As the holidays approach, we look forward to entertaining friends and family. Here with her tips and sips is Natalie MacLean, who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. What’s a good drink to serve to guests when they arrive? Sparkling wine is the drink of celebration, especially at this time of year. I’d recommend these two: Queenston Mile Brut Blanc de Noirs St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada Cupcake Vineyards Prosecco Veneto D.O.C., Italy […]
Cheese & Wine
Holiday Wines and Spirits Plus Hosting Tips (Video)
As the holidays approach, we look forward to entertaining friends and family. On CTV’s Your Morning we chat about terrific wines and spirits for the holidays. Welcome Natalie. What’s a good drink to serve to guests when they arrive? Sparkling wine is the drink of celebration, especially at this time of year. I’d recommend two from Nova Scotia: Avondale Sky Winery Benediction Sparkling Wine Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada Blomidon Crémant Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada Both are zesty and […]
Instant Spiced Apples Recipe Paired with Icewine
The Apple of my Wine Get ready to bust out the BBQ, because its finally grill season. Mmm, I can practically taste the sizzle of tender steaks and juicy ribs, waiting to be devoured. Nothing says spring is here like a backyard BBQ. Best enjoyed with your friends and family over burgers, sausages and Canadian Cheese. Just don’t forget to leave room for dessert, or a scrumptious snack, like Spiced Apple with Canadian Brie. This light snack is sure to be a hit with its simple ingredients locally sourced from the farm. Slice up some apples with a dash of […]
Wine and Cheese Pairings to Celebrate the Holidays with Janet Fletcher
Introduction Should you try a cheese-only cheese course? Why are cheese and bread not necessarily great matches for cheese? Which underappreciated wine and cheese pairing should you try today? How does sparkling wine stack up with your favourite cheeses? Have you been serving cheeses the wrong way? Should you eat the rinds on cheeses? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with award-winning journalist and author, Janet Fletcher. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights What shift can you see in the restaurant industry’s approach to serving cheese? Which mindset shift did Janet […]
Taco Bell’s New Jalapeño Noir Wine: Should You Try It?
Introduction Taco Bell just launched its first wine called Jalapeño Noir, a Pinot Noir, get it? Is the wine any good? Should you try it? Does it pair well with tacos? What will surprise you about making the wine, especially the winery that made it? What was the stealth marketing plan behind the launch? What’s next, Big Macs and Bordeaux? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m going solo to do a live taste test for you. You can find the Jalapeno Noir wine here. Highlights How well did Taco Bell’s new Jalapeño Noir wine perform […]
Which Wine Pairs Best with Blue Cheese? Janice Beaton Makes the Match
Introduction Why are wine and cheese your best bets when entertaining? If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, where do you start to acquire a taste for it? How is blue cheese made? Can blue cheese actually have no blue colour? Where should you take a wine-and-cheese themed vacation? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Janice Beaton, owner of Janice Beaton Fine Cheese which was known as Calgary’s best place to buy artisanal, fresh-cut cheeses from around the world. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights Why are wine and […]
Which Cheeses Go Well With Wine? Janice Beaton Shares Pairings
Introduction Why does cheese, like wine, spark obsession? Why do certain wines and cheeses have a similar flavour profile? What makes Canadian cheeses unique? Do different types of cows’ milk produce different flavours in cheese? How do you pair goat cheeses with wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Janice Beaton, owner of Janice Beaton Fine Cheese which was known as Calgary’s best place to buy artisanal, fresh-cut cheeses from around the world. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights How did Janice develop her passion for cheese? What is it […]
Smashed Raspberry and Feta Salad with Slow Press Chardonnay
Smashed Raspberry and Feta Salad Cue your tastebuds…Slow Press Chardonnay wine creates an entrée salad, as beautiful as summer itself. Sweet & tender leaves of butter lettuce are tossed with Slow Press Chardonnay Wine Raspberry Mustard Dressing (Chardonnay, olive oil, grain mustard, fresh smashed raspberries, honey, seasonings), ribbons of sugar snap peas, fennel, matchstick carrots, salted sunflower kernels, sweet bites of fresh (raw) golden corn and creamy feta. Prep Time: 15-20 minutes Portions: 1 salad Serving Size: 4 servings Ingredients: ¼ C + 1 Tbsp – Slow Press Chardonnay wine¾ C – extra virgin olive oil14 each – raspberries, fresh, […]
Bold & Savoury Cheese Plate with Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon
Send out the group text and open a bottle of Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon, this assortment of bold and savory snacks are sure to be a crowd pleaser. A little something for everyone, this Cabernet Sauvignon inspired combo of aged Gouda and sharp white cheddar is balanced with briny olives and sliced salami. Finish the evening with a sweet treat of fresh strawberries and decadent dark chocolate truffles. Prep Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 1 wedge aged Gouda1 wedge Pecorino sheep’s milk1 block aged white cheddar½ cup Castelvetrano olives¾ lb. thinly sliced salami1 cup roasted walnuts½ cup tomato chutneyfresh strawberriesdark chocolate […]
Father’s Day Gift Wines: Red Wine or Port?
Here are my top two wine picks for Father’s Day in the Ottawa Citizen. Wine writer Natalie recommends two full-bodied wines on her site at www.nataliemaclean.com for Father’s Day. She gives 90 points out of 100 to the Cantina Negrar Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, Veneto, Italy (LCBO No: 44784, $34.95). “It’s a juicy, full-bodied red, loaded with black fruit goodness,” she notes. “There are some fleshy black plum notes that dance along the background yielding to supreme satisfaction, especially for dedicated fathers who attend both ballet recitals and basketball games.” MacLean also gives 90 points to the the Quinta […]
