LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2022

INSIDE SCOOP

LOCAL TEA OFF

HI /LOW More to Pour Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge, we’ve got excellent options for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, two of the friendliest grapes at the Thanksgiving table.

While the big names dominate the supermarket tea shelf, a number of Ontario companies are quietly producing uniquely delicious teas, many starring locally grown ingredients. Here are three favourites.

Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA VINTAGES

Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 585760, $34.95 This B.C. red makes a strong case for West Coast Pinot. Expect a smoky nose, great concentration and a long finish.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir LCBO 341602 $12.55 Bargain Pinots are a rare bird. This Chilean bottle, however, soars with floral aromas and dried cranberry flavours.

Cave Spring Chardonnay VQA LCBO 228551, $16.95 Fresh and easy drinking with very little oak, this Niagara wine has “house white” written all over it.

ESSENTIALS 68817, $31.95

Complex, layered and beautifully balanced, this local Chard tastes like a white Burgundy that’s twice the price.

PLUCK TEA Jennifer Commins turned a

lifelong obsession into a thriving company that supplies tea to top restaurants across the province. Southbrook Berry is a fruity tea that uses leftover grape pomace from winemaking. pluckteas.com

Look for Autumn gift bags (LCBO 24720, $2.95) online and in select stores while supplies last.

BOREAL FOREST TEAS Lee-Ann Chevrette’s teas focus on organically grown herbs, and wild berries and plants sustainably harvested near her home in Thunder Bay. Northern Lights is a relaxing brew of chamomile, nettle, rosehips and blueberries. borealforestteas.ca

FOGGY RIVER FARM Kate and Phil Collins grow over 40 different varieties of herbs, many of which make it into their stunning loose-leaf herbal teas. Mint Punch is a soothing blend of four kinds of mint with a beguiling hint of tarragon. foggyriverfarm.com

32 FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2022