LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2022

PAIRING PRESENTS

SPIRITED GIFTS When wine isn’t a gifting fit, consider these top-shelf bottles of Scotch, Tequila and Cognac.

“PAIR CHAMPAGNE WITH CHAMPAGNE TRUFFLE CHOCOLATES, OR WITH STURGEON CAVIAR: A BELUGA OR OSETRA, PAIRED WITH A BONE OR MOTHER–OF–PEARL SERVING SPOON, BRINGS IT OVER THE TOP!”—IDA PUSATERI

From the stag’s head on the bottle to its chocolate and sultana notes on the palate, Dalmore Port Wood (LCBO 578401, $129.95) is pure after-dinner sipping luxury.

For a clear tequila with the smoothness of oak maturation, Gran Patron Platinum Silver (LCBO 16063, $351.95) is triple distilled, oak-rested then filtered to remove any colour.

Champagne Dreams

› Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Brut Rosé Champagne VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 158550, $109.95 A distinctively shaped bottle and raspberry tinted aromatics make this the world’s best-selling rosé Champagne. Delicate toasty, earthy notes are food-friendly with most meats.

› Champagne Victoire Brut Rosé LCBO 16396, $49.35 A dark pink hue and medium body make this flavourful, strawberry scented rosé bubbly not just a festive toast, but a potential dessert pairing, too.

› Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage Champagne VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 280461, $285.95 This dry but rich bubbly is synonymous with the legendary monk who mastered French sparkling-wine techniques. All Dom is vintage-dated, made from one year’s singular grape harvest.

› Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne LCBO 453084, $70.50 This gold-and-red- topped bottle looks and tastes special, with zesty grapefruit aromas and a mineral finish—but it isn’t too precious for a spontaneous toast with truffle fries!

At a great-value price for 10-year

old French brandy, Gautier XO Cognac (LCBO 548321, $289.95), a global award-winner, has a long vanilla and nut finish.

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