LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2022

SPICY REDS

If you’re a fan of big, bold reds, don’t overlook

red-grape varieties and blends that bring spice to the table.

While red lovers often covet full-bodied wines with firm tannin structure (let’s call them “steak wines”!), spicy reds are equally as bold, and come in a range of styles, from silky and soft to full-bodied sips. They typically balance their piquant qualities with red and black fruit that goes well with herbed dishes, and beautifully with most meats. Especially with fattier cuts, like a rib-eye steak, lamb shanks or pork chops, the zesty spice of these reds can create unforgettable pairings.

LAMB WITHWARM SPICES AND DATES Lamb braised in red wine with a complex mix of warming flavours makes a vivid pairing with these boldly spiced red wines. Recipe at lcbo.com/ fdautumn22

Red Alert These blends incorporate spicy signature grape varieties from countries around the world.

› El Gorú VINTAGES 443945, $13.95 In Spain’s Jumilla region, the Monastrell grape is widely grown. This bottling inventively adds in spicy Syrah and floral Petit Verdot for a blend that’s a flavour sensation. Complex with blackberry and violet, it also has intense, earthy spice.

› Silk & Spice Red LCBO 533307, $14.05

› Frisky Zebras Seductive Shiraz LCBO 237644, $10.90

VALUE PICK

The name of this wine tells you everything. Made with Syrah plus native Portuguese grapes, it has a texture that’s lovely and soft. It’s reminiscent of Port, Portugal’s sweet-wine treasure, not just in its deep ruby colour, but also in its plum flavour and spicy, round finish.

The story goes that after the grape “Syrah” was pronounced by generations of Aussie winemakers, it ended up as “Shiraz”—a name now synonymous with a big, spicy style of red wine. This bottling from South Africa has savoury chocolate and plum flavours, lifted by floral aroma in the glass.

100 FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2022