LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2024

LIGHT AND BRIGHT

Before Dinner The word “aperitif” comes from the Latin verb aperire , “to open,” and the job of aperitif wines is to open our palates and stimulate the appetite before dinner. It’s no surprise that we turn to something mouth-wateringly crisp and dry with good acid ity—to sip on its own or as a refreshing contrast to rich nibbles, canapés and cheeses. And if charcuterie is involved, let a rosé step up to the plate— home run guaranteed.

Quinta da Aveleda

Vinho Verde LCBO 89995, $14.95

Made from Loureiro and Alvarinho grown in northern Portugal’s windy, moist Atlantic valleys, this bone dry Vinho Verde is full of surprises. Lemon, Granny Smith apple and stone fruit aromas hover over the infrastructure of taut, racy acidity. Very good length.

Chapoutier Belleruche

Côtes du Rhône White LCBO 245340, $17.95

A delectable middleweight blend of white Rhône varieties Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc offers tantalizing nuances of tan gerine, peach and orange blossom with a hint of fennel. Beautifully balanced, it will carry you through into dinner. VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 373985, $19.95 A pale, elegant rosé from France’s Pays d’Oc, made from Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, this one has more to say than some of its local rivals. Illusions of red berries and pear dance around floral, almost herby notes that linger in a satisfy ingly extended finish. Gerard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Estate Blanc de Blancs VQA VINTAGES 315200, $49.95 For many, this is the nonpareil of Ontario traditional-method bubbly—­ impeccably elegant, with the sophistication given by long ageing on its lees. As complex as most Champagnes, it shows biscuity brioche, lemon curd and ripe apple notes with a zingy acidity.

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———————— HOLIDAY 2024