LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2023

INSIDE SCOOP

HOW TO SHOP FOR ROSÉ

SEASONAL SIPS Rosé All Day

As rosé season gathers momentum, most LCBO stores offer a colourful display or dedicated shelf to pink wine. To help you navigate the dizzying selection, we’ve put together a roster of popular rosés matched to warm-weather occasions.

While rosé doesn’t necessarily fall into neat categories, here are a few general tips to help you choose your next bottle. Provençal rosés tend to be bone-dry and delicate, with notes of fresh herbs and a salty finish. If you prefer the lighter Provençal style, but want to support local makers, seek out pale Ontario rosés made from Pinot Noir. For deeply coloured, full-bodied rosés, look for wines made in the Tavel region in France’s Rhône Valley. If off-dry wines are your jam, White Zinfandel from California is a fruity style of rosé with some residual sugar.

PARTY PINK Made from a three-grape blend, Muga Rosé (VINTAGES 603795, $16.95) flies off the shelves every year. It has impressive flavour intensity for a pale rosé, and the acidity makes you smack your lips for more. Buy a case for any summer get-together. LITE LUNCH If you want a lighter option for an alfresco lunch, Kim Crawford Illuminate Rosé (LCBO 24084, $22.95) has only 7 per cent alcohol (and just 90 calo ries per 6-oz glass). It bursts with raspberry flavours, and its slight sweetness is balanced by vibrant acidity. CINQ À SEPT In the South of France, rosé is a way of life. Mimi en Provence Grande Réserve Rosé (VINTAGES 452573, $21.95) is textbook Provençal pink—light, dry, elegant and herbal. It’s the perfect pour during an outdoor cocktail hour with a charcuterie platter. TOAST MASTER From one of Prince Edward County’s original wineries, Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé VQA (LCBO 492959, $19.95) is a fun, fruity and frothy blend of Vidal and Pinot Noir. The off-dry sparkler is excellent with spicy food, or to toast everyday occasions.

20 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2023