Five wines perfect for drinking while eating

As much as it is pleasant to pair food and wine, it can become a headache.

Keep in mind that with complex cuisine, it is better to go with a simple wine. Conversely, I recommend opening your best bottles with a simple dish. To help you a little, here are five food wines, that is to say wines which will be at their best at the table alongside a good meal while knowing that the easiest thing is to eat what you love while drinking the wines you like.

Drink less. Drink better.

Albet i Noya, Xarel-Lo El Fanio 2023, Penedès

Spain 12.5% ​​- Organic | ★★★1/2 | $$ | $23.95

Code SAQ : 12674221

The oenologist Josep Maria Albet i Noya is one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in Catalonia, since he abandoned the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the 1970s. From old vines (average of 50 years) of xarel-lo coming from a single plot, this very dry white is distinguished by its tones of pear, melon, almond, flower and shell. A delicate material, although of good density, which gains volume on contact with air. A tonic freshness stretches the flavors on the finish where mineral and saline impressions develop. Simply wonderful with oysters and fried squid.

Capezzana, Barco Reale di Carmignano 2022

Italy 13.5% – Organic | ★★★1/2 | $$ | $24.80

Code SAQ : 729434

Located on the outskirts of Florence, in the middle of Tuscany, the Carmignano appellation is one of the smallest in Italy. Although little known, it is renowned for the quality of its wines. The Contini Bonacossi family has owned and cultivated the Tenuta di Capezzana estate for five generations. The Barco Reale di Carmignano, which takes its name from the Medici hunting reserve (“barco” means park) surrounded by a wall which demarcated most of the current production areas, is the little brother of the Carmignano, since it is made from young vines of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Canaiolo. There are aromas of cherries, leather and mint, with fine tannins, energetic acidity and a saline finish. If you want to take your experience further, I highly recommend the Carmignano 2020 ($41.50 – SAQ code 977827) from the same producer. A pearl that can improve for 10 to 15 years without difficulty. Try it with osso buco or braised beef.

Lauria wine, Frappato Scoglitti 2022, IGP Sicile

Italie13 % – Bio | ★★★ | $$ | 21,15 $

Code SAQ : 13288630

The flavato which comes from the deformation of the adjective fruity which means – you guessed it – fruity, is mainly grown in Sicily. With its light and juicy profile, it resembles Gamay, which is found particularly in Beaujolais. Here, we are pleasantly surprised by the nuances of raspberry, but also notes of violet, black earth and rhubarb. The mouth feels like biting into a grape. Not very tannic, it shows finesse and nuances. Serve chilled with grilled meats, ratatouille or fish with tomatoes and olives.

Château la Mothe du Barry 2022, Bordeaux Supérieur

France 13,5 % – Bio | ★★1/2 | $1/2 | 16,85 $

Code SAQ : 10865307

It’s a great classic in the SAQ’s “regular” wine repertoire. It is also the perfect example of very good Bordeaux at a low price. 100% Merlot grown on clay-limestone hillsides in the northern part of Entre-Deux-Mers, almost opposite Saint-Émilion, on the other side of the Dordogne. Coming from organic farming, the wine sees no wood, only stainless steel tanks. It gives a very pure nose evoking black fruits and pretty menthol notes. It is supple, delicious, fresh with a silky texture and round tannins. And it’s organic. Perfect with grilled steak and some fries.

Altesino Bianco 2023, Tuscan PGI

Italy 13% | ★★★ | $$ | $26.05

Code SAQ : 15247436

Built in the 15th century by the Tuscan Tricerchi family in the hills northeast of Montalcino, the imposing Palazzo Altesi overlooks the estate best known for its production of Brunello di Montalcino. However, the white stands out for its floral character, the presence of viognier and vermentino, which are added to the chardonnay (60%), are certainly not unrelated. Dry and very fruity, with aromas of peach, citrus and a hint of orange blossom. The palate is ample, with a pulpy substance, but also very fresh and slender. It will accompany fish in sauce or veal blanquette.

★ Correct

★★ Bon

★★★ Very good

★★★★ Excellent

★★★★★ Exceptional

More stars than dollars: well worth the price.

As many stars as dollars: worth the price.

Fewer stars than dollars: wine is expensive.