This week at the SAQ #8

Because sometimes you will ‘only’ want an aperitif white wine, focusing on acidity but with a cheeky touch of exotic fruits, this blend of Assyrtiko and Sauvignon Blanc will be your bottle in the sea.

This Greece, increasingly present at the start of SAQ aisles, is exceptionally rich in affordable and surprising white wines. This Macedonian white from the Drama appellation is no exception to the rule. Night harvesting and stainless steel vinification preserve the freshness, while a light aging on lees rounds out the final result.

It’s a tad technological for a white wine, but in the end, the blend of this grape variety we love to hate and a local grape variety is an interesting proposal for the beginning of a meal. Serve very chilled on a terrace!

• To accompany it: We dare to engage in cultural appropriation with a salad of tomatoes, feta, and olives to support the acidity of the Assyrtiko,
• For the anecdote: If your love for wine is only matched by your passion for the slopes, the Drama region is close to Falakró, known for its skiing conditions,
• To better understand the birth of the appellation: Our next Greece workshop
• To compare: Same blend, same Macedonia but in the Kavala PGI, the 2023 Biblia Chora from Ktima at $21. In SAQ (11901138)

It was in 2015 that the two Renner sisters took over the family torch and renamed the estate Renner & Rennersistas. Following the example of the new generation of Austrian winemakers, they are dedicated to producing organic and dynamic wines without compromising on complexity and richness.

This blend of Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and Saint-Laurent was supposed to become a rosé in its first vintage, but an unexpected color intake gave it a darker complexion. Since then, they have been repeating the process every year for a "red rosé." The result is quite pleasant in terms of freshness and liveliness, with a touch of astringency that will make you salivate. Serve chilled, but not cold, so as not to wake up the ambient tannins. Cherry, cranberry, and plum notes will be highlighted by a light sparkle.

It’s organic and dynamic, but above all mastered for a young and festive style. Perfect for an aperitif with sparkle!

• To accompany it: Beautiful slices of roasted beets, sprinkled with sesame seeds and good oil, all placed on grilled romaine leaves.
• For the anecdote: Since 2021, the sisters have been supported by their brother, but they are not thinking of renaming the estate Brorenner…
• To better understand Austria: Our next world cup match is announced this Wednesday here.
• To compare: If you want to explore Blaufränkisch with a little less hue but still some color, the 2023 Naked Rosé, Weingut Heinrich, also Austrian and also at the SAQ for $24 (14727489)

Since 1481, the Chave family has worked the vineyard from generation to generation in the northern Rhône. If you are lucky in our state monopoly lotteries, you can sometimes get your hands on the domain's great vintages.

Jean-Louis, who has managed the family estate since 1993, has expanded the offering through his eponymous trading business, J.L. Chave Sélections. Thanks to this project, the wines are more accessible in terms of volume and price.

Find this Thursday the Crozes-Hermitage ‘Silène’. Made from 100% Syrah, this medium-bodied wine will take you on a powerful bouquet of ripe field fruits (raspberries and blackberries), supported by accents of pepper and Kalamata olives.

Since 2022 was a hot and dry year, one can expect a fairly powerful wine despite the relative "northerliness" of the appellation. The vintage was actually improved by pre-harvest rains that gave the vines some respite and hydrated the grapes.

Here we will find the concentration of the 2020 vintage, but with a bit more freshness.

A wine to put in a carafe for a good 30 minutes and to enjoy slightly chilled. You can have fun laying down a few bottles for 8 to 10 years.

• To accompany it: Make the effort with a duck breast, green pepper sauce, all served over parsnip puree,
• For the anecdote: At the beginning of the 16th century, the Chave peasant family was reportedly ennobled by Lord Farconnet and granted a residence and land, which allowed them to begin their journey,
• To better understand the birth of the appellation: Our next Rhône workshop
• To compare: Also an excellent generic product from J.L. Chave is the 2022 Côtes du Rhône Mon Cœur. $25 for the blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. In SAQ (10330433)