LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2024

MINI TREND

Climate Friendliness: The list of certified climate-neutral drink brands at the LCBO continues to grow, with many bottles from wineries like California’s Bonterra Organic Estates and distillers like Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña Rum. Watch for earth-friendly paper bottles, including those from Ontario’s Frisky Beaver Wines.

Frisky Beaver Dam Good Red VQA LCBO 36767, $17.95 Frisky Beaver Dam Good White VQA LCBO 36768, $16.95

Lesser-known grape varieties, including those from less-familiar wine regions, are bursting into the spotlight. Many winemakers have returned to their farming roots, often with a more sustainable focus on traditional growing methods and local grapes. Unique selections from Portugal, Austria, Georgia and even Ontario are trending their way onto smart dinner party menus and wine lists: they possess the value and food-pairing potential to become your new go-tos. GEORGIA United Stars Alazanis Valley Off Dry LCBO 460519, $18.65 If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, try Georgia’s bold Saperavi grape. ONTARIO Georgian Hills Marquette 2021 VQA VINTAGES 33491, $19.95 Disease-resistant, cool-climate Marquette is a bolder “grandson” grape of Pinot Noir. AUSTRIA Lenz Moser Prestige Grüner Veltliner 2022 VINTAGES 71233, $19.95 If you like crisp, food-friendly Riesling and Chardonnay, try tangy Grüner Veltliner. INDIGENOUS GRAPES

PORTUGAL Vicente Faria Animus Douro DO LCBO 535641, $15.00

If you like Shiraz, try this blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz.

ITALY Molino A Vento Nero d’Avola DOC Siciliane LCBO 31797, $12.95 If you like Grenache or bold Pinot Noir, try Sicilian Nero d’Avola.

74 FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2024