LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2019

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LA DOLCE VITA

Ring in the holidays in true Italian style with family, friends, a festive spread of mouth- watering antipasti and a dazzling selection of premium Italian wines. Whether your guests prefer tried-and-true or more adventurous flavours, the beauty of entertaining with Italian wines is that they offer something for everyone. “From north to south, Italy’s wine regions vary a great deal stylistically,” says Ann Patel, LCBO’s European Wines expert. The country produces beautiful Chiantis, Amarones, Barolos, Brunellos and more, each with their own distinctive characteristics refined over centuries of wine- making. “There’s no better way to showcase this diversity than with great Italian food,” says Patel. These premium wines, perfect for holiday gifting, are made for bringing out the flavours of salty cured meats, grilled vegetables and cheeses with bite — and for gathering loved ones around the table in celebration.

Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino* VINTAGES 650432 | 750 mL | $52.95 Full-bodied & Firm (D — 2 g/L) This luxurious Brunello is made for food. Offering flavours of blackberry, raspberry and earth — it’s also a great candidate for your cellar. Pairs with: Carpaccio, bresaola, grilled mushrooms. *A VINTAGES ESSENTIAL

Masi Costasera Amarone Classico DOC LCBO 317057 | 750 mL | $45.00 Full-bodied & Firm (D — 9 g/L) A perfect gift for the holiday host, this full-bodied, ruby- red Amarone delivers aromas of ripe plum and cherry, with notes of chocolate, spice and earth, and a long, elegant finish. Pairs with: Parmigiano-Reggiano with a drizzling of aged balsamic glaze; grilled eggplant.

Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale LCBO 45195 | 750 mL | $25.95 Medium-bodied & Fruity (XD — 9 g/L) This dry Chianti, aged for 24 months before bottling, is a Tuscan classic that dates back to 1927. Expect tart cherry and plum flavours with a hint of cedar. Pairs with: Sharp, hard cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano; cured meats such as Soppressata or Finocchiona.

Marchesi di Barolo La Tradizione Barolo* VINTAGES 168179 | 750 mL | $44.95 Full-bodied & Firm (XD — 5 g/L) For the lover of high-impact flavours, this luscious, garnet-red Barolo features holiday-friendly notes of cinnamon, offset by soft, smooth tannins. Pairs with: Chunks of Asiago; Capocollo and Genoa salami. *A VINTAGES ESSENTIAL

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