RETHINKING ABV

Popular “fruit-bomb” big red wines can be as high as 15% alcohol by volume (ABV). A new crop of complex, flavourful reds with slightly less alcohol are emerging, among them South American wines like Trivento Fair Trade Malbec (LCBO 160994, $11.95), with tons of black fruit and a touch of spice, at just 12.5%. Jackson-Triggs Merlot (LCBO 383711, $10.95) has fullbodied fruit and rings in at 12%.

Though many white wines (including the cool-climate whites Ontario is known for) are naturally a touch lighter in alcohol, look for off-dry German Rieslings, Sauvignon Blancs such as 11.5% Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc IGP Val de Loire (LCBO 471318, $13.00), calorie-reduced whites like Skinnygrape Chardonnay (LCBO

283812, $11.95) with just 7.5% ABV, or Italian bubblies such as Moscatos (typically under 10%) or 6.5% Viticolitori Acquesi Brachetto D’Acqui Sparkling (LCBO 375667, $13.60).