LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2019

WINE SALAD DAYS

• Toasty seeds, croutons or chips love a biscuity, oaked white. Nuts or dried fruits zing with off-dry white wines or even a light, lively Côtes du Rhone red blend. • Proteins like pork, chicken or steak respond to light reds like Gamay or Pinot Noir, and seafood sings with bright Pinot Grigio. • With cheese, Sauvignon Blanc is the classic match for goat, and salty feta (as well as capers or olives) likes Viognier or an off-dry Riesling. TOPPING IT OFF Flavour-packed toppers help make a salad a meal.

LABET DAME ALIX CÔTES DU RHÔNE AOC LCBO 630657, $14.05 A light red with a spicy aroma and berry and herb flavours, this harmo- nious blend boosts savoury toasted-nut salad toppings. THE DREAMING TREE CHARDONNAY LCBO 364265, $16.95 Mouth-coating body harmonizes with lush peach and pear notes in a wine as mellow as a tune by musician Dave Matthews (winery co-founder).

What grows together, goes together: match GREEK SALAD with Greek Assyrtiko white; Spanish Verdejo also works! HEARTY VEG

TOMATOES Technically a fruit, sweet but acidic tomatoes thrive with dry sparkling wines: unctuous Caprese salad of tomatoes layered with ba- sil and creamy mozzarella is divine with Prosecco and downright decadent with Champagne!

ROBUST Whether your salad base is crunchy green beans or broccoli florets, shredded cabbage or sliced Brussels sprouts, a Riesling with a touch of sweetness is just the ticket for full-flavoured green vegetables, includ- ing brassicas.

SOFT AND STARCHY With salads based on grains, potatoes, chick- peas or legumes, “This is where I love those big, unctuous Chardonnays!” says Jordan Alessi. With a spicy Asian noodle salad, he recommends Gewürztraminer—but since spicy food can seem to amplify alcohol in wine, choose one with an ABV around 12% or less. Roasted vegetables can find a savoury pair with a silky red like Zinfandel or Grenache.

HAHN PINOT NOIR MONTEREY LCBO 226555, $19.60 Vibrant cherry and cedar flavours step up to salads topped with salmon, herb- roasted chicken and even beef.

FOOD & DRI NK EARLY SUMMER