Wines to Make Your Mother Smile!

The most beautiful word in any language is “mother.”  Mothers sing tender lullabies to us, supply Band-Aids to our scraped knees and make the best cookies. We celebrate mothers on Sunday, May 14th. If you’re looking for a wine gift, here’s a curated list of delicious wines that are sure to be a hit.

Calvet Brut Rosé
France

Sparkling Rosés are big this year. This one, in a beautiful bottle, will bring a smile before it’s even opened. It’s a medium-dry sparkler that gives notes of red berries, citrus and plums, with a creamy mouthfeel and fine mousse. A sparkling rosé makes a perfect aperitif and also pairs well with desserts such as a fruit tart. 

Medium Dry • LCBO# 16327 • $17.95 – on sale til May 21st

Cave du Roi Dagobert Racines et Terroirs Riesling 2019
Alsace, France

A totally delightful Alsatian Riesling with delicate notes of citrus orange, apple, and minerality, enhanced by a slight spritz. Pair this with pork chops, roast chicken, or vegetarian dishes such as roast spaghetti squash with mushrooms. There’s a lot to savour in an Alsatian Riesling, so it can work beautifully as a sipper, too.

Dry • LCBO# 15383 • $18.95

Yalumba Organic Viognier 2021
South Australia

A sustainably produced white wine that showcases the Viognier grape variety. Pretty fragrances of apricot, orange peel, and tropical mango, repeated on a satiny, concentrated palate with crisp acidity. Pair it with a chicken salad or a dessert like crème brulée — a steal at this price.

Extra dry • LCBO# 288217 • $16.95

Sartori Valpolicella Classico 
Veneto, Italy

My favourite Valpolicella Classico with its mouth-watering flavours of tart cherry, strawberry, vanilla, black pepper, and mocha. A great choice to accompany savoury appetizers like olives, salumi and hard cheeses or your favourite pasta in tomato sauce.

Extra dry • 12% • LCBO# 378109 • $9.75 – Wow! Look at that price!

Zonte's Footstep Hills Are Alive Shiraz 2018
Adelaide Hills, South Australia

This is a great red wine option if you’re firing up the barbeque on Mother’s Day. This elegant Shiraz has soft floral aromas of ripe cherries and roses, followed by a silky-smooth palate loaded with red cherries, plums and zippy white pepper.  

Extra dry • LCBO# 542322 • $26.95

Malfy Gin Con Rosa 
Italy

If your mother enjoys a cocktail on her special day, here’s a summery pink-hued gin that she will love. It has delicate notes of rhubarb, pink grapefruit, botanical herbs and anise, with a long juniper finish. Pair it with goat cheese or smoked salmon appetizers.

LCBO# 636068 • $46.95 – on sale til May 21st

Cave Spring Riesling Icewine V.Q.A.
Ontario

Ontario Icewine lovers will adore this beauty, with its intense aromas and flavours of citrus, flowers, pear, herbs and peach pie. It has a with a rich satiny texture and crisp acidity that balances the sweetness. Enjoy it with foie gras or aged cheeses.  A treat to share.

LCBO VINTAGES# 447441 • $49.95

Any holiday is a reason to celebrate. These suggestions give you lots of choices for choosing a wine gift. A thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine will be appreciated and perhaps shared with you, too!

Happy Mother’s Day!

For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com