On CTV news, Leanne and I chat about terrific Napa Valley wines at the LCBO. You can watch our first chat about California wines on CTV News here. We’re narrowing our focus on Napa Valley wines in this segment. Tell us about this region. What would surprise us about Napa Valley? It’s the most famous wine growing region in the U.S. but it’s actually tiny, producing just 4% of Californian wine and only 0.4% of the world’s wine production. The valley floor is just 30 miles long and just 5 miles at its widest point. […]
Best Wines
California Wines: Grapes, Styles, Regions and What to Buy
On CTV News, Leanne and I chat about why Californian wines are among the most popular at the liquor store. You can also watch our second chat about Napa Valley wines here. How the wildfires impacted California wineries? Thankfully, 2021 is a “drama free harvest.” It’s small but mighty, as drought is the defining feature in Napa and Sonoma, as it was the third-driest year in more than a century, and the stress has meant fewer grapes. But drought also causes smaller grapes with more concentrated flavor and tannins. People talk about intense aromas and depth, […]
Toast to Dad: Perfect Father’s Day Wine and Book Gifts
Father’s Day is Sunday, so why not toast Dad with wines that not only pair well grilled favourites, but also with some terrific new books? Here with her tips is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine and food pairing classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome Natalie. Great to be with you, Crystal! What are you recommending first? I have Farmhouse Vegetables: A Vegetable-Forward Cookbook by the award-winning chef Michael Smith from PEI. This collection of vibrant recipes is inspired by the culinary bounty of his farm at the Inn at Bay Fortune. […]
The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide: Wine and Book Pairings
Father’s Day is Sunday, so why not toast Dad with wines that not only pair well grilled favourites, but also with some terrific new books? Here with her tips is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine and food pairing classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome Natalie. Great to be with you, Rosey! What are you recommending first? I have Daniel Ricciardo: In Pursuit of Greatness by Nate Sanders. Daniel is a superstar in the Formula One racing world. In fact, he competed in the Montreal Grand Prix this past weekend with […]
BBQ Bliss: 4 Caymus Wines to Impress Dad this Father’s Day
Father’s Day is Sunday and BBQ season is in full swing, so why not toast Dad with wines that pair well with the grill? But which wines work best? Here with her tips is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine and food pairing classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome Natalie. Great to be with you, Mona! Tell us about this first wine. The first wine is the coveted Caymus Napa Cabernet, made by the Wagner family who are celebrating the 50th anniversary vintage of this wine. It’s just arrived in stores. The […]
How Art & Chemistry Create the Perfect Blend for Wine with Andrea Brambila, Chloé Wines
This is an exclusive one-on-one interview with Andrea Brambila, winemaker for Chloé Wines in California. In addition to discussing Andrea’s approach to blending the art and chemistry to make great wine, we also explore topics such as: How and when did Andrea realize that she wanted to become a winemaker? Which type of glass does she recommend for a full-bodied Chardonnay? Why you shouldn’t judge wine based on your first sip? Which foods and delicious recipes pair well with Chloé Chardonnay and Pinot Noir? Natalie MacLean: Andrea Brambilla is director of winemaking at the wine Group, and she’s […]
Celebrating Women in Wine with Jennifer Wilhelm & Andrea Brambila
Introduction Are you curious about the untold stories of the legendary women who helped create the Ontario wine industry and who also shaped its future? Wine might lead people to work in the wine industry, but what sustains a lifetime career beyond that? Why don’t we celebrate people while they’re alive, but instead wait to express those heartfelt thoughts in a eulogy, post-mortem biography or other memorials? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with author Jennifer Wilhelm. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you will win a copy of Jennifer Wilhelm’s […]
Austrian Wine: A Sommelier’s Food Pairing Delight
By Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright CWM With the holidays upon us, the topic of food, wine and their symbiotic relationship of pairing, is front of mind. There is often a gentle war between chefs and sommeliers about which comes first: food or wine, while many serious diners agree they are both just as important – as long as they complement each other well. Andre Simon (1877-1970) is widely considered to be the father of food and wine matching and is known for his contribution to the subject with his book the Art of Good Living. He is the founder of […]
How to Buy the Perfect Summer Wine
In this episode of our wine education video series, we look at to buy a terrific summer wine, whether it’s for fresh seafood, barbecued meats or crisp salad. Also find out why you should take another look at rose wine this summer. What’s your favourite warm weather wine? Post with permission of Canadian Press (CP). So, this summer I think it is a great time to crack open a bottle of Canadian wine. Whether you’re grilling meats on the barbecue or you’re having some fresh seafood this summer, or even field green summer salads, the range of styles here […]
5 Terrible Food and Wine Matches (Video)
On Global’s Morning Television Show, I asked Carolyn and Jeff to try five terrible food and wine matches … their expressions are priceless. We chatted about why these pairings don’t work, and then how to fix them: either with the food or the wine. I can’t cook, so I go the wine route ;) However, a squeeze of lemon or a dash of salt will often help. Here are the wines and pairings we featured below. We all know that a big red wine pairs well with a steak, but what about more difficult dishes like vegetables and […]
