Liqueur

• The following 750 mL, Luxardo Aperitivo, low-alcohol—only 11.0%—liqueur can be added to white wine, especially Prosecco, or try this LCBO-suggested spritzer.

   
Luxardo Aperitivo Spritz
Product of Italy $17.90 (439455) 11.0% alcohol
Orange cordial, herbs and spice aromas leap from the glass. It coats the palate with a friendly flow of herbs, roots and citrus redolent of gentle Italian bitters. There are predominant orange aromas and sweet-ish orange cordial taste that’s ameliorated nicely with the orange-peel, bitter bite on the aftertaste. There are many recipes online for this exceptional-value liqueur. (Vic Harradine)

White Wine

  
Redstone ‘Brickyard’ Riesling 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (346866) 10.0% alcohol
This is good value. Nicely balanced with sweet fruit and tangy citrus, aromas of orchard fruit are integrated with floral and mineral notes on the nose while flavours of crisp green apple, white peach and lemon are underpinned by a stony minerality. Medium-light bodied and off-dry, refreshing citrus flavours extend through the mid-length finish. Pour with pan-sautéed shrimp with a squeeze of lemon. (Lisa Isabelle)

Rosé Wine

   
Pink Gecko Rosé 2016
AOP Coteaux Varois en Provence, France $14.35 (485946) 12.5% alcohol 
This 70% Grenache/20% Syrah and 10% Rolle (aka Vermentino) blend dishes up aromas of strawberry, herbs and spice aromas. It bathes the palate with a lively juicy flow of red berry fruit with wisps of cherry and savory herbs and gentle spice making its way across the palate and long finish with plenty of flavour delivered with elegance and grace; like a ballet dancer. Delightful sipped on its own, it makes a great partner for Caesar salad or with roast chicken or baked ham. Exceptional value here. (Vic Harradine)