Introduction How does the Solera system give every glass of sherry centuries of history? How does Sherry’s “second terroir” shape the wine just as much as the vineyard itself? Why should every great wine cellar have mature, dry Sherry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Ben Howkins, who has just published a new book on Sherry. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Ben Howkin’s terrific book, Sherry: Maligned, Misunderstood, Magnificent! How to Win To qualify, all you have to […]
Author: Natalie MacLean
Can Bordeaux Reinvent Itself? How One of Wine’s Greatest Regions is Adapting to a Changing World
Introduction Can Bordeaux adapt to changing wine tastes without losing its identity? Bordeaux is pulling up thousands of hectares of vines because of overproduction. How does Mouton Cadet’s model offer a way out for some wine growers? How are modern Bordeaux producers, like Mouton Cadet, creating wines with more energy, smoothness, and drinkability for today’s consumers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Véronique Hombroekx, the Managing Director for the Mouton Cadet Brand and Jérôme Aguirre, Director, Mouton Cadet Wines, about their Fair for Life program. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join […]
How do Canada’s ancient volcanoes, limestone escarpments and massive tides shape our wine?
Welcome back, everyone! From the ocean breezes of Nova Scotia to the valleys of British Columbia and the vineyards of Niagara, Canada’s wine regions are as diverse as the wines they produce. Joining us to explore how geography shapes flavour from coast to coast to coast is the editor of Canada’s largest wine review website, Natalie MacLean! Welcome back to the show! Before we dive into the wines, give us the big picture. What are some of the key landscapes that shape Canadian wine regions. This is my favourite kind of geography lesson: the map is […]
Why did Mouton Cadet, Bordeaux, decide that sustainability needed to include people, not just the environment?
Introduction Why did the Bordeaux wine Mouton Cadet decide that sustainability needed to include people, not just the environment? Why is the Fair for Life certification that’s focused on people, community, and respect the environment a perfect fit for Mouton Cadet? What does it mean to create trust with more than 100 grape growers that lasts for generations? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Véronique Hombroekx, the Managing Director for the Mouton Cadet Brand and Jérôme Aguirre, Director, Mouton Cadet Wines, about their Fair for Life program. You can find the wines we discussed […]
What are 4 terrific wines to celebrate Canada Day?
Canada Day is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of something truly Canadian. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! And what a week to raise a glass. Let’s start on the East Coast. Nova Scotia has been making a name for itself as a wine region. What makes it special? Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coastline is […]
Can You Get Wine From Coast to Coast for Canada Day? Yes and No
Canada Day is almost here. For the first time, some provinces are shipping wine to each other directly. Joining us for an update and a few BC bottles to celebrate is editor of the country’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! You know, for years Canadians couldn’t ship wine across provincial borders, but this year, some of those barriers are finally coming down. What we have is a patchwork. Ontario and Nova Scotia now have a deal to ship to each other as do Alberta and BC. But […]
5 World Class Sips for FIFA Watch Parties and Father’s Day
The World Cup kicked off this week, and with 48 nations competing, every match is a reason to celebrate. We’re raising a glass for every goal and pairing the world’s most iconic drinks with the teams that love them. We’re going on a global tasting tour, no passport required. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie! Great to be back with you! I’ve been warming up for this segment beside the bench, so let’s play ball! You’re right that with […]
Pairing 5 Seriously Great Drinks with Dad Jokes for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is this Sunday, so we’re pairing great gift wines and spirits with something we all secretly love: dad jokes. Even though the drinks are seriously good, we can still have fun dad-style. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! You know, I just heard that the dad who invented autocorrect has died. May he restaurant in peace. I’m here all week, folks 😉 Let’s start with the first pairing. Tell us about […]
Soil, Soul, and the Sacred Cup: Wine in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament with Mark Scarlata
Introduction How did wine transform biblical meals into symbols of the covenant in the ancient world? Why did overflowing vineyards and giant clusters of grapes become such powerful symbols of the Promised Land? Why did religious leaders label Jesus a glutton, a drunkard, and a friend of sinners? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Professor Mark Scarlata, author of Wine, Soil, and Salvation in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this […]
The Best Drinks for World Cup Watch Party & Father’s Day
Canada is hosting the FIFA World Cup and Father’s Day lands right in the middle of it, so that calls for a serious upgrade to your watch party drinks. We’re talking spritzes, sparkling cocktails, ready-to-drink crowd-pleasers, and a crisp Canadian lager that’s practically made for tournament season. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! We have a double header this week with the FIFA World Cup and Father’s Day. It’s that glorious confluence of athletic excellence and your […]
