LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2020

More sustainability stars Turn to page 39 to see how Ontario winemakers are championing sustainability and read on for a few more exam- ples from around the world.

CALIFORNIA Certified Green under the Lodi Rules (California’s original sustainability program), McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ( VINTAGES 212126, $19.95) is rich with

vanilla and ripe, dark berry fruit.

SOUTH AFRICA

This organically certified Stellen- bosch farm holds

Conservation Cham- pion status from the WWF South Africa and is fair trade accredited. Spier Signature Cabernet Sauvignon ( LCBO 10415, $12.95) has chocolatey, earthy notes. ITALY Sustainable under Italy’s Equalitas pro- gram, Lirica Primitivo di Manduria DOC ( LCBO 326710, $17.95) from Puglia is a close cousin to Zinfandel, with dark fruit and exotic ginger and licorice notes. Look for it in the April 18 Vintages release.

The roots of biodynamic Founded by Rudolf Steiner in Germany in the 19th century, the biodynamic method of farming goes a step beyond organic, not only forbidding chemical fertilizers and sprays but embracing sustainable growing that follows moon cycles and prioritizes soil health. France and Italy are among the Old World devotees; newer wine regions in New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and Canada are among others also embracing biodynamics.

Italy In Tuscany, Loacker Wine Estates calls itself the “bioneer” of organic and biodynamic growing. The black cherry and berry nose of its intense Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino ( VINTAGES 237263, $57.95) turns to subtle smoke, coffee and cacao on the palate. Look for it in the Vintages release of April 18.

Ontario Tawse turns to natural solutions: chickens to control bugs, grazing sheep to prune the vines... and sometimes horses to pull its plows! Taste Niagara Escarpment terroir in Quarry Road Organic Riesling VQA ( VINTAGES 198853, $24.95), Growers Blend Pinot Noir VQA ( VINTAGES 130989, $25.95) and Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Sparkling Riesling VQA ( VINTAGES 370361, $20.95).

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SPRING 2020 FOOD & DRINK