Wine

[Insidious Von]

I prefer white wine pinot grigio !!! I dont spend alot of wines but ruffino's Pinot Grigio is really good ! Not too sweet nor too dry. And not overly expensive.

That's interesting, usually Italian white pales to the red. Ruffino is an ancient brand but lately they've taken a back seat to the upstart Barbaresco. Chef Michael Smith visited the later and sales have taken off ever since.

Usually when I buy Italian white wine, it's one brand, Sofia Loren was the inspiration for the bottle.

 

[mburner]

I take it that you're American since you're doing TG next week. Otherwise I'd say stick with Canadian wines, particularly the many lightly to non-oaked Chardonnays and spot-on Reislings becoming more prevalent from Niagara. For the traditional TG meal think you should forego high-alcohol, woody, extracted wines, especially those from Napa. Perhaps a Sonoma Coast pinot noir and/or a Chardonnay from Mendocino if you must stick with something from the Golden State. My preference though would wines from the Loire Valley--the Chenin Blancs from Anjou appellations and the Cabernet Francs from Chinon, Bourgeuil, and Saumur. Cru Beaujolais--I'd go for Morgan or Fleurie--would be wonderful as well. https://flatiron-wines.com/blogs/the-latest/a-guide-to-the-10-crus-of-beaujolais.

 

[jdeck]

There is an app for your phone called Vivino .... you can scan a bottle and it will tell you all about it. Gives consensus reviews to help you make choices etc. I haven't used it yet but if you don't know wine at least it's something.

Vivino is a fantastic app!!! I've been into wines from my high school days. I read about it, constantly try new wines and have discovered and enjoyed many wonderful bottles along the way. I love pairing food and wine. And Vivino is a great resource for discovering new gems whenever I'm at the LCBO. It hasn't led me wrong yet. Plus it helps me to easily organize my lists of wines I've tried and those I want to try.

 

[GameBoy27]

California big reds laced with Mega purple are in vogue.

You do realize how few and far between people are with the knowledge of Mega Purple. And yes, virtually every Californian wine under $20 contains some amount of it.

Wines are very subjective. For example, if you have one person who likes old world French Bordeaux, another who like big Mega Purple Californians and another who likes Manischewitz, you're not going to please them all with one bottle/style of wine. That said, you're buying so the number one rule applies. Buy something you like.

Go to an LCBO that has a tasting counter and sample several different ones before you buy. You can also ask a product consultant to help you. Be aware that some are more knowledgeable than others and not all get to taste wines from each release. It helps if you at least have a style of wine you're looking for and a budget per bottle in mind before you go.

I have a my go-to LCBO product consultant. I go to see him each release. He'll usually pick 4-6 wines for my wife and I to try as he knows what we like. If we really like them, we'll pick up between anywhere from a couple to a case of each. I write the month and year purchased and the price on the back and stick them in our cellar. We currently have 350-400 bottles at the moment. Purchasing multiples allows up to see how a particular wine ages year over year.

Occasionally we'll have a party and do a vertical tasting. One wine varietal from the same producer from several vintages. At our last party we sampled 2005 to 2009 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. Delicious!

This is my pick for a surprisingly well rounded, non-offensive budget red. Luccarelli Negroamaro LCBO#: 380972 - It's only $8.95 a bottle.

 

[Boss Nass]

It's all subjective and personal preference. If you're buying for yourself, get whatever you like. For someone else, ask what they like. Anyone impressed by a label is a snob.

 

[jgd]

LCBO is known to be very unreliable when it comes to their "scores" for wines. They are pushing product. Be suspicious. I agree with some of the earlier comments that wines from Spain, Portugal, Chile and Argentina, to name a few, are excellent value because of the currency exchange rate. Almost all French wines are overpriced. If you really want to delve into wines head into Niagara and visit some of the wineries there. Go when its not busy and you can taste a range of local product. Generally the staff at the counter are really helpful. Go to wineries with restaurants and sample recommended wines with their food. In many wineries, the chef has constructed a dish to match a particular wine. You will begin to learn what a really good matching is like. You can sample a "flight" of a number of different wines with the same dish. Don't miss out on the sparkling wines of Ontario. Many regularly beat expensive French champagnes in blind tastings and they are all over Niagara. If there is one wine that will go with almost anything it is a sparkling. Wine pairings are a huge subject but these hints should get you started.

 

[Mike Litoris]

Hi, I need some advice on good quality RED and WHITE Wine.
do you have any suggestions ?

thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving.

For Turkey I recommend this one sold in the Vintages section at the LCBO. Sometimes it is on sale for $25
Rodney Strong Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 954834
$27.95
California, USA

You should also buy a bottle of White Chardonnay. I have tried this recently, and it is very good and reasonably priced.

Gnarly Head Chardonnay
750 mL bottle | LCBO#: 486449
$16.55

Chardonnay's and Pinot Noirs both pair well with Turkey.

 

[MissCroft]

The Food and Drink magazine from the LCBO often suggests good wine pairings for their recipes.

I never follow a recipe exactly, I just use the recipes for ideas but the wine suggestions can be helpful.

 

[doggystyle99]

The release of vintages at the LCBO from December has some really great <$50 wines from France, Argentina and Spain.

 

[CB1986]

Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. The 2015 is decent, but if you want to impress the in-laws, bring the 2002 vintage.

I don’t drink white as I’m not a girl.

CB

 

[GameBoy27]

LCBO is known to be very unreliable when it comes to their "scores" for wines. They are pushing product. Be suspicious.

If I'm not mistaken, most LCBO wines are reviewed independent wine advocates. Trick is to find one who's tastes align with yours.

I don’t drink white as I’m not a girl.

CB

That's a ridiculous statement. I could serve you some whites from my cellar that would blow your mind.