LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2021

SEASONAL

Wines for the weather

Warmer, colder, warmer, colder: the path from winter to spring isn’t straightforward, so here are our picks for lighter and more robust wines (appropriate food matches included) to suit whatever the weather throws at us.

By Charlene Rooke | photography by rob fiocca

Lighter style Emblematic of the crisp, bright style that’s iconic of New Zealand’s Marlborough region, pale greenish-gold Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc ( LCBO 308288, $19.95) has signature cut-grass and gooseberry scents, plus tastes of lush passion fruit, peach and lime. From a pocket of France’s Loire region renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, Jean-Max Roger Blanc Cuvée Genèse Sancerre ( VINTAGES 189126, $33.95) has a pleasingly flinty minerality that adds a hint of smoke to its crisp lemon and pear flavours. PAIR WITH: Sushi Cake Squares, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21

When grown in cooler climates and processed in stainless steel tanks, this aromatic white grape makes bracingly dry wines with green and citrus notes. Warmer climates overlay stone and tropical fruit. When winemakers ferment and mature the wine in oak, the style (sometimes known as Fumé Blanc) has toastiness and a round body. Sauvignon Blanc

Richer style Full of tropical fruit and melon notes, Rodney Strong Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc ( VINTAGES 449207, $19.95), from California’s Sonoma region, is partly fermented in French oak barrels for a rich mouth feel. A Sauvignon Blanc-dominant blend that’s typical of the Bordeaux region in France, Mouton Cadet Bordeaux White AOC ( LCBO 2527, $16.50) adds Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes for a mellower flavour and rounder body. PAIR WITH: Herbes de Provence Veal with Creamy Brie, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21

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FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2021