LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2024

A parent to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc lives in the shadow of its famous offspring, de spite being the most widely planted red grape in Ontario. It’s most com monly used to add fragrance and acidity to Bordeaux-style blends.

On its own, Cab Franc produces medium- to full-bodied wines with flavours of plums, strawberries and a polarizing note of roasted pep pers. It’s excellent paired with beef, lamb, strong cheeses and, of course, bell peppers. Cab Franc–based

rosés have an appealing herbaceous character and are the perfect pour with goat cheese salad or a croque monsieur. Our Steak & Blue Cheese Quesadillas with Roasted Pepper Salsa is tailor-made for local Cabernet Francs, even rosés!

Cabernet Franc

Steak & Blue Cheese Quesadillas with Roasted Pepper Salsa p. 137

Pelee Island Cabernet Franc VQA LCBO 433714, $14.95 Since it’s located on the southernmost point of mainland Canada, Pelee Island’s slightly warmer climate tends to produce fruitier wines, like this juicy, affordable number with flavours of plums and cherries, and a beguiling whiff of tomato vine. Malivoire Ladybug Rosé VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 559088, $17.95 With help from Gamay and Pinot Noir, Cab Franc dominates the blend of this Niagara rosé, which is available year-round through Vintages Essentials. Expect a medium-bodied rosé with sour cherry fla vours and those patented herbal notes.

99

AUTUMN 2024 ————————