Late October has rolled around and we are putting away our sandals and getting out the cozy sweaters. Just as we change our clothing style at this time of year, we also change our eating habits. Casseroles, hearty stews and roast meats return to the table. I’ve curated a list of favourite red wines to pair with fall cuisine, all currently available at the LCBO, with options for both vegans and meat-eaters. They are wines that I have bought more than once and highly recommend.
A very flavourful blend of 72% Cabernet Franc and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietals, from an exceptional vintage. There were lower grape yields after a warm, dry summer, which manifested in wine complexity and flavour intensity. This wine is medium bodied, smooth and aromatic, with inviting aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, sage and cedar. The palate has abundant fruit flavours with bright cherry, blackberry and raspberry predominately, enhanced by herbal and floral notes. Great acidity and overall balance complete the profile of this mouthwatering wine. It’s a very versatile wine that you can pair with vegan black bean burgers, sautéed Portobello mushrooms or lamb chops. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and there’s fantastic value in this bottle, too! Hats off to winemaker Chris Robinson!
Dry • 13% • LCBO# 499384 • $15.95 • Vegan friendly. Also available in Metro stores.
Kacaba was the first winery to plant Syrah in Ontario, after Michael Kacaba brought back 29 crates of growing vines as luggage after a trip to Sonoma. Kacaba are pioneers of the Syrah varietal in Canada and craft it in a Côtes du Rhône style. This block of Syrah vines is situated on the terraced slopes of the estate ravine, where they enjoy a unique microclimate. The grapes grown here consistently produce award-winning wines. You’ll find cherry and cranberry aromas, with hints of pepper and herbs. There are bright, singing notes of cherry, cranberry, cassis, sage, white and black pepper on a silky, medium bodied palate with finely-balanced acidity. The pepper notes make an interesting interplay with the fruit flavours on the long finish. Pair it with a grilled steak or rack of lamb, or cellar up to 2029. This wine won the Silver Medal at the 2024 All Canadian Wine Championships. Look for it in Vintages in the Nov. 8 release and store a couple of bottles to give as gifts later in the season. This is a real gem in Ontario winemaking!
Dry • LCBO Vintages # 394171 • $35.15
Pie in a glass! Fragrant Baco Noir always makes me think of strawberry pie, enriched with hints of vanilla and smoke. Henry of Pelham is the top producer of Baco Noir in the world, so if you haven’t tried it before, this is a great introduction. It’s smooth and rich, with lip-smacking berry flavours on the full-bodied palate. Pair it with cured meats, roast duck, pork chops or aged cheddar cheese. Sustainable Winemaking Ontario certified.
Extra dry • 13% • LCBO# 270926 • $16.95
A full bodied, bold red wine that is well worth getting to know. Primitivo is called Zinfandel in California, or Tribidrag in Croatia, where it originated. It’s a gorgeous purple-red colour, with a fragrant dark berry nose. You’ll find flavours of dark cherry, plum and blackberry with ribbons of pepper, vanilla and milk chocolate, wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel. There’s a lot to love in your glass! Pair it with hearty meat and pasta dishes, Prosciutto, roast pork or hard cheeses such as Parmesan.
Extra dry • 14.5% • LCBO VINTAGES# 636613 • sale price $20.95 Save $3 until Nov. 9
Happy Sipping!
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
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