Pairing wine with aphrodisiac foods sparks a passionate debate on CTV. (It’s never to early too think about it … wine, that is.) We match libido-lifting dishes with different wine types to stimulate all of your senses. Many ingredients have historically been considered aphrodisiacs, sometimes because the food physically resembled male private parts (avocados, which according to the Aztecs, grew on the testicle tree) to their female counterparts (oysters and figs). Other foods, such as chili peppers, provoked the fiery passion of love, with its increased heart beat and sweating. Yet other foods may have contained minerals that increase energy, […]
Wine & Oysters
9 Sparkling Wines That Make Great Holiday Gifts
On CTV’s Your Morning, we chat about how most people think of sparkling wine as the drink of choice for the holidays. What’s the difference between champagne and other sparkling wines, and the two you recommend? Although champagne only comes from the Champagne region of France, almost every other region of the country and many other countries around the world produce sparkling wines, often using the same winemaking methods and grapes as champagne. I have two classic champagnes: Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne Champagne A.O.C., France […]
Pairing BC and Ontario Wine with Books (Video)
The long weekend is coming up, and you might be celebrating with a glass of Canadian wine or two, but what should you pair with your vino beyond BBQ? How about some Canadian books? Here with her tips is Natalie MacLean, who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com So we’re going to start on the west coast Natalie. What do you recommend? We’re starting with Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep) Winemaker’s Series Talon, the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America. Nk’Mip means “Bottomland” because the vineyards are planted at the southern tip of the Osoyoos Indian […]
Seafood Pairings, Flying Corks, Sober Curious
Introduction This past Friday, in a scene not unfamiliar to Champagne lovers everywhere, one Wimbledon spectator lost control of his cork, which then made it’s way onto the court and stopped the men’s match. But not to worry, I’ve got you covered. On today’s episode, I’m sharing the exact method you can use to avoid disaster when opening your bubbly. We’re also going to talk about another challenge for many wine lovers – pairing wine with seafood. From cod to oysters, salmon and more, I’m giving you my best insider tips to help you find a pairing you’ll love. Finally […]
A Game of Clones: A Journey into Croatian Wine
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 […]
How to Shuck an Oyster (Video) and Pair with Sauvignon Blanc
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Share your Nobilo experience #NobiloWines #NobiloAndOysters. Get the Secret “5 S” Tips for enjoying oysters at home. These tips on selecting oysters are courtesy of Nobilo Wines.
How to Serve Oysters at Home with Sauvignon Blanc Wine Pairing
The Secret “5 S” Method To Enjoying Oysters at Home SELECT. SHUCK. SERVE. SAVOUR. SAUVIGNON BLANC Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc and oysters are the ultimate summer pairing. The crisp citrusy flavours of the wine work superbly with the salty minerality of the oysters. S3: SERVE Serve on crushed ice with fresh horseradish, lemon wedges and New Zealand’s Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc. Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc represents the best of what New Zealand has to offer, with fresh, vivid flavours that consistently showcase the diverse qualities of New Zealand’s Marlborough region. Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc can be found at the LCBO for $16.95. More Tips: […]
The Secret “5 S” Method To Enjoy Oysters at Home with Sauvignon Blanc
The Secret “5 S” To Enjoy Oysters at Home SELECT. SHUCK. SERVE. SAVOUR. SAUVIGNON BLANC “Oysters, like wine, have a tendency to bring people together, open up conversation, throw inhibitions to the side and make a party unique.” – John Belknap, owner of John & Sons Oyster House S1: SELECT Ten Tips To Select Oysters 1. Buy oysters from a local fish monger and ask for ‘Select’ or ‘Choice’ grade oysters. 2. Look for oysters that are tightly closed. Avoid oysters that have a soft or spongy shell. 3. Choose oysters that are slightly rounded and evenly shaped, with a […]
Natural Pacific Rock Oysters with Lemon Recipe Paired with Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc
Natural Pacific Rock Oysters with Lemon Sponsored Post by Nobilo Wines Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc and oysters are one of the true marriages made in heaven! The crisp citrusy flavors found in the Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc work superbly with lightly salty minerality of the oysters. Natural Pacific Rock Oysters with Lemon Ingredients: 12 Rock Oysters Rock Salt Lemon Method: Freshly shuck the oysters and carefully cut the oyster free from the shell. Remove any broken shell, check the oyster is clean. Be careful not to lose any of the natural juices. Serve 12 oysters on a bed […]
Merroir, it’s a Thing. A Tasty, Tasty Thing; Wine and Oyster Pairings
By Rebecca Meïr-Liebman of Chef & Somm Photos by Signe Langford Oenophiles have always understood the concept of terroir; food- lovers are grasping this taste of place, too.Ingredients are just as terroir-driven as wine, sometimes the connection to the soil, sun, and air is even more pronounced in a cheese or a cacao bean than in a particular wine! And, what if that taste of place –or terroir– is underwater? Well, until I met with Patrick McMurray, author, oyster expert and shucking champion, I was unaware of how much terroir- or, rather, merroir-driven these beautiful bivalves are. Joining him at his […]
