LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2020

Diana Sangster, Vineyard Manager at Stratus Vineyards

Diana Sangster discovered the world of wine through retail wine shops in her hometown of Winnipeg: “in one shop I was exposed to a world of possibilities,” she says. Sangster initially pursued a career as a sommelier—“that’s when I learned about small producers in Niagara who were trying to break the stereotypes.” She moved to wine country and after two years working in the cellar, found her true calling in the field. “I’ve always had an interest in plant biology,” she explains, “so it was a match made in heaven.” Today, Sangster manages the vineyards at one of Niagara’s most prestigious boutique wineries. Her favourite varietal? Sangster fell in love with Gamay

after spending a harvest on the sorting table. “There were these whole clusters of grapes that were luscious and beautifully fruity,” she says. What is so exciting about Niagara today? “The most exciting thing today is that every local winery has a different approach to making wine. We’re all different. At Stratus we try to extract as much flavour as possible, even if that means leaving the fruit on the vines as long as possible to allow the fruit to concentrate.”

“What inspires me about Niagara is this convivial attitude among the new generation of winemakers; we all want to share ideas and perspectives.”

Stratus White VQA At Stratus, only the best-performing varietals are used to make complex and wonderfully layered assemblage wines, to express vintage and terroir. The 2016 Stratus White ( VINTAGES 660704, $39.20, limited distribution/supply) blends five signature Stratus varietals from a record dry year, resulting in a boldly big wine with ripe stone fruit and a creamy finish. Enjoy it with grilled shellfish or soft cheese. Stratus Cabernet Franc VQA The richly aromatic Cabernet Franc ( LCBO 412759, $39.20, limited distribution/supply) is one of Sangster’s favourite single-varietals, exemplifying the best of what the region can do. Full of bright fruit notes and earthy undertones. Sangster believes late harvesting provides the bold and complex flavours found in this Cab Franc. She says it goes exceptionally well with grilled lamb.

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FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2020