Feeling Wine & Food - El ABC del Vino in English

(By Marina La Forgia) Akel, which means red in the Mapuche language, is the name of the new wine from the Chilean winery Montgras that has arrived to the SAQ gondolas. A blend of Syrah, Garnacha and Carignan that surprises and pleases thanks to its pronounced notes of red and black berry fruits, leather and cinnamon. The palate is very unctuous and pleasant. Although it has spent 12 months in the barrels, the oak contribution is gentle, subtle and elegant, respecting the great potential and splendor of these three red varieties that grow and mature so well in the Colchagua Valley. A little advice to enjoy it at its best? Leave it uncorked or poured for about 15 minutes before tasting it ... that way all its pleasant and full bouquet of aromas will blossom! Montgras is one of the wineries in the region that practices sustainable agriculture and its wines have in my humble opinion an excellent price-quality ratio. The new red Akel is another label that could confirm it.

Rhone to the Bones  Ravoire & Fils  AOP Cotes du Rhône - France 65% Grenache - 35% Syrah SAQ Price: $ 15.85 (By Marina La Forgia) In my personal opinion, the Rhone Valley is one of those wine regions from France that offers modern and revolutionary wines without losing the essence of its terroir. This is one of them. The Rhone to the Bones by Ravoire & Fils producer is a classical blend of Syrah and Grenache with a rebellious image and a remarkable intensity. On the nose, it has the typical aromas of red fruits, but it also offers nice smoky notes. The palate is round and unctuous. The fruit is complemented by spicy notes that make it tasty and pleasant. Syrah and Grenache grapes are both here generous and delicious. For lovers of intense wines, the price-quality ratio of this one is excellent. And for the best expression, I advise to oxygenate it for about 15 minutes before drinking. Available in the SAQ gondolas for just over 15 dollars, it is the id...

It is always a pleasure to see that the offer of Argentine wines continues to grow in these lands. And even more so when they are wines that go beyond the already standard and emblematic pure Malbec. It is not at all my wish that this variety cease to be a registered quality mark for my beloved country. I only consider opportune to invite consumers to discover and to be seduced by different Argentine wines, some good blends or made from other grape varieties. In a wide proposal you will find hidden and infinite treasures. Since a few weeks, they are available on the SAQ shelves and I was curiously seduced by tasting these two wines from Finca Agostino, a winery whose history interconnects Argentina and Canada. Its owners are four brothers from Italian origin who lived their childhood in Mendoza and then emigrated in the 60s to Montreal. They promised to return and honor their grandfather and their lands, and thus was born this winery located in the beautiful andean lands of Maipú. ...

Cusumano Syrah 2015 Terre Siciliane IGT Italy SAQ Price: $ 14,45 Coming from the Mediterranean lands of Sicily, I would like to introduce you to  this pleasant Syrah of great personality. With many of the characteristics that remind me of the new world wine style, this Italian wine offers an overflowing bouquet of ripe fruits such as cherry and plum, with notes of cinnamon and pepper. On the palate, it has a moderately light body, but is very intense in flavor. It is a purely fruity wine, without any wood at all, which makes it a young wine with much to offer. Ideal to match with all kinds of pasta or roasted beef with well-seasoned sauces. Something else has caught my attention in this bottle: a special mention to its top or cover, which is neither cork nor synthetic cap. It has a delicate and novel glass stopper that perfectly preserves the freshness and joviality of this fruity Italian wine, elegant and easy to drink. For its price-quality ratio, it is an interesting Ital...

The violet-scented Syrah of controversial origins has enormous ageing potential. Today this variety is grown all around the world, producing fabulous red wines as well as some of the most exquisite rosé wines. The mystery surrounding the origins of the Syrah grape was unlocked only at the turn of the millennium. It was long believed to have been from the Middle East. In 1998, DNA testing showed that the Syrah variety was a cross between different varieties grown in France. Who would have thought that the Syrah would one day become one of the six most grown varieties in the world? In just over 30 years, Syrah acreage has experienced a fifteenfold expansion, now representing 4% of vineyards throughout the world. The Syrah is grown in France, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, California, Chile and Italy, among other countries. The Syrah has an unmistakable violet aroma, with undertones of fully ripe berries such as blueberries, cherries or cassis berries. With its exce...

By Marina La Forgia Chile has been one of the celebrated countries along with Argentina in this last edition of La Grande Degustation de Montreal. It has been a pleasure to me to walk through the Chilean pavilion, to have the opportunity to taste a lot of wines and to deepen my knowledge on them. The Chilean wines are wines with personality and they continue positioning themselves strongly among the preferences of the Quebec consumers. From chardonnay to sauvignon blanc, from syrah to cabernet sauvignon, the diversity the offer is one of the Chilean hallmarks, that makes possible to satisfy with different options this demanding market. Here are my favorites, all very particular wines that I invite you to discover. In my opinion, there are two varieties to follow closely if Chile is concerned: sauvignon blanc and syrah. It is in this South American country that these two varieties seem to have found one of their ideal terroirs... Cheers! Viejas tinajas Muscat 2015 from De M...

I had the honor to be part of the jury on this important international wine competition which in 2016 has celebrated the Syrah variety. Chile was the biggest winner with 4 wines on the top ten. Switzerland is an interesting surprise, as well as Spain and Italy!  Every year La Grande Dégustation de Montréal invites producers from all over the world to take part in its prestigious Palmarès. This internationally renowned competition brings together 150 wines for a blind tasting performed by a jury made up of specialists from the wine industry. This year, the Palmarès celebrates Syrah wine. The complex fruity, spicy and floral aroma of this global variety lends itself to countless pairings which vary according to its place of origin. Featuring a characteristic violet nose, the Syrah develops over the years a rich, complex bouquet featuring a pastiche of musk, truffle, leather and coffee, sometimes enhanced with spicy notes. On...