April folies

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SAQ 14504699 | 24,20 $

El Enemigo Chardonnay Mendoza 2017

Vines planted at close to 1,600 metres of altitude in the Gualtallary region of the foothills of the Andes. Their roots enjoy soil unique in its composition and a climate that responds with enough sun to smooth out the temperature changes at this altitude.

This is the challenge faced by Alejandro Vigil, soil specialist and oenologist at Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, wine producer and daughter of the man who initiated this project: the illustrious Nicolas Catena Zapata.

As I take my cue from its pale gold colour, the wine that gleams in my glass appears perfectly mature. Then there are the exotic scents of pomelo, candied lemon and…curry. In fact, some of the wine is matured “under veil” like certain wines of the Jura, which explains its spicy side as well as subtle hazelnut notes. A light ropy aspect plays with its liveliness and gives way to a salty finish.

Pairs well with a portobello risotto with truffle oil, no less.

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SAQ 11293970 | 25,75 $

Château Mont-Redon Lirac 2018

Less well-known appellations don’t mean lower quality. Let’s look at the Lirac commune located on the right bank of the Rhône.

The Lirac appellation faces the prestigious AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape located on the opposite bank, with the same climatic conditions and a similar soil that includes the red clays and the typical round quartzite pebbles.

The Lirac from Château Mont-Redon is made even more attractive by the fact that its profile is comparable to that of a young Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The assemblage – mix – of largely grenache, of syrah and mourvèdre results in aromas of black currant, sour cherries and sweet spices. It is pleasant in the mouth, with tannins that melt in the opulence of peppery blackberry, a little smokey.

Pairs well with small canapés such as figs and Rosette de Lyon.

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SAQ 14409691 | 33,00 $

Château Sénéjac Haut-Médoc 2018

Purplish red, fairly dense: I swirl my glass… floral notes of jammy red and blue fruits, cocoa and roasting are pleasing to the nose. Nice smoothness in the mouth: I think it’s mainly merlot…but no!

Chateau Sénéjac is an haut medoc, mainly cabernet sauvignon (59%), completed with merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot.

The result is juicy, softening the tannins and allowing the flavours to lengthen on a silky, flavourful finish. Made to be drunk young with the potential of medium aging.

Excellent with a coffee-flavoured magret de canard.

 

More from this author by clicking on his photo below.

Franck Lizotte

 

Franck Lizotte74 Posts

Vulgarisateur vitivinicole/Wine world simplifier

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