Bottega Gold Prosecco
Treviso, Veneto D.O.C., Italy. Crisp and clean with mouth-watering acidity. Lovely notes of crisp green apple and white peach. Perfect for fried chicken or fish and chips. Food pairings: Steamed Dungeness crab, steamed lobster with lemon garlic sauce, lightly spiced curry dishes, lamb stew. Alcohol: 11%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2026. Score: 92/100. LCBO: 621458. $35.95.
Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2022
Languedoc, Midi A.P., France. From the south of France a zesty Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah rosé with the emphasis on Grenache, and ideal for rosé because it matures easily and quickly, has vibrant aromatics, yet keeps its zesty acidity for food. Elegant, dry, medium-bodied and very satisfying with wild strawberry, ripe red berry, rose petal, citrus zest and light herb flavours on the palate. The bottle for this rosé was created in a competition for students at design schools in Paris. There is actually a rose shape cut into the glass on the bottom, as well as an elegant glass stopper on the top. Makes for a great water picture when it’s empty. Food pairings: Seared tuna, sushi, seafood nebayaki udon. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2025. Score: 92/100. LCBO: 373985. $19.95.
Stoneleigh Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand. From the Wairau Valley, Marlborough wine region, Stoneleigh 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is vegan-friendly and produced from organically grown grapes. Wow, absolutely mine blowing with intense and mouth-watering grapefruit zest, garden herb, spring florals and briny mineral flavours forever on the palate. Chill and enjoy it through 2026 with fresh salad greens or soft, creamy cheeses. Food pairings: Pan-fried lemon sole, salads topped with goat cheese, goat cheese and veggie quiche. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2026. Score: 91/100. LCBO: 36894. $17.40.
Miraval Rosé
Côtes De Provence, Provence A.P., France. From the Côtes De Provence wine region, Miraval rosé is a fresh and zesty blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle. Dry and medium-bodied, the rosé is elegant with bright red berry, melon, fresh mushroom, piney and soft citrus notes fresh and lingering on the palate. Chill and enjoy it with salmon steaks from the grill. Food pairings: Planked salmon, pate, roast breast of veal. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2025. Score: 93/100. LCBO: 342584. $26.95.
Pelee Island Winery Lola Limited Edition Red 2020
Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. A smooth, medium-bodied red from Southwestern Ontario. Attractive aromas of dark berries, spice and mocha. Perfect for meat lovers’ pizza or BBQ chicken. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2022–2026. LCBO: 26539. Score: 90/100. $18.95.
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf- Du-Pape 2018
Rhône A.C., France. Château de Beaucastel 2018 is a classic Châteauneuf-Du-Pape produced by Famille Perrin. The 13 historic grapes that are blended for Chateauneuf-du-Pape are present here in a deep garnet, full bodied red. The 2018 vintage needs to unwind a bit and would benefit from some time in cellar. The main blend is 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 10% Counoise and smaller amounts of other permitted varieties. On the palate the wine is dry with red and dark berries, wild herbs and a mouth-watering finish. Tannins are fine and grippy. Try in 2022. Pairings: Rare prime rib, gourmet burgers, and dark chocolate. Alcohol: 14.5%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2022–2036. Score: 95/100. LCBO: 711317. $94.95.
MontGras Antu Single Vineyard Carmenère 2022
Peumo,Cachapoal Valley, D.O., Chile. From Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, wine region, MontGras Antu Single Vineyard 2022 Carmenère is great value at $20. Produced from grapes sourced from the Las Cabras parcel in Peumo known to produce fleshy and plushy Chilean reds. Look for ripe dark cherry, plum, fine herbs and the typical green leafy notes this varietal has to offer. The wine was aged in foudres and neutral oak barrels. Nice now, better in 2025 as the wine continues to evolve and begins to show its very best. Enjoy it through 2029. Food pairings: Veal cutlets, vegetarian pizza, lentil stew. Alcohol: 14.5%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2029. Score: 91/100. LCBO: 632752. $19.95.
Trius Showcase Clark Farm Pinot Noir 2022
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A, Canada. Harvested from select vineyards and fermented with natural yeasts, this wine was left on its lees for 10 months in seasoned French oak barrels. The top seven barrels of the vintage were blended and bottled to create a wine that is vibrant, refined, and balanced, with notes of cherry, redcurrant, earthiness, spice, and oak. Food pairings: Roasted turkey or grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted duck, mustard-glazed salmon. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2028. Score: 92/100. LCBO: 418111. $45.00.
Montes Purple Angel 2021
Colchagua Valley D.O., Chile. Montes Purple Angel 2021 is a gorgeous and hedonistic red wine blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot with grapes sourced from Apalta and Marchigüe. Two-thirds of the wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. Deep carmine-red in the glass, fragrant with ripe dark berry, dark cherry, chocolate, flinty and fine garden herbs on the nose and palate, the wine is supple and fresh. Lovely now and better
in 2025 through 2036 as the wine continues to evolve in the bottle. Food pairings: Veal roast, slow-cooked brisket of beef, rabbit fricassee and chocolate with pralines. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2036. Score: 99/100. LCBO: 62364. $105.95.
Natalie MacLean offers Ontario’s most popular online wine and food pairing courses, tasting classes, expert reviews and mobile apps at nataliemaclean.com.
Natalie is the author of the new, bestselling book, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much.
