LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2023

RIOJA: ON THE ROAD Organized wine tours o er a chance to discover Spain like a local, from the best wines to outdoor activities and historic venues. Here’s what to consider in choosing a tour that’s right for you. One of the best ways to experience Rioja is to put yourself in the hands of a professional. Who better to curate an itinerary that will please wine lovers of every grape, vintage, and blend? Some tour companies take care of everything, from luxury accommodations to tastings of sold-out premium wines and Michelin-starred lunches. If smaller groups are your preference, hire a private guide for your friends and family and move through the region like a pro for the day. Feel the need to get active in between all those wine tastings? Cycling tours are a great way to see Rioja and truly appreciate the vast, rolling hills and ancient buildings. And yes, e-bikes are readily available for all those steep hills! Whatever your travel style, rest assured there's a tour package to suit every personality. Read the reviews, ask fellow oenophiles for referrals, and make a list of your wants and expectations to narrow down your choices.

La Maldita Garnacha Red With aromas of strawberries, tart cherries, and spring flowers, this medium-bodied red gets its vibrant acidity from Grenache grapes.

Montecillo Crianza Ruby in colour and smooth in finish, this red has a vanilla-berry flavour and a slightly smoky aroma. a a.

PAIR WITH Braised short ribs

PAIR WITH Classic Margherita pizza

LAN Crianza Made from 100% Tempranillo, this Rioja o ers superb value and delivers unique flavours of sandalwood and strawberry preserve.

RIOJA TO GO Eight exceptional bottles that bring the storied Spanish region to your table.

Marques De Riscal Reserva As elegant as it is intense, this Rioja boasts cedar, vanilla, and strawberry flavours.

PAIR WITH Spicy beef tacos beef tacos

PAIR WITH Smoked meat sandwiches

Beronia Reserva This Rioja gets its dark and spicy personality from ark and spicy personality from a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo lo, Graciano, and Mazuelo aged in a combo of French and American oak. French and American oak.

Muga Reserva Bursting with black plum and dark fruit flavour, this Tempranillo-based blend also features unusual notes of rye bread and juniper.

PAIR WITH Char-grilled steaks

PAIR WITH Roast chicken and potatoes

Campo Viejo Reserva With soft tannins and a long finish, this red has d a long finish, this red has an inviting garnet appearance and fruity aromas ppearance and fruity aromas of cherry, plum, and blackberry. blackberry.

Faustino I Gran Reserva One of the region’s most recognizable bottles, this Rioja is popular for its flavour profile of sandalwood, strawberry preserve, vanilla, and black olive.

PAIR WITH Herbaceous lamb chops

PAIR WITH Mushroom risotto