LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2019

INSIDE SCOOP

Q&A Why do you think this ancient style of wine in vogue again?

Watch for the online exclusive release of orange wines at lcbo.com on October 12th.

“It offers nuances that no other wine has, so you can explore fresh, herbal and citrus plus spicy and earthy characteristics that we don’t usually associate with white wines.” What regions are known for orange wine? “Historically orange wines are associated with Georgia, but the modern revival came from Italy’s Collio region and Slovenia. Now orange wines are being made anywhere winemakers want to explore their craft in different ways.” What inspired you to make it at Southbrook? “I wanted to take our terroir a step further by making a completely natural wine. Our orange Vidal reaches deep into the structure of a grape that everyone thought they knew as an icewine grape. The winemaking method allows me to use no additives at all, while creating a complex wine that can age and pairs with a wide range of foods and lifestyles.” “From grilled and smoky foods to spicy dishes; it’s hard to find a bad match.” How has it been received by the general population? “It’s the most requested wine in our tasting room. We literally have people come through the door asking: “Is this where I can taste orange wine?” What food does it go well with?

Orange wine is a white wine that’s made like a red—i.e. the pressed grapes are left in contact with the skins to extract flavour, colour and tannins. A Canadian pioneer in this style, Ann Sperling, director of winemaking and viticulture at Southbrook Vineyards (southbrook.com) in Niagara-on-the-Lake, talks about why this trendy juice should be in your fridge. Orange is the newwhite

Ann Sperling, Southbrook Vineyards

PORTRAIT OF ANN SPERLING: STEVEN ELPHICK

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AUTUMN 2019 FOOD & DRINK