‘tis the season to have some family fun and time off

Santa Margherita Brut Sparkling Rosé

Venezie, Italy. This lovely Italian sparkling rosé from Santa Margherita is fresh and lively in the glass. This bubbly is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 45% Glera (Prosecco) and 5% Malbec grapes. Aromas of small field berries and toast. Food pairings: Seafood, shellfish and vegetarian dishes. Alcohol: 11.5%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2023–2023. Score 91/100. LCBO: 302752. $21.95.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand. New Zealand’s top Sauvignon Blanc, this wine put the country on the world’s wine map. It’s fresh and crisp with notes of honeydew, passionfruit, and lemongrass. Food pairings: Seafood, roast turkey and stuffing. Alcohol: 13.5%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2026. Score: 95/100. LCBO: 304469. $42.95.

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2022

Mendoza, Argentina. This Malbec is gorgeous cool-climate red wine with aromas of ripe blackberry, mulberry, ripe dark fruit and spicy flavours finishing long on the palate with food friendly acidity. Tannins are structured. Food pairings: Grilled steaks. Alcohol: 14%. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2026. Score: 93/100. LCBO: 29280. $19.95.

El Dorado Single Still Cask Strength Versailles Rum

Guyana. This historic Versailles still rum from Guyana offers a compelling journey through traditional Demerara rum character. The nose presents rich layers of molasses, caramelized sugar, and tropical fruits, complemented by old leather and polished wood notes. Despite its modest 40% ABV, the palate delivers impressive depth with waves of toffee, dark chocolate, and stewed tropical fruits, balanced by exotic spices and subtle grassiness. The medium-long finish showcases dried fruits and coffee beans, with a true representation of the Demerara style. Pair with dark chocolate. Alcohol: 40%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Score: 94/100. Drink: 2024–2030. LCBO: 36222. $122.20.

Pure Vision Wines Zero Shiraz 2021

Adelaide Plains, South Australia. A juicy, full-bodied, alcohol-free organic Shiraz from the Adelaide Plains of South Australia. Aromas of blackberries, dark plums and pepper. This is one of the best, if not, the best full-bodied, alcohol-free red wines I’ve tasted. Reds are far harder to make delicious in this style and Pure Vision has done it! Food pairings: Roast Chicken, grilled meats. Contains 32 Calories per 100 mL serving. Alcohol: 0%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Score: 90/100. $23.69. Available from www.psalcoholfree.com.

Wayne Gretzky Estates Whisky Oak Aged Chardonnay 2019

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A. From the Niagara Peninsula wine region, Wayne Gretzky Whisky oak-aged Chardonnay is a rich, full-bodied, smoky Chard with ripe peach, apple, vanilla, caramel and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. A portion of the wine was fermented in stainless-steel tank with the balance (48%) in whisky oak aged barrels. Chill and enjoy with roast chicken or a creamy mushroom risotto. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Medium Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2022–2024. Score: 90/100. LCBO: 17234. $18.95.

Caymus Napa Valley 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Napa Valley, California. The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon is a celebration in a glass. The nose is a tapestry of dark berries—blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum. The palate features tobacco, vanilla, and a hint of dark chocolate. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a firm yet velvety structure, with a long, satisfying finish. Food pairings: Duck confit in blackberry sauce, braised short ribs with rosemary polenta or a mushroom and truffle risotto. Alcohol: 14.4%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2028.
Score: 95/100. LCBO: 222877. $175.10.

Trius Brut Rosé Sparkling

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A. Trius Brut offers aromas of soft citrus and spice on the palate with pastry flavours on the finish. The brut received a generous wine dosage giving it more body and structure. Enjoy it chilled anytime on its own or with Thai coconut shrimp, roast turkey, grilled salmon, lightly spiced curry dishes. Alcohol: 12.5%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2020–2027. Score: 90/100. LCBO: 184309. $32.95.

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.