It has been a few months since I bought wine at my local SAQ. Reason being, I mostly buy private imports or share cases with other wine peeps. These are mostly natural, biological or biodynamic wines between $30-$50. I understand that not everyone has a generous wine budget like myself or simply can not justify $50 per bottle. However here is a list of four affordable wines to try.
Now, Where to find amazing wine? Which countries? Portugal and France’s Rousillon are two of my favourite spots. Below we will give you four affordable wines to try.
Portugal is often a forgotten location of the wine world. Portuguese table wines offer one of the best values on the market and have a section of their own at the SAQ. Portuguese wines represent good value because the quality-to-price ratio is high. There are a lot of wineries in Portugal producing good wines at every price range.
Roussillon is a district in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon and is located between Spain, the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees and the Corbières Mountains and Roussillon is particularly known for its beautiful, red cliffs. Roussillon has a variety of wines and different types of soil. It almost seems that every grape has its own type of soil and there are 24 approved grapes in Roussillon. With its characteristic patchwork of various terroirs like for instance red and black clay, sandstone, gravel or granite, Roussillon offers a wide range of wines with very distinctive properties. The varying structure of the region as well as the warm microclimate in the region gives a unique character to its wines.
I am a big fan of Roussillon wines. In fact in the last few years I have visited the region two times. The wines are powerful and heady yet quite balanced displaying their incredible terroir. Roussillon is a hub for biological, biodynamic and natural wine producers. It is probably as well the reason that I love their wines. The SAQ has more than 200 references so there is a lot of room to explore.
Four affordable wines to try
Herança de Sonho Ribeira de Aguiar Douro 2017 SAQ# 14131183 $15.65
Vintage tasted 2016. A juicy Portuguese red with aromas of sweet blackberries framed with rose undertones, licorice and vanilla. On the mouth, full body with rather ripe tannins. Comfort red with a friendly price on the pocket. Perfect wine to have with BBQ sausages
Cistus Douro 2018 SAQ# 10841161 $12.00
$12 will buy you a lot of wine. Lots of ripe blackberry fruit with spicy undertones and soft licorice nuances. On the palate, it is gutsy and rustic but well with a good tannic backbone. Medium length finale. Enjoy this red with some pasta in a rich meat sauce.
Domaine Ferrer-Ribière F Côtes Catalanes rose 2018 SAQ# 12924711 $18.50
A powerful rose from the Roussillon that evokes sweet notes of red plums with autumn leaves and cherry kirsch. On the palate, medium acidity with flavours consistent with the nose. Lovely cleansing finale. Buy a few bottles for the summer. Enjoy it with grilled chicken breast med style.
François Lurton Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Mas Janeil 2017 SAQ# 13483347 $21.95
The nose is redolent of dark fruit, bringing to mind plums, complemented with nuances of eastern spices and soft cedar undertones. On the palate, full body with luscious tannins and a long finale. Perfect wine to have with grilled lamb chops on a charcoal BBQ.
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