Mother’s Day is just around the corner, on May 12th. In case you’re looking for a wine gift, I have curated a list of delicious wines that are sure to be a hit. Most are in the moderate price range, and any of these will surely bring a smile.
A perennial favourite, and it’s so versatile! From Italy’s beautiful Adige River Valley region in the mountainous northeast of Italy, this is the gold standard for Pinot Grigio and a consistent best seller at LCBO Vintages. It’s dry, refreshing and fragrant, giving aromas and flavours of Golden Delicious apples, quince and yellow pear. This crisp Pinot Grigio is a perfect match for shellfish, seafood pasta, shrimp risotto or white meats and also makes a refreshing aperitif. It has achieved carbon-neutral certification, as indicated on the label. Santa Margherita is highly regarded for its sustainable winemaking practices.
Dry • 12.5% • LCBO VINTAGES# 106450 • $21.95
French rosés are well known, but have you tried any from Italy? I discovered this one last summer and will definitely grab it again this year. A lovely pale pink colour, with refreshing blackberry and red currant notes and slight spice on the nose and crisp palate. Pair it with hard cheeses, poultry and charcuterie. It’s also a great sipper.
Dry • 12% • LCBO# 23760 • $13.55
You can’t go wrong with a gift of a great Chianti. This highly perfumed and medium-bodied Chianti was crafted from a 5-star vintage. It gives an enticing bouquet of cherries, red berries and violets, followed by an extremely well-balanced and velvety palate that adds flavours of bay leaf and white pepper. It pairs well with grilled red meats, veal or pasta in tomato sauce. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and a truly lovely example of this style.
Extra Dry • 13.5% • LCBO Vintages# 356048 • $21.95
Nova 7 has put Nova Scotia’s sparkling wine industry on the world map. It’s a little like an Italian Moscato but showcases a truly Canadian twist with the saline minerality that reflects its Maritime terroir. Aromatic and flavourful, it’s low in alcohol at 6.5%. It shows aromas of mango, marigold blossoms, peach, green apple, lime and Asian pear, repeated on the palate with a creamy texture and characteristic minerality. The bright acidity balances its slight sweetness—a guaranteed hit when served with fish tacos, lobster or fresh fruit.
Off dry • 6.5% • Vintages# 256289 • $25.95
This is a guaranteed hit, and the word I usually use to describe it is WOW! It has flavours of spun toffee and maple walnut ice cream with a kiss of salt. Pour it in your coffee, over cake, or dip cookies in it. It reminds me of being a kid, munching on spun toffee. But I’m glad that I’m an adult and old enough to buy it! Apparently, it will keep until 2030, but who knows…it might disappear sooner!
Dessert • 17% • LCBO# 18524 • $36.95
Happy Mother’s Day!
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
