LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2025

SWEET SPOT

Off-Dry Rosés There used to be a clear divide between Old World rosé, which was generally dry, and New World winemakers, who were more likely to show off pink’s sweet side. Ontario producers are particularly adept at finding the middle ground, making bright, slightly off-dry rosés that pop with intense flavour. The gentle sweetness from the residual sugar often translates into fuller-bodied wines with pronounced fruit as well as a lush and smooth body: perfect for food pairing or spritzy cocktails.

Serving Temp Chill down off-dry whites for a few hours and serve fridge-cold. Off-dry rosés can handle a little more warmth (7°-8° C), and off dry light-bodied reds should be served around the 12°C mark.

OFF-DRY SPRITZING

Almost any off-dry wine can be turned into a tasty spritzer. It could be as simple as adding ice, soda and citrus, or try building something a little more sophisticated with bitter and/or sour ingredients to bal ance an off-dry wine spritzer. Look for our spicy-sweet Ginger Spritzer on page 123.

Twenty years ago, few Ontario wineries even attempted rosé. Now we’re spoiled for choice, with a wide range of styles, including off-dry expressions such as Family Tree’s lively The Merry Widow Rosé VQA (LCBO 24972, $16.95) as well as Three Dog Winery Dog House Rosé VQA (LCBO 15365, $16.95), a fresh and fruity expression from Prince Edward County. Henry of Pelham Rosé VQA (LCBO 613471, $14.95) has pretty rose-petal and elderflower aro mas, and retains a small amount of natural, residual sugar that deliciously rounds out the tart cranberry and cherry notes. These easy-going wines pair well with chicken dishes, pizza, sushi or cheese.

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