By Tania Thomas
Lobster has come a long way since the mid-19th century when it was considered as a mark of poverty and the food for lower members of society. These days, we think of a lobster as a special occasion treat and often serve it as a celebratory meal.
And speaking of celebrations; what’s more celebratory than a bottle of bubbly to accompany festivities? Stylish and chic, fizz has been associated with fun since mid-17th century when London society discovered its “uplifting” effect. Crisp acidity and citrus notes of lemon drops and lemon zest, match lobster with buttery sauce perfectly.
Still whites with crisp acidity also perfectly match the richness and delicacy of succulent lobster flesh. For some famous French classics try crisp Burgundian Chablis, vibrant Muscadet Sur Lie & 
Vouvray, elegant and complex Sancerre & Pouilly-Fume with their crisp minerality from Loire, refreshing Sauvignon Blancs from Bordeaux and a deliciously juicy Alsatian Rieslings. Tavel’s rosé from the south of France is also a great choice.
Delicate Vinho Verde from northern Portugal comes with a touch of fizz, a true delight with a grilled lobster, as well as its Spanish counterpart in Rias Baixas and Rioja. Aromatic Torrontés from Argentina, Austria’s flowery Gruner Veltliner and Germany’s Kabinett Riesling from Mosel Valley with vibrant acidity and rich mineral notes, would all do very nicely too.
Here are a few offerings that can be found on the aisles of your local LCBO store:
Deinhard Lila Sparkling Riesling Sekt Trocken, Germany
Back in 1843, Deinhard Family was one of the first vintners in Germany to produce sparkling wine. Lila Trocken is their premium label and one of my favourite celebratory sparklers. Aromatic, classy and elegant, vinified with 100% Riesling, it delivers aromas of apples, peaches and apricots with subtle floral notes of lilac. Fine and persistent mousse dances on the tongue in a crisp, smooth, lingering finish. Dry in style, it makes a great companion to a succulent lobster. Delightful!! BCLDB # 4028500132119, $ 15.49
Aveleda Vinho Verde 2013
Vinho Verde, Portugal
Hailing from Portugal’s most northern parts, this vibrant and intense white is vinified with the regions indigenous grapes; Loureiro, Trajadura and Arinto. It displays abundant aromas and flavours of lemon drops, lime and mouth-puckering green apple. Light in body with crisp acidity and a touch of fizz, a perfect choice for a hot summer day. Great match for seafood; simply grilled lobster with a squeeze of lemon juice, dipped in butter would make a fantastic companion. Serve well chilled at 6 – 8º C. LCBO #5322 Price: $8.95
François Lurton Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Languedoc, France
This medium bodied and elegant white is vinified with 100% sauvignon blanc grapes in the cool region of Gers, south of Bordeaux, where morning mists drift like white smoke over the foothills. Pretty jasmine blossom on the nose, mango, passion fruit, grapefruit and lime on the palate with a touch of minerality and smoke on the finish. Fresh and delicate with mouth-watering acidity, it makes a great companion to light summer dishes. Perfectly matches grilled lobster with a smoked paprika mayo. Serve well chilled. LCBO # 250381, $ 11.95
Listel Gris, Sable de Camargue Rosé 2014
Languedoc-Rousillion, France
From sandy soils in the sunny Camargue region of Mediterranean France, the land of pink flamingos and wild horses, comes this lovely and elegant rosé. Light and refreshing, this is a delicious blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan grapes. It’s bursting with aromas and flavours of strawberries, melon, white peaches, and pink grapefruit. Fantastic match to grilled lobster and sunny & light Mediterranean dishes. Serve at 8 C. SAQ # 03244081500005, $ 11.95
Manos Negras Torrontes 2011
San Juan, Argentina
This fresh, bone dry Torrontés, the signature white grape of Argentina comes from the high altitude desert of the Tulum Valley in the region of San Juan, known for crafting premium whites. With a touch of Viognier in its blend, this is an expressive and aromatic white displaying abundant floral notes and bright acidity. It is bursting with citrus aromas and flavours of lemon drops and lime with pronounced minerality and a clean finish. Food friendly and versatile, a fine choice with succulent lobster bits dipped in creamy sauce. BCLDB # 179200, $ 12.99
Haut-Censy Muscadet Sèvre & Maine “Sur Lie” 2011
Loire Valley, France
Loire Valley Muscadet, light and fruity with bright, crisp acidity. Comes from the sunny western parts of the Valley, the hillsides in the superior “Muscadet de Sèvre et Main” district. It is only made and bottled “sur lie”. This is the first wine that comes to mind when pairing shell fish. Great served as a summer aperitif, and truly magical paired with creamy lobster dishes. Drink now or keep 2-3 years. BCLDB # 553602, $ 15.00
Tania Thomas
As a child, Tania helped her parents pick grapes in her family’s Croatian vineyards, and then later with winemaking. As an adult , she lived abroad in London, England, Milan and Venice, Italy, and explored the food and wine cultures while traveling throughout Europe.
While living in Toronto, Tania completed studies with the International Sommelier Guild (ISG). She continued her wine education with the prestigious, internationally-recognized Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), based in London, England. In 2007, she achieved the WSET Level 3, Advanced Certificate in Wine and Spirits.
In 2013, Tania was awarded with a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) designation by The Society of Wine Educators, based in Washington, DC. She is currently studying for the organization’s Certified Wine Educator designation.
Tania also offers sommelier services and tutored wine tastings, consulting and wine tastings previously via RunawayGrape.com and is a regular columnist with NatalieMacLean.com.
