LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2020

Bare facts: organic Organic wine—no matter where in the world it was certified (the U.S. and the EU have separate certification systems, for example)—comes from grapes grown without synthetic fertilizers or conventional pesticides. It is generally made in a winery that is also certified organic, and uses very minimal additives. Organic wine often comes from warm, dry regions that experience less pressure from vineyard diseases and pests: here are a few that are manic for organic.

California Farming organically for more than 30 years, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, in the Mendocino region, makes a creamy, full-bodied Chardonnay ( VINTAGES 342436, $19.95) and a Cabernet Sauvignon ( LCBO 342428, $21.95) bursting with herbs and dark berries. King of spring salads Vibrant organic white wines complement this spring-vegetable asparagus salad, but the mushrooms and prosciutto (eliminate the latter for a vegetarian dish) make it meaty enough to enjoy with organic reds. ASPARAGUS AND KING MUSHROOM SALAD WITH CRISP PROSCIUTTO recipe at lcbo.com/fdspring20

Chile Cono Sur, in Chile’s Mediterranean- climate Colchagua Valley, produces a crisp, melon and apple-zinged Chardonnay ( LCBO 230565, $13.95). Lush, tropical- fruited Novas Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ( LCBO 553800, $15.95) comes from Emiliana in Chile’s San Antonio Valley.

Argentina From the arid Cuyo region, Zaphy wines from Trapiche include a spicy, cherry-licked Cabernet Sauvignon ( LCBO 11934, $11.95) and a fresh, citrus and mango-tinged Chardonnay ( LCBO 11935, $11.95). Domaine Jean Bousquet in Mendoza makes a deeply pigmented plummy Malbec ( LCBO 160952, $14.95) and a Cabernet Sauvignon ( LCBO 218875, $14.95) with pepper and spice notes.

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SPRING 2020 FOOD & DRINK