LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2018

WINE  SUMMER SAMPLING

If you’re a fan of CABERNET SAUVIGNON Full-bodied, high-tannin, bold acidity… Cabernet Sau- vignon has it all, including a seat at the table for sum- mer’s grilled feasts. Some of the most famous come from Bordeaux—but there’s a reason Chile is called “the Bordeaux of South America.” You’ll find great- value varietal wines from there, like Montes Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ( LCBO 157883, $12.95). Wander slightly out of bounds by trying a blend; Novas Gran Reserva Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon ( LCBO 434662, $15.90) is an organic wine that uses another Bordeaux grape happily transplanted to Chile. The South African Thelema Mountain Red ( LCBO 222570, $14.25) artfully blends five other grapes with its domi- nant Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you like Pinot Noir, try these Fans of this special grape often admire both its complexity and freshness, something you’ll also find in Gamay . “The obvious alternative for me is Cru Beaujolais,” says Stansfield. Look for a label referencing one of the 10 cru villages in the Beaujolais region (like Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Brouilly, LCBO 213934, $18.70) that does not include the word “nouveau” (specific to the annual fall-fresh releases of Gamay-based wine from Beaujolais). Gamay has become something of an Ontario specialty: look for VQA bottlings from wineries like Malivoire ( VINTAGES 591313, $17.95) or Tawse ( VINTAGES 322545, $19.95) and serve them with a light chill in summer.

FOR THE BOLD Wander the world wine map to find new reds

If what you really like to drink in sum- mer is bourbon, perhaps red has never been your glass of choice. Whisky- barrel-aged wines might change your mind: the oak barrels give a vanilla smoothness and just a hint of spirit to trendy new wines like Vintage Ink Whisky Barrel Aged Dark Red 2014 VQA (VINTAGES 520601, $17.95).

For bold-red fans who enjoy Malbec, try Bonarda, the “second red grape of Argentina,” says Stansfield. “It’s the same idea: medium body, fresh, fruity, maybe just a little bit more interesting.” If you want to be even a little more adventurous, he suggests Portuguese red wines , which tend to be local-grape blends—and dynamite value. Try Vicente Faria Animus Douro ( LCBO 535641, $11.95).

126  FOOD & DRI NK SUMMER 2018