It’s a family tradition: watch the first Formula 1 Grand Prix with a good bottle of wine. F1 was also the subject of my very first wine column in the Journal de Montréal and the Journal de Québec almost… 10 years ago. Time flies faster than a racing car! Here are five wines that will make you spend a good weekend.
drink less Drink better.
Domaine Patrick Baudouin, Effusion 2020, Anjou, France $36.00 – Code SAQ 11909498 – 11.5% – Organic
We’ll start with competitive ch’nin. Patrick Beaudouin, passionate defender of this great grape variety and the places that give it life, offers us a great version here. Well perfumed with notes of pear, flint, honey and wax. On the palate, the wine surprises with its fullness and density, but remains airy and completely dry. A tour de force not to be missed.
★★★★$$$
Yannick Amirault, Cote 50 2021, Bourgueil, France $25.20 – code SAQ 10522401 – 12.5% – organic
You buy the wines of this estate with your eyes closed. Benoît, son of Yannick, continues to refine his style with wines that focus on the purity of the fruit and the finesse of the tannins. This cuvée, which bears the standard of the estate, proves that. Despite a difficult vintage, the wine appears mature and finishes on a smoky/vegetal frame that brings a certain elegance.
★★★ $$1⁄2
Domaine Dalamara, Naoussa 2020, Greece $30.25 – Code SAQ 14980775 – 14% – Organic
The magic of Xinomavro revealed to you by Kostis Dalamara, fifth generation winemaker from this magnificent region of Greece. We’re talking five small hectares of old vines (some over 90 years old) on the loose! All organic and without chemical additives. If you like the fabulous wines of Apostolos Thymiopoulos (the Cuvée Terre et Ciel 2020 has also just arrived at SAQ and is a bomb at $32.50 – SAQ code 11814368 – 14% ★★★★$$$), you will love !
★★★1⁄2 $$$
Tenuta Sette Ponti, Crognolo 2019, Tuscany, Italy $29.50 – Code SAQ 11915038 – 14.5%
The winery’s wines are characterized by a very modern style, with profiles aimed at opulence and richness. The 2019 is no exception with an intense nose of black fruit, plum, mocha and cedar. On the palate we feel the caressing, almost velvety substance and well-integrated gentle tannins. Generous and warm finish. If you like sumptuous wines like Umberto Cesari’s Liano, you won’t be disappointed!
★★1⁄2 $$1⁄2
Domaine Sérol, Éclat de Granite 2021, Roannaise Coast, France $24.40 – code SAQ 14185000 – $12.5 – Organic
We finish with an electrifying Gamay! The energy of the wine, in the nose and on the palate, strikes like lightning. Notes of strawberry, raspberry, peony and a herbal touch of the most beautiful effect. Silky texture, delicate tannins, lively acidity. Not the longest, but loads of fun with every sip. Slightly reduced opening; It is best to decant or open it about 30 minutes before serving, making sure to remove the equivalent of a good glass to allow the bottle to breathe. Serve fresh. Be sure to save a bottle to open this summer.
★★★ $$1⁄2
Legend
★ Right
★★ Good
★★★ Very good
★★★★ Excellent
★★★★★ Excellent
More stars than dollars: worth the price.
As many stars as dollars: worth the price.
Less stars than dollars: the wine is expensive.