LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2021

WINES FOR THE WEATHER

A dainty and early-ripening grape, Pinot Noir needs the right cool-to-moderate climate. Delicate wine- making techniques (such as light crushing, cooler fermentation and nuanced use of oak barrels) create elegant cherry-hued, fruity wines. Warmer-climate and longer-aged Pinot Noirs can be complex and savoury, with earthy spice, mushroom and “forest floor” accents. Pinot Noir Lighter style One of California’s pioneering Pinot Noirs, Mirassou ( LCBO 185249, $14.95) has ripe raspberry and cherry flavours with a touch of tart cranberry. A dollop of creamy vanilla makes it smooth and easy-drinking. Along with vibrant plum and cherry flavours, New Zealand’s Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough ( LCBO 146548, $19.95) has hits of clove and pepper. PAIR WITH: Lemon Rosemary Brined Roast Chicken & Vegetables, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21 Richer style British Columbia winery Quails’ Gate stakes its reputation on its silky Pinot Noir ( VINTAGES 585760, $34.95), full of cherry, plum and strawberry notes with whiffs of wildflowers and dried sage. The spiritual home of Pinot Noir is France’s Bur- gundy region, where Latour Pinot Noir ( LCBO 69914, $24.95) is grown and made. Juicy, with black fruits and berries, this wine has lovely earthy, herbal undertones. PAIR WITH: Southern-Style Pulled Pork Pies with Buttermilk-Chive Biscuits, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21

Fragrant, with a range of floral, citrus and stone fruit flavours, Riesling is often thought of as a sweeter wine. Yet drier modern bottlings tend to strike an ideal balance between natural sugar and bright acidity, leaving your palate refreshed and, when paired with spicy foods, beautifully soothed. Riesling

Lighter style Forget what you thought you knew about overly sweet German Riesling: Deinhard Dry Riesling ( LCBO 60004, $12.95) has a lemon zest nose and mouth-watering green apple crispness, yet it’s smooth enough to pair with vibrant Asian-­ inspired food. PAIR WITH: South Indian Fish Curry, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21

Richer style Famous for its sheep-grazed Niagara grape- vines, Featherstone Winery makes its Black Sheep Riesling VQA ( VINTAGES 80234, $18.95) with tree-fruit and citrus flavours, plus the re- freshing minerality for which Ontario Riesling is renowned. With medium sweetness in balance with tart lemon-lime, floral-scented Tawse Quarry Road Organic Riesling VQA ( VINTAGES 198853, $24.95) from the Niagara Escarpment has a creamy, mouth-coating texture and a drop of honeyed ginger. PAIR WITH: Cider-Braised Sausage Pie with Scrunched Phyllo Crust, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21

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SPRING 2021 FOOD & DRINK