Staying safely at home can be a time to develop a deeper appreciation of the slower pace of our lives. The return to the apéritif hour is an ideal way to mark the transition from day to evening, sipping wine and snacking on cheese and charcuterie as we connect with our loved ones before settling down for dinner.
Since apéritifs are meant to stimulate the appetite, they should not contain much sugar; dry is always better than sweet for appetite stimulation. Likewise, the drinks shouldn't be overly heavy because this would serve to dull the appetite instead of stimulating it.
Many apéritifs are wine-based beverages, while others are spirits. Fortified and sparkling wines make particularly delicious pre-dinner drinks, as do light cocktails.
Some common wine-based apéritifs include the following:
• Chablis: From the Burgundy wine region in France, Chablis is a typically unoaked Chardonnay that has a lovely mineral and saline character which serves perfectly as an apéritif. We suggest La Chablisienne Les Vénérables Vieilles Vignes Chablis.
• Rosé: A dry rosé wine, such as a rosé from Provence in France makes a great pre-meal apéritif. We suggest L'Orangeraie Rosé Pays D'OC.
• Sauvignon Blanc: With crisp grassy and herbal character, Sauvignon Blanc is the ideal apéritif wine. Try one from New Zealand's Marlborough region, such as Rapaura Springs Rohe Sauvignon Blanc 2018.
• Cava: Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne. Like Champagne, Cava can range from dry to sweet. Choose a dry Cava, such as Conde de Haro Brut Cava from Bodegas Muga.
• Sherry: Sherry can range from light and dry to heavy and sweet. As an apéritif, choose a light, dry style of Sherry, such as Emilio Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado Dry Sherry.
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All wines are available at the LCBO
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Think of creating your charcuterie board as an adventure. Take a risk, be curious, and have an open mind. Here is a checklist for your wine and cheese night from The Little Epicurean »»
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It takes very little to whip up a proper apéritif cocktail, the best of which have simple recipes made with staple ingredients. To begin, be sure to have a few select starting-point bottles on hand. Learn more at lovetoknow.com »»
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“Same Day Pick Up” at select LCBO stores lets you skip the line, exercise social distancing and, best of all, it is a convenient way to shop for wine, beer and spirits.
Follow these 4 easy steps:
1. Select a “Same Day Pickup” store.
2. Shop and order products from this store.
3. Wait to receive confirmation of your order.
4. Drive up to the drive-through window, and you are DONE!
You will be back home to enjoy a lovely apéritif in no time at all.
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