Oh McIntosh apple, the national fruit of our neighbors to the north and an all-purpose classic. The attractive crimson color and white fleshed apple is best when used fresh as it has  slightly sweet and spicy  notes with  a hint of wine ('vinous') flavor that mellows over time in storage. It pairs well with tart apples for baking and just about any sweet and savory application.  The McIntosh pairs especially well with that other Canadian favorite, maple syrup.