LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2020

A BETTER BAR CART

Sophisticated bruts If you like your bubbles dry, the world is sparkling with choices, some lingeringly complex, others refreshingly simple. There’s no better way to whet the appetite or flatter foods from oysters to omelettes and popcorn to caviar.

Before dinner

After centuries, vermouth is finally being properly appreciated in Canada (see p. 24). Fortified wine aged with botanicals, it’s a superb aperitif chilled or on the rocks.

Made with prime estate- grown Riesling, this juicy, fruity Niagara white vermouth offers peppery pear aromatics with a gentle herbal finish. Certified organic and biodynamic. Tawse Dry Vermouth VINTAGES 17200, $23.15, September 19 release

Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 213983, $29.95 If you want proof of how great Ontario sparkling wines can be, try this traditional-method Chardonnay bubbly from Niag- ara’s benchlands. Long ageing adds an almond-biscuit note to apple and citrus flavours around a spine of crisp minerality.

Château de Montgueret Crémant de Loire Brut LCBO 217760, $19.95 Every sip of this classic Chenin Blanc-based sparkler from the Loire brings thoughts of pears in its creamy mousse, followed by a fresh lime and apple tang. Lightweight, but too interesting to be merely frivolous, it’s a great way to greet your guests.

Pol Roger Brut Champagne LCBO 217158, $70.65 If you agree with Sir Winston Churchill that only real Champagne will do, pop his favourite cork. Pol Roger’s suave balance of elegance and complexity with pear, peach and yeasty notes leads to a splendid finish.

When you fancy a Spritz, try using grappa supremo Nonino’s fruity, floral aperitif. Bitterweet, with the taste of white grapefruit zest, it’s also great on ice. L’Aperitivo Nonino LCBO 14389, 700 mL, $44.05

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AUTUMN 2020 FOOD & DRINK