LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2018

The Perfect Host How to cover all your bases where drinks are concerned? Decide things in advance and have something ready to open, whatever happens.

MATCHING WINE TO FOOD This is a personal matter, to be sure. Some people couldn’t care less, but most understand that a harmonious match enhances both the food and the wine served with it. Many of the old rules have lost their authority but some truths still hold good. ➤ Before considering aromatics and flavours, think about the weight of the food you’re serving. ➤ Rich, heavy dishes generally fare best with full-bodied wines; lighter dishes like lighter wines. ➤ Sharp acidity in the dish calls for a wine with sound acidity of its own. ➤ Sweet foods need a wine that’s a little sweeter, or the wine will taste thin. ➤ Consider the progression of dishes and drinks during the entire evening. Where do you start and where do you want it to end. It can be tough to go from a big wine to a delicate wine. ➤ Are you going to match every course with a different wine? Or even a couple of different wines? You will need plenty of clean glasses. ➤ For sound matching suggestions take advantage of the advice your LCBO product consultants can offer.

Wines for a Large Party There’s a ton of people coming round and a ton of things left to do—no time to ponder which wines to serve. Here are three crowd-pleasers that won’t break the bank. For red, TheWolftrap Syrah Mourvedre Viognier ( LCBO 292557, $14.30), a hearty South African blend of Rhône varietals, has wide appeal. For white, Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier ( LCBO 64287, $11.05)—from Chile, it’s one of those wines that makes everyone say, “Wow this is delicious! What is it?” For rosé, Ogier Cotes du Ventoux Rosé AOC ( LCBO 134916, $14.25) is an ele­ gant, dry blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault that tastes delectably of wild strawberries.

54  FOOD & DRI NK AUTUMN 2018