LCBO Food and Drink Holiday 2015

SEASONAL  BEST OF 2015

Cave Spring Indian Summer Riesling VQA VINTAGES 415901, 375 mL, $24.95 Enormous trouble needs to be taken to bring this Select Late Harvest Ries- ling to the table. The grapes are allowed to partially raisin on the vine, then picked after the first deep frosts which concen- trate their sugars and acidity. The result is a perennial favourite, beautifully balanced, full of pear, citrus, candied orange peel and spice impres- sions. It’s a power- house in its own sub- tle way, duking it out with chocolate cake or playing more po- litely with any kind of apple or peach des- sert. I also love it with foie gras or with Bleu d’Elizabeth cheese as the grand finale of a dinner party.

Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Champagne VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 158550, $99.95 This best-selling benchmark of pink Champagnes is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir, chosen from the finest vine- yards. Then the juice is left on the skins for two to three days in a rare and pains- taking operation that yields a gorgeous salmon colour and lingering aromas of freshly picked red berries and cherries. Bone-dry but also rich and aromatic, it’s the most elegant aperitif I know.

Fielding White Conception VQA VINTAGES 203737, $18.95 A blend of tangy, aromatic and barrel-aged wines (the precise mix of varieties involved changes each year), here’s a ripe, citrusy Niagara white with exceptional food-match- ing capabilities. It will stand up to robust flavours and textures and has a spicy little dash of its own in the finish that works particularly well with Southeast Asian and Mexican menus. Now a VINTAGES product, it will be back in stores in early 2016.

CAPABILITIES MATCHING FOOD- EXCEPTIONAL

FIELDING BOTTLE BY ERIK ROTTER

84  FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2015