LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2021

INSIDE SCOOP

FAUX BETTER

Say “cheese” While the quality of plant-based cheese substitutes has grown by leaps and bounds, many of them don’t melt like the real thing. Enter VEGCHEESE, a Vaughn, Ont.- based company founded by Lori Sroujian, which makes a lovely mozzarella proxy that’s perfect for pizza and hot panini. And if you’re vegan and crave poutine, the company also makes curds that soften while holding their shape. Its “cheeses” are all nut- and gluten-free, and can be ordered directly from vegcheese.com.

Light fixtures SEASONAL SIPS

As summer’s heat gives way to the coolness of fall, it’s time to make the transition from crisp whites to light reds. Bersano Costalunga Barbera d’Asti DOCG (LCBO 348680, $14.80) from Piedmont, Italy, shows off Barbera’s electric acidity—it’s the perfect pour on pizza night. On Thanksgiving, it’s hard to go wrong with Pinot Noir. New Zealand’s Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough (LCBO 146548, $19.95) is a fine example, with raspberry flavours and a touch of spice. Tart, juicy and refreshing, Malivoire Gamay VQA (VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 591313, $19.95) is about as light as red wine gets. Gently chill it and serve with burgers.

Curry up THE TAKEAWAY

The bold spices and slow-cooked dishes of Indian cuisine make it an irresistible takeout option in fall. It’s more commonly paired with aromatic whites such as Gewürztraminer or off-dry Riesling, but if you’re a red wine drinker, try it with Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA ( VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 64618, $19.95). This complex Ontario red is especially good with anything charred in a tandoor oven, and its floral profile is terrific with vegetable dishes.

SEE SOURCE RESOURCE; PORTRAIT BY DARIUS BASHAR

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AUTUMN 2021 FOOD & DRINK