By Andrea Shapiro The Republic of Croatia, located in Eastern Europe is one of the oldest wine growing countries in the world, and yet is relatively unknown to the average Canadian like me. The region possesses both mediterranean and continental climates and a soil structure that travels the spectrum, from sandy to volcanic. The result is a terroir that is proficient at yielding a myriad of varietals – everything from global mainstays such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot to indigenous grapes such as Graševina, Pošip and Plavac Mali. During the Cold War, as part of The Socialist Federal Republic […]
Seafood & Wine
Organic and Biodynamic Wine with Thomas Bachelder
Introduction Thomas Bachelder is a Canadian winemaking superstar on a mission when it comes to cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. After studying in France and having a successful winemaking career in Canada, Thomas started his own label where not only does he make wine in Ontario, but he also has vineyards in Burgundy and Oregon. The Bachelder project started with the 2009 vintage with the three terroirs series: Three regions; Three wines. As he describes it, the hands, techniques and the palates remain the same, only the terroirs change. Highlights When did Thomas realize he wanted to make wine? […]
Blending Humour and Wine in South Africa with Charles Back, Fairview Wine
Introduction Charles Louis Back is the third generation owner of South African wine and cheese producer Fairview, in Paarl in the Western Cape Province. Charles Back studied winemaking at Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch. He officially joined his family’s company in 1978 and took over full control in 1995 after the death of his father, Cyril. Today, Charles Back is known as one of the great entrepreneurs and innovators of the wine world – an individual who likes nothing more to swim against the stream. From the start, he has done things differently, introducing Mediterranean grapes such as Viognier, Tempranillo, […]
Best Summer Wines for Barbecue + Seafood: CTV News
In part two of our regular wine chat, Leanne and I talk about the best wines for summer, whether it’s zesty whites, such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, for seafood; and robust red wines, such as Shiraz, Cabernet and Malbec, for BBQs. All of my wine picks are under $20, including several that scored 90+ points. Stock up now! Posted with permission of CTV
Austrian Wine Pairings for Pasta, Gazpacho and Souvlaki
Sponsored Post by the Wines of Austria The culinary diversity of the Mediterranean kitchen is as popular as ever. And that’s a good reason for the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) to deal with the theme Mediterranean Cooking & Austrian Wine. This much loved food goes far beyond pizza and pasta. Also Spanish tapas and gazpacho are experiencing a revival, especially as summer hits. In any case, Mediterranean cooking accompanied by Austrian quality wines – light and fresh, in particular – promises to deliver an array of wonderful culinary experiences. Mediterranean Delectables Paired with Fine Wines In general, dishes such […]
Recipe: White Fish, Potato Gratin, Garlic Braised Baby Spinach, Lemon Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
Crisp cool climate chardonnay and Ontario whitefish is a classic pairing, enhanced by the rich leek and potato gratin. Meet On the Twenty Restaurant’s Chef Romano where he will present more delicious fish dishes at the Fins, Fowl & Flint Luncheon at Cave Spring Cellars on July 21. Tickets on sale at coolchardonnay.org. Serves 4 4 – 6 oz portions Ontario white fish (skin on optional) 4 pounds Yukon potato (peeled) 1 pound leeks (washed and sliced thin) bottoms only 1 liter cream 2 garlic cloves 2 pounds spinach ½ cup Cave Spring Juice 1 lemon 1 tbs poppy seeds […]
Crab Cakes, Corn, Fennel Recipe with Inniskillin Chardonnay
Crab Cakes with Corn & Fennel A tasty summer dish where the corn and fennel enhances the natural sweetness of the crab. The richness of the crab and the toasted notes from the panko crust is enhanced with the balanced characteristics of cool climate Chardonnay. Explore the versatility of cool climate chardonnay with your favourite summer foods at the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration July 20-22. Tickets on sale at www.coolchardonnay.org. Serves 4 1 lb Jumbo Lump Crab Meat (or Backfin) 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter ½ cup Fresh Corn Kernels (or frozen) ½ cup Fennel, finely […]
Live Video Wine Tastings: From Sommeliers to Screwcaps
You won’t want to miss our live video chat with ! Join us Sunday, January 21 at 6 pm EST right here (click on this link below): www.nataliemaclean.com/live Click on the “Follow” and “Like” buttons on this Facebook page to get notified when we go live. Click on the arrow above to hear her story about obtaining the prestigious title of Master Sommelier. Watch previous episodes of the Sunday Sipper Club (SSC) and find out who’s coming up next. Upcoming Video Wine Tastings and Topics Elyse Lambert, MS January 21 […]
Canadian Wine and BBQ Food Pairings Video
Leanne and I chat about the great Canadian wines nominated to pair with grilled food in The Great Canadian Wine Match: BBQ Edition. Find out why these wines are great matches for barbecued chicken, pork, beef, seafood, vegetables and dessert. The wines hail from all of Canada’s major wine producing wine regions, including: Okanagan Valley, BC Niagara, Pelee Island, Lake Erie and Prince Edward County in Ontario Eastern Townships in Quebec Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia Just 4 days left to vote for your favourite Canadian wines! Hashtag #GCWM Canadian Wine and BBQ Food Pairings Video […]
Salmon Dill Crepe Recipe Paired with Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
Salmon Dill Crepes Paired with Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc By: Shari Goodman When you need a break from the busyness of the holiday season, it’s nice to catch up over a delicious but deceivingly simple make-ahead brunch. I used to think crepes were too difficult to make home. I thought of them as something special to be ordered when dining out. But I’ve discovered that although the first crepe often ends up in the garbage, a batch of crepes is easy to make and impressive to serve guests. You can make the crepes ahead of time and store them layered […]
