Five beautiful bottles at an affordable price

Fans looking for discoveries will meet this weekend at the Bonsecours Market in Montreal and at the Quebec Armory next weekend (October 27-28) for the 17^e Private import wine fair.

More than 1,000 products for tasting that can then be purchased individually via the SAQ mobile application, which will allow them to be received quickly. Otherwise, here are five beautiful bottles at affordable prices.

Drink less. Drink better.

Donna Laura, Ali 2022, Tuscany

Italy 13% | ★★★ | $ | $15.30

Code SAQ : 12898305

This is undoubtedly one of the best value for money that I have tasted in a long time. The Sangiovese (to which a little Cabernet Sauvignon is added) is vinified and aged in stainless steel vats, therefore no aging in barrels, in order to leave room for the youthful fruitiness. Well scented with an aromatic palette reminiscent of cherry, plum, pencil lead and dried herbs. Good substance on the palate with supple tannins and, above all, a lively acidity which brings freshness. All this for $15 and dust. Well done !

Castillo de Monséran, Garnacha 2023, Carineña

Spain 14% | ★★ | $ | $11.15

Code SAQ : 624296

Very good red based on Grenache produced by the dynamic San Valero cooperative which has more than 700 producers and manages 4,000 hectares of vines in the Carineña appellation, in the north-east of Spain. It’s simple and easy with a nose of dark fruits, spices, smoke and a touch of vanilla. Silky on the palate with coating tannins and a certain power on the finish. Difficult to do better at this price.

Los Frailes, Monastrell-Garnacha 2022, Valencia

Spain 13.5% | Organic | ★★★ | $1/2 | $17.25

Code SAQ : 13846208

I have always enjoyed this wine and the 2022 will be no exception. A blend dominated by Monastrell (Mourvèdre, in French) and Garnacha Tintorera (Grenache, in French) grown organically in the warm Valencia region, in the south-east of Spain, renowned for producing rather robust wines. However, we are once again struck by the drinkability and freshness of the wine. It’s concentrated, certainly, but the tannins are well integrated and the wine gives off a surprising energy with its flavors of plum, strawberry, licorice and black pepper. Impeccable and offered at a friendly price.

Celler Creed, Miranius 2023, Penedès

Spain 11.5% | Organic | ★★★1/2 | $$ | $21.70

Code SAQ : 12866557

Another white that is becoming a great reference at the SAQ. Xarel-lo (pronounced “cha-rel-lo”) is a grape variety mainly used for cava, the sparkling wine of Catalonia. Vinified as a “still” wine by Recaredo (a small producer which produces excellent cava), the Miranius 2023 is even better than the 2022 commented on earlier this year. It’s light, airy, just lively enough and nicely scented. Tones of pear, shell, linden and white flower. Happy marriage with oysters.

Manuel Carvalho Martins, Coup 2020, Douro

Portugal 14,5 % | ★★★ | $$ | 21,30 $

Code SAQ : 14234668

Back on the shelves of this excellent, fairly full-bodied red that comes to us from the Douro. A blend of traditional grape varieties from the region (touriga nacional, tinta roriz and touriga franca) planted on schist soil, at an altitude of 550 m. Benefiting from aging in barrels for 18 months, the result is a wine with a mouth-watering nose of vanilla, cocoa, tobacco, plum, fig and dried herbs. It’s rich and powerful with firm tannins, but also surprisingly fresh. Heady finish with good persistence. Perfect with fall braised meats.

★ 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.

Six tips for getting the most out of the imported wine show

1. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and having to fight to be served;
2. Take an interest in all of a producer’s products (especially if it is the latter who presents them to you), not just the most expensive ones;
3. Ask for half portions rather than full portions, so you can sample more wines with the same number of coupons;
4. Drink plenty of water and don’t hesitate to spit;
5. Take notes or photos of the wines you like;
6. Obviously, use public transportation or a taxi to get there and back home.

For more information on products or to purchase tickets: importation-privee.com