LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2021

Size matters Sparkling wine comes in many sizes and shapes, but most producers agree the ideal bottle size for ageing and cele- brations is the magnum (two standard bottles).

A magnum of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne ( LCBO 572586, 1.5 L, $160.00), with its distinct yellow- orange label, makes a real statement. It’s fresh and vibrant, with briôche and vanilla bean aromas, and yellow fruit (nectarine, lemon and pomelo) on the palate.

Low in alcohol but high in sweet candied peach and apricot flavours, Martini & Rossi Asti ( LCBO 153379, 1.5 L, $25.95) is a fresh Northern Italian charmer made exclusively from hand- picked Moscato Bianco grapes.

Find the recipes at lcbo.com/ fdholiday21

Classic sparkling cocktails Owing in part to its vivacious nature, sparkling wine works beautifully in a supporting role or as the star of cocktails. These modern classics showcase bubbly’s exceptional range and elegance as a mixing partner.

A fine-moussed Span- ish sparkling, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava ( LCBO 180588, 1.5 L, $27.10) expresses plenty of green apple, roasted almond and yeasty aromas on a full, rich palate with an intriguing galangal, gingery finish.

Sparkling Vodka Cocktail with Lemon Sorbet A cocktail as fun and festive as this one deserves a sparkling wine with as much joie de vivre, like Zonin Prosecco Brut 1821 DOC ( LCBO 277186, $16.30).

sparkling wine cocktail

classic french 75 With only two ingredients in addition to the sparkling wine, the classic French 75 is all about showcasing the bubbles. Try California’s Domaine Chandon Brut ( LCBO 218032, $31.75).

The original bubbly cocktail dates back to the mid-1800s, and Champagne Victoire’s Brut Rosé ( LCBO 16396, $45.80) puts a fresh, pink spin on this all-time classic.

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FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2021