LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2022

SPICY WHITES AND ROSÉS

While there are many times when a crisp, light rosé fits

Most of these spicy and often aromatic wines still preserve some zesty brightness, but their warming spice notes (think baking spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and clove) and sometimes off-dry body and texture mean they linger on the palate. A long finish softens the spicy mustard and pepper notes of our rich, buttery mac ‘n’ cheese, for instance. These wines can match spicy, creamy dishes like noodles or curries. Including a starchy element (rice, bread, pastry, a crumb coating or crumble) when cooking a spicy dish can help ensure a balanced, palate-calming wine-and-food pairing.

the bill, or when you crave a buttery, vanilla-scented

white, there are occasions when spicier wines like these make ideal food pairings.

White Knights These spicy, Old World–style wines can match everything from rich dishes to fiery Asian cuisine.

› Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer VINTAGES 373373, $18.95 A bouquet of rose and honeysuckle, and a basket of pear, lychee and melon get a dash of nutmeg in this beautifully intense wine. It can match spicy curries or noodles with smooth, palate-coating balance.

› Willm Gewürztraminer Réserve VINTAGES 269852, $18.95 France’s Alsace region has mastered this aromatic and spicy style of white. With nutmeg and cinnamon notes and a burst of sunny citrus, it has the touch of body and sweetness required to balance sharp-flavoured dishes.

› Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc VINTAGES 231282, $18.95

VALUE PICK

A new addition to the Vintages Essentials portfolio of fine wines available year-round, this South African gem uses fruit from decades-old vines. Spicy baked apple flavours are offset by melon and honeyed character that pairs well with buttery dishes.

98 FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2022