Burgundy, Loire and Niagara. Three destinations and as many wonderful discoveries that you can make this autumn weekend.
Drink less, drink better.
Health!
Domaine Passy le Clou, Chablis 2022, France
$38.50 – code SAQ 15123126 – 12.5%
With its intense aromas of candied pineapple, poached pear and chamomile, the connoisseur will immediately recognize that this Chablis bears the imprint of the 2022 vintage. A year of drought and extreme heat. The wine is more enveloping and more generous, but it retains the notorious minerality of Chablis with a salivating bitterness and a taste that is surprising for the “village”. A little unusual, but already so easy to love. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the situation improves with age in a few years.
★★★1⁄2 $$$
Villeneuve Castle, Saumur Champigny 2022, France
$26.55 – code SAQ 10918958 – 13% – organic
The wines from this historic Saumur-Champigny estate, which was converted to organic farming by the Chevalier family about ten years ago, never disappoint. The texture of the 2022 is velvety in the attack, with a gentle tannic roughness in the finish. A well-characterized Cabernet Franc from the Loire whose vegetal notes echo the fruit and call for piperade or Basque-style lamb shoulder. A very good buy for under $25.
★★★$$
Beamsville Bench, Chardonnay Estate 2023, Beamsville Bench, Canada
$34.75 – code SAQ 12583047 – 13% – organic
Montrealer Harald Thiel oversees one of the highest quality courses in Canada. The entire vineyard has been under biodynamic management for several years now, and the attention paid to the vines is inevitably reflected in the glass. The current Chardonnay, which has just arrived at the SAQ, still shows youth. The nose has a slight softening, with notes of corn that mingle with white fruits, chamomile and fresh butter. The mouth is at the same time elegant, harmonious and full of energy, possessing the desired volume and fixation. A very good wine, which, in my opinion, will become even better after 2-3 years of rest in the bottle.
★★★1⁄2 $$$
Legend
★ Correct
★★ Bon
★★★ Very good
★★★★ Excellent
★★★★★ Exceptional
More stars than dollars: it's worth it.
As many stars as dollars: it's worth it.
Fewer stars than dollars: the wine is expensive.
