LCBO Food & Drink Travel 2026

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Sicily-Sardinia Italy’s deep south draws fans of rich and elemental flavours, concentrated by the heat and humidity of this captivating terrain. Stunning coastlines and rugged mountain interiors are contrasted by lively markets in Palermo, where you’ll find regional ingredients such as eggplant, wild fennel and sardines.

KNOWN FOR Southern grapes are resilient and formidable, their flavours concentrated by the sun and seasoned by the Mediterranean. Cannonau (a grape also known as Grenache or Garnacha) is berry-forward, with savoury dried herbs for elegance. Grillo is a white wine with form and body, bolstered with freshness thanks to the sea’s cooling influence. CLASSIC PAIRING A simple, rustic dish like this Pasta alla Norma (recipe p. 91) with a sauce of tomatoes, eggplant and basil topped with dry ricotta pairs well with the region’s characterful wines. Choose white or red, as you prefer, and the pairing will be lovely.

MUST TRYS

Doppio Passo Grillo Sicilia DOC LCBO 30947, $13.55

Perfumed with lemon, lemon grass, apricot and grapefruit skin, the wine delivers flavours of lime, pear and tangerine. It’s supple and very pleasant for sipping, with a medium finish. Serve chilled. Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 425488, $19.95 Red berry fruit on the nose is accented by faint earth and tobacco, along with vanilla and sweetgrass. The wine is supple, with an edge of tannin and flavours of red fruit, almonds and vanilla.

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———————— TRAVEL 2026