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.
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
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!
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
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