Here are three delightful wines, which are also affordable (yes, less than $30 for good Burgundy wine is considered affordable). The first two, for their lovely fruitiness, their freshness and their easy-drinking, all-purpose character. The type of wine to always have on hand. And the third because Pinot Noir, when it’s well made, is terribly charming!
Posted yesterday at 4:00 p.m.
Affordable: a taste of spring
Anselmo Mendes, renowned producer from the Vinho Verde region in northern Portugal, always delights us with delicious, reasonably priced white wines. This is based on Loureiro, one of the many very high quality local grape varieties, but rarely vinified alone. Recognized for its scent, including that of laurel (hence its name), it produces aromatic wines. This opens with a lovely nose with notes of lime, orange, aromatic herbs and citrus peel. Dry and very light on the palate, with the same aromas, it is a simple, fresh, versatile and unifying wine. Ideal for an aperitif, with oysters, seafood pasta, fish with herbs or olive oil, or to pretend it’s spring!
Keep: to drink
Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2023, $16.10 (12455088), 12%
Consult the SAQ sheet
Discovery: wine from friends
PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE SAQ SITE
Les Tètes Tète Red Wine of France
Les Tètes is the project of four winegrower friends, including Nicolas Grosbois in Chinon. They make friendly wines together, without fuss, from organic vineyards in the Loire and the South-West. And that’s exactly the style of this Tète Red, made from Merlot and Grolleau. With a pretty pale purplish color, it opens on a nose with notes of raspberry, cherry and cedar. Very dry and light, it still offers a nice texture on the palate with light tannins which give it a certain grip and slight roughness. Certainly in the “gluglou” category, it should be served chilled (around 14 oC), and is ideal for steak and fries, grilled sausages, a salad of grilled vegetables with herbs and, of course, a large platter of charcuterie and lots of friends!
Keeping: 1 to 2 years
-Les Tètes Tète Red Vin de France, $17.80 (14405033), 12%, organic
Consult the SAQ sheet
Classic: reasonable price, for Burgundy!
PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE SAQ SITE
Father & Son Billiards Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2023
The prices of everything are increasing and wine is no exception. Especially not Burgundy! This small vineyard has limited production and a growing number of enthusiasts. Prices have increased a lot recently, so we are happy when we find good Burgundy wines at a reasonable price. Reasonable for Burgundy! And for Pinot Noir, this grape variety is notoriously difficult to cultivate and make wine. This one delighted me: not the most complex, but with all the charm of the grape variety. The nose is fine and fruity, full of small red fruits, enhanced with delicate notes of undergrowth and spices, with a floral touch. We feel the 13% of the wine in its ripe fruit and substance, its fruity scent, but it remains light on the palate, fresh and slender. Full of finesse, barely tannic, it will accompany mushroom risotto, beetroot tartare, salmon with tomatoes.
Keeping: 2 to 3 years
Father & Son Billiards Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2023, $29.45 (13239862), 13%
Consult the SAQ sheet
