LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2017

WINE  JUST IN CASE

$ 14.95

$ 19.95

$ 52.95

$ 31.95

Brooding? Really? Maybe “contemplative” is closer to the mark with Frescobaldi’s renowned CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino ( VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 650432, $52.95). The 2012 is starting to come into its own, to the point where fresh cherry and plum are turning into raisin and dried cherry, with a delectable sherry-like note from the long barrel-ageing. Notes of anise and dried herbs also contribute to a rich, intense, tangy flavour that lasts for minutes on the palate. Vinetti de Fiorini Chianti Superiore DOCG ( LCBO 488577, $14.95) is simple by comparison (most wines would be) but still a lovely vino with mellow tannins lurking beneath the cloak of black fruit and cherries. Fresh and forthright with zingy acidity, it’s great with pizza. sangiovese From bright, food-friendly Chianti to the brooding might of Brunello, the Sangiovese grape maintains its earthy, cherry-like personality.

pinot noir Aromatic, subtle, complex, elegant, Pinot is such a star, marvellous with grilled salmon, roast duck, game birds, charcuterie…

Gently made from Hidden Bench’s own organically certified, low-yield vineyards, Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir VQA ( VIN- TAGES ESSENTIALS 274753, $31.95) is unfiltered but full of light and clarity. Decant it to let the black cherry and damson fruit emerge and to reveal the spicy nuances of expres- sion that are tightly wound around the lucidly tangy core. This is a wine that repays your full attention.    Whoever said Burgundy was challenging? Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC ( LCBO 166959, $19.95) makes it all seem so easy—a classic nose of raspberry and cherry with a slightly woodsy undernote, friendly acid- ity and ripe, juicy fruitiness. The grapes grow on old vines which helps explain the multiple levels of flavour that tease the palate.

70  FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2017