LCBO Food and Drink Spring 2016

WINE  PASSAGE TO SPRING

N I M B L E REDS

BOUCHARD AÎNÉ & FILS BEAUJOLAIS SUPERIEUR LCBO 9431, $12.45

Beaujolais, just to the south of Burgundy, produces a great deal of red wine from the Gamay grape, most of it intended for easy drinking. Innocent of oak, this fruity light-bodied ver- sion is a classic example, tasting of red cherries with a hint of pear. The lack of tannins makes it one of the most successful red wines to serve with fish, especially fish in a red wine sauce.

ERBEN PINOT NOIR LCBO 394981, $15.45 Germany’s vine- laden Rheinhessen region produces this elegant Pinot Noir—translucent, medium-bodied and nicely balanced. First impressions are of fruit—red cherries and damson compote—but oak aging and the grape’s naturally complex personality add so much more in terms of smoky spice. Yes, Germany can make fine red wine—here’s proof!

CREEKSIDE QUEENSTON ROAD PINOT NOIR VQA VINTAGES 415877, $18.95 This could be the perfect wine to take you from big winter reds into a new season. It’s a medium-bodied, very smooth Pinot with an earthy bass-note and some velvety tannins deeply integrated into the seamless struc- ture. Up-front, red cherries carry the melody with the sort of fresh acidity that makes Pinot Noir such a food-friendly wine, great with grilled salmon, saltimbocca and chicken. For a cheese match, try an aged Gruyère.

GRANGE OF PRINCE EDWARD GAMAY NOIR VQA LCBO 615062, $16.95 Here’s a Gamay that offers lively acidity and a subtle trace of minerality in the back- ground—telltale signs of a wine from Prince Edward County. But first impressions are all about fruit with gorgeous ripe raspberry and black cherry aromatics. Lightweight and smooth with barely a hint of tannins, this is a lovely partner for charcuterie or simple pizza and pasta dishes.

TSANTALI MAKEDONIKOS DRY RED LCBO 420539, $10.25 Innumerable light-bodied reds come from the mountain- ous parts of Europe, so why pick this one from Greek Macedonia? Because it proves you don’t have to give up intensity when you lose weight. The venerable family firm of Tsantali make it from Xinomavro and Merlot—and price it as a party wine. Tangy acidity lifts the red berry and plum aromas and makes it a great match for pizza or pasta with tomato sauce.

92  FOOD & DRI NK SPRING 2016