Top 10 Drinks of Summer

With the first long weekend of summer nearing completion, and the bulk of holiday time still ahead of us, the LCBO is enjoying some hot sales.

“Summer represents more than 30 per cent of LCBO sales, with each long weekend from Victoria Day to Labour Day bringing in better than two per cent of total annual sales,” said Nancy Cardinal, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing in a recent media release outlining the Liquor Control Board’s Top 10 summer sellers. And just so you know, the LCBO brought in net sales of almost $5 billion for 2012-13.

While the list isn’t overly surprising – beer, light spirits and crisp wines among the leaders – what’s nice to see is locally-produced wine, beer and spirits continue to climb in popularity with consumers.

The LCBO’s Top 10

1. Spirits

Gin and tequila are the front runners in this already sizzling summertime  category. Over the last few years, consumer interest in premium tequilas have seen yearly sales climb about 9% for the Mexican liquor. Gin sales have risen 7% this year alone. Flavoured vodkas, however, are still popular. Cherry leads the pack, with novelty flavours like birthday cake, red licorice and caramel finding appeal for reasons we will never know.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:

A simple gin and tonic is our Official Drink of Summer, but to change things up a bit, try a Cucumber Tom Collins, which puts an elegantly modern spin on a favourite classic.

2. Beer & Cider

The LCBO says Indian Pale Ale popularity is showing no signs of cooling as the iconic beer style has increased in sales more than 60% this last year – and inspired the provincially-run liquor chain to add seven more brands.

As for cider, which has also seen a 60% increase in net sales this year, Strongbow is still the front runner, but craft ciders are gaining in popularity as the LCBO continues to stock new brands from BC, Ontario and the US.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:

County Cider $7.85/1000 mL LCBO 459370
Hailing from Picton Ontario, the apples are all hand picked and sorted, then slow fermented over a period of months to achieve the final result.

3. European Wines

The hot weather has wine lovers reaching for cool, crisp, refreshng whites like Prosecco, Moscato and Pinot Grigio – the latter of which we recently learned has experienced a 592% sales increase over the last decade. Indeed, people love their Grigio, as the neutral, easy going style goes well with grilled seafood, chicken and vegetarian dishes.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:
We’re going slightly rogue here, and recommending a Canadian wine – perhaps inspired by the Canada Day long weekend, or even just to underscore (again), how strong a competitor this country is against many European styles.

Benjamin Bridge “Nova 7” Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia 2012
$25.95 Vintages 256289
For lovers of Moscato, and even those who don’t think they are, this is a must try. Fizzy and slightly sweet, with grape, peach and floral notes, this is a yummy summer sipper or pairs beautifully with brunch foods.

4. New World Wines

Generally referring to wines that offer plush texture and ripe fruit flavours, New World wines (which are any wines not produced in Europe), that are fan favourites include California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and red blends such as Cab-Merlot.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:
Ghost Pines “Wine Maker’s Blend” Chardonnay, Sonoma/Mendocino/Napa Counties, California 2010
$19.95 LCBO 308122
For lovers of classic California Chardonnay, this is a terrific bargain. With a nose of tropical fruit and light spice, the medium bodied palate is soft and round, but well structured, with flavours grilled pineapple, mango, vanilla bean and custard. Full disclosure, Courtney with E&J Gallo to market their fine wines, so Erin wrote this review. Despite the familial association, we would be remiss not to recommend it.

5. Vintages

The fine wine boutique located within most LCBO’s is attracting more consumers, the release states, with products in the $18-$22 range gaining ground. Wines from Spain and Italy are hot, and with the swanky Toronto International Film Festival just around the corner, the LCBO expects luxury Champagne to pop.  Fine bourbons have also helped push whiskey sales up by 25% this year.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:

Anselmi “San Vincenzo,” Veneto, Italy 2012
$16.95 Vintages 948158
A Vintages Essential, this offers wide appeal and lots of summer time fun. Ripe and rich with flavours of tropical fruit, clementine and nectarine. The creamy palate and moderate acidity offers a plushness.

6. Ontario

It’s promising to see local wines make it into buyers’ top 10 picks, but we’d like to see it closer to the number one position. Still Ontario Chardonnays offer a strong showing making up for nearly 20% of the market share, while refreshing, flavourful rosés have increased 15% in sales in the last year.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:

Coyote’s Run Unoaked Chardonnay, VQA Niagara Peninsula, 2012
$13.95 LCBO 26749
Uplifting and easy drinking, this is terrific value for money – even without the $1 off LTO at the LCBO. Fresh and crisp with lemon/lime, mango, peach and subtle mineral notes, this is lovely for a an afternoon spent on the patio to accompany cheese and olives.

7. Ready-to-Drink

Positioned as a nice alternative to beer, this category includes coolers and pre-mixed beverages like single serving Caesars or mojitos.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:

Goose egg. We don’t drink these products. But if you have one that you think we just have to try, let us know in the comments!

8. Local

Doubling up on categories 6, 2 and a bit of 1, the LCBO says it’s seeing some strong Ontario love amongst its shoppers. Which is good news, as it’s the only liquor store in Ontario.  But the bad news is, Europe ranks higher.

The Wine Sisters’ Picks:

For beer, our go-to is Mill Street Original Organic Lager $13.45/6 pk. It’s fresh, light and delicious with subtle notes of banana, citrus and floral.

For wine, a summer time favourite is rosé, as it’s just so versatile with so many foods and offers sophisticated refreshment when the heat is on.
Malivoire “Lady Bug” Rosé, VQA Niagara Peninsula 2012
$15.95 Vintages 559088
With it’s bright red strawberry and cherry and subtle mineral notes, before you know it, the bottle’s gone.

9. Low Calorie Wines & Cocktails

Ugh.

10. Ontario Craft Beer

A bit of a déjà vu of categories 2, 6 and 8, OCB, as it is known, has seen sales surge by 575% since 2006 (almost as good as Pinot Grigio!). The LCBO says 200 brands and styles will be available this summer for you craft beer drinking pleasure.

The Wine Sisters’ pick:

Beau’s Lugtread Lagered Ale $15.95/4 pk (600 mL bottles)
Made with organically grown malts and hops in Vankleek Hill (near Ottawa), this is a food friendly beer with flavours of toasted grains and citrus. In case you’re wondering what’s a “Lagered Ale,” the beer is top fermented like an ale and then cold aged like a lager.