LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2022

TOGETHER AT LAST

GRILLED DRY-AGED STRIPLOIN WITH MAITAKE MUSHROOMS & GREEN SAUCE P. 184

Champagne with Beef Prized for its deep and concentrated flavour, dry-aged beef is a meat that definitely has a type when it comes to its beverage companion. Go to any steakhouse worth its fleur de sel, and you’ll find a wine list overflowing with big, burly reds, while considerably less menu real estate is given to whites. You may think I’m far too deep behind enemy lines at this point and have no hope of pairing something white with this sort of steak. This is where I pull the ace out of my decanter…. Champagne, especially vintage Champagne. The old adage that Champagne goes with everything can be applied in this situation. Vintage Champagne has enough body and heft to stand up to red meat, while the acidity and carbonation counterbalance the rich, fatty nature of the beef. On top of that, mushrooms and yeast are both types of fungi, so the yeasty, savoury notes from the Champagne’s extended lees aging create a delicious synergy with the deep, natural umami flavour in the grilled maitakes. Either suggestion below will turn your meal into a celebration!

JESSE’ S PICKS

Louis Roederer Collection Brut Premier Champagne

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Vintage Champagne

VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 268771, $80.95 A complex and weighty NV Champagne with aromas of brioche, yeast, and green apple. The palate has a creamy texture and high acid, with flavours mixed citrus, candied ginger, and stone fruit.

VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 508614, $107.95 An iconoclast like Veuve Clicquot herself, this rich and racy bubbly has notes of flowers, toast, lemon, nuts and spice. A great food Champagne.

148 FOOD & DRINK SUMMER 2022