It is rich and powerful, a little guidoune with notes of blackberry, plum, oak, vanilla and sweet spices. On the palate it is broadly built with structured tannins, rich fruit and quite good persistence.
If you like modern wines, you will love it. Feel free to decant it before serving. Ideal with grilled meats, roast beef or pork ribs.
Condado de Haza, Crianza 2019, Ribera del Duero
Spain 15% | ★★★ | $$1/2 | $27.20
PHOTO TAKEN FROM SITE SAQ
SAQ code: 978866
Warning: delicate palate, please refrain. Or, at the very least, approach your glass with caution, because there’s a lot of wine here, both literally and figuratively. A red made 100% with tempranillo, powerful and concentrated. The tannins are ripe and well integrated. Aromas of black fruits in jam, tobacco, toasted oak and coffee. He is super charming, but at the same time very tough. Perfect for grilled meats or game.
Nicolas Grosbois, My mother’s kitchen 2021, Chinon
France 12.5% - Organic | ★★★ | $$ | $20.90
PHOTO TAKEN FROM SITE SAQ
SAQ code: 12782441
In Panzoult, in the Chinon appellation area, Nicolas Grosbois took over the torch of this small nine-hectare family estate in 2008 and offers one of the best value for money in the region. Although it is a vintage resulting from commercial activity, we find the same spirit and level of quality as in the estate’s wines. Less rich than the 2020 reviewed last year, it shows a crisp texture, delicate tannins and above all a lot of freshness. A very drinkable wine to serve cold with a pizza with grilled vegetables or samfaina.
★ Correct
★★ Good
★★★ Very good
★★★★ Excellent
★★★★★ Exceptional
More stars than dollars – well worth the price.
As many stars as dollars – worth the price.
Less stars than dollars: wine is expensive.
