LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2022

LESS IS MORE

Somms Know Best

Trendsetting sommeliers have been pouring lower-alcohol wine lately, shifting away from “big” wines with high-alcohol content—which some call “alcohol bombs”—and gravitating toward more “natural” wines, which tend to be lower in alcohol.

TASTING NOTES

1. Pixie Petite Rosé Spritzer (5.5% ABV) LCBO 19301, 355 mL, $3.95 A refresher if ever we’ve tasted one, this blend of Pinot Noir, Vidal and sparkling water has peach and orange notes and is the perfect solution to take along to a BBQ. 2. Gaze Blueberry Pomegranate Wine Beverage (4.5% ABV) LCBO 14685, 375 mL, $5.90 This gently carbonated, tart and fruit-forward spritzer made with Moscato wine from California is the very 3. McGuigan Zero Rosé (under 0.5% ABV) LCBO 24555, $11.95 All-day rosé is finally a reality, thanks to this bright, new Australian non-alcoholic pink wine rich in citrus, strawberry and a touch of cantaloupe. 4. Riunite Lambrusco Frizzante (8% ABV) LCBO 13492, $9.95 This low-alcohol wine is having a moment, thanks to bartenders who love turning it into a wine highball by pouring it over ice and adding a splash of soda and lemon. definition of a crowd-pleaser.

What is Piquette?

“Piquette” is made from the leftover grape pulp, skins, seeds and stems

Get to know this drink with salty, citrus-forward Benjamin Bridge Piquette (7.2% ABV; LCBO 24928, 250 mL, $5.95) or its fruity and floral sparkling rosé cousin, Benjamin Bridge Pink (6% ABV; LCBO 24978, 250 mL, $5.95). Both belong on a short-list for the official drink of summer.

(known as grape pomace) that are usually discarded by winemakers after they get the juice they need to make wine. Compared to grape juice, these leftovers are low in sugar, which is needed to make alcohol in the fermentation process. Lower sugar means less alcohol in the finished product.

66 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2022