LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2021

WINES FOR THE WEATHER

The queen of white grapes is grown worldwide, making versatile wines that range from austere and minerally to as ripe as a peach. Stainless steel tanks make lean, zesty Chardonnays, while Old World techniques (including barrel fermentation and ageing) create creamy, buttery versions. Chardonnay

Lighter style

Bouchard Père & Fils Mâcon-Lugny Saint‑Pierre ( LCBO 51573, $22.60) opens with floral aromas and tastes of pear, with a trace of nuttiness. PAIR WITH: Poached Side of Salmon with Pea-Sprout

From the most iconic French region for crisp, unoaked Chardonnay, Albert Bichot Chablis AOC ( LCBO 458851, $24.95) has citrus, green apple and pear, balanced with flinty dryness. A white Burgundy kept brisk and bright through stainless steel-only ageing,

Vinaigrette, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21

Look for the Chardonnay style keywords “unoaked” (lighter) and “oaked” (richer) on the front and back labels.

Richer style Find peach and creamy vanilla, plus toasty spice, in Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay Adelaide Hills ( LCBO 270017, $14.95). Citrus zest and palate-cleansing miner­ ality balance its richness. Buttery and creamy, lush and fruity, Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay VQA ( VINTAGES 268342, $21.95) has just a wisp of smoke from oak barrel fermenta- tion and ageing. Tangy baked tree fruit and a kiss of pastry-like toastiness on the finish make Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay VQA ( VINTAGES 573147, $19.95) an Ontario gem. California’s Mendocino and Monterey counties are hot spots for velvety, stone fruit- and honey-­ tinged whites like Josh Cellars Chardonnay ( LCBO 561100, $18.95), which finishes with warm, toasty spice. PAIR WITH: Whole-Wheat Niçoise Pasta, recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring21

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SPRING 2021 FOOD & DRINK