LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2020

Early summer afternoons seem all the more precious when they finally arrive. There’s real heat in the sun and we’ve already made the transition into ways of cooking and eating that suit the new season. When guests arrive, welcome them with a glass of something crisp and refreshing—an aperitif that gets the taste buds tingling. Light and subtle is not the same as bland. Especially if you’re outdoors (where a wine’s aromas have to work a bit harder), open a white with personality. A glass of wine to toast the sunshine

Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio LCBO 326090, $19.95

If you find some white aperitif wines too tart, try this one. It’s easygoing with medium weight and lovely yellow apple and plum aromas.

Hinterland Whitecap VQA LCBO 332809, $23.25

Made like Prosecco but in Prince Edward County with Riesling, Vidal and Pinot Gris, here’s a bright, tangy bubbly full of citrus and green apple notes. Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde LCBO 89995, $12.55 Lightweight and dry with a fresh acidity, it shows more length and character than most vinho verde, with hints of white flowers and tropical fruit.

And for a snack

Crudités Cut the raw vegetables you love best into bite-sized pieces, and serve with olive oil and lemon juice dressing.

Cheeses Choose one or two fresh, mildly flavoured cheeses to go with these wines—maybe feta, chèvre or Wensleydale.

Salsa Verde Corn chips and a tomatillo-based green salsa are perfect for taking the edge off your appetite on a warm afternoon.

These three wines are all great with

fresh summer salads— something to remem- ber when bringing out a plate of nibbles.

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EARLY SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK