A varietal is a connoisseur’s term used to describe the different types of grapes available for wine consumption. Here are a few quick tips so that you know what kind of wines are available to you at your local LCBO.
White Wines
Light Wines: Garganega, Pinot Grigio, Unoaked Chardonnay, Riesling
Medium Wines: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
Full Wines: Gewurztraminer, Oaked Chardonnay
Red Wines
Light Wines: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Sangiovese
Medium Wine: Baco Noir, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Carmenere
Full Wine: Zinfandel, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’d like to read more about varietals, see the LCBO for more information.
There’s also a great place downtown called the Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, which is having their Friday Summer tastings on the Terrace. This includes a small plates menu and a paired wine selection. A perfect after work appetizer for those couples living and working in the city. Check out Jamie Kennedy’s website for more details.
