LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2018

WINE  WINTER WHITES

…CHOOSE smooth, quaffable WHITES

IF YOU’RE SERVING a hearty salad … A fried egg, a crisp chicken or pork cut- let or leftover steak or pork can make a hearty salad into a meal. Savoury salad toppings like cheese, nuts or seeds, plus vinegary dressing—not to mention tough-to-pair bitter greens and brassica flavours—create complex wine-pairing challenges. The solution is an easy- drinking white varietal or blend.

Torrontés is a dry, aromatic Argentinian white grape with hints of spice. Susana Balbo Crios Torrontés ( VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 1834, $14.95) has smooth and silky body with delicate orange-blossom aromas.    Konzelmann Pinot Blanc VQA ( LCBO 219279, $14.95) shows a ver­ satile grape to its best advantage. This easy-drinking white has a slight nuttiness to complement toasted salad garnishes.    A famous Portugese singer is the namesake behind Julia Florista White ( LCBO 532341 $9.00). A whiff of passion fruit and a crisp finish are as satisfying as a soulful fado song soundtracking your meal.

WINTER WARMING

Most aromatic whites, and richer wines, start to shine when they warm up to around 10° to 13°C. Fridge temperature is a cold 4°C, so remove white wines 20 to 30 minutes before serving, or use a wine thermometer to gauge your preferred serving temperature.

roman SALAD recipe at foodanddrink.ca

196  FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2018