LCBO Food and Drink Spring 2016

WHAT’S NEW COPY BY JULIA AITKEN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCE NOGUCHI

A WORLD OF NEW PRODUCTS AT THE LCBO AND VINTAGES.

PORTUGUESE MASTERPIECE

Porta 6 VR Lisboa LCBO 427377, $12.40

The eye-catching label is by Lisbon-based German artist Hauke Vagt, but it’s what’s inside the bottle that’s made this Portuguese blend—also from the Lisbon area— a huge success in Europe. A trio of native grapes—Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Castelão—create jammy fruit flavours and a touch of spice: a natural with juicy roast lamb.

RIPE AND READY

Muga Reserva VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 177345, $23.95

You’ll love the flavours and aromas of cherry, wood smoke, cedar and vanilla in this lovely, fruity Tem- pranillo-based blend (there’s Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes, too). Aged for two years in oak, it’s in perfect shape to enjoy now—ideal timing for an Easter weekend feast of roast chicken or duck confit.

CLEARLY UNIqUE Bacardí Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron LCBO 437483, $29.95 For this special blend, Bacardí blends rums up to three years old then filters the spirit through coconut-shell charcoal. The result is a rum that’s crystal clear yet full of flavour. Look for blue cheese (really!), black pepper, spice and vanilla. Smooth enough to enjoy straight, it also adds class to any cocktail.

FOOD & DRI NK SPRING