Lambrusco is often celebrated for its joyful sparkle, its ruby-red effervescence that turns every meal into a party. But Casali Viticultori has given this lively wine a sultry alter ego: Pra di Bosso Noir. This isn’t Lambrusco as you know it — it’s Lambrusco with a darker, more mysterious edge. The inspiration behind Noir lies in a grape that usually plays a supporting role: Ancellotta. Often blended quietly into Lambrusco for colour, Ancellotta rarely gets the spotlight. Casali, never one to shy away from innovation, decided to showcase it in a starring role. The result is a Lambrusco […]
Author: Natalie MacLean
Pra di Bosso: The Lambrusco That Redefined Reggio Emilia
When you think of Italy’s great wine regions, your mind may dart straight to Tuscany’s Chianti or Piedmont’s Barolo. But in the fertile plains and gentle hills of Reggio Emilia, there’s a red sparkler that has been stealing hearts for generations: Lambrusco Reggiano. And few producers embody its spirit quite like Casali Viticultori. Pra di Bosso isn’t just a wine; it’s a landmark in Lambrusco history. Born in the early 1980s, it was the first single-vineyard Lambrusco in the region — a bold move in a time when most Lambrusco was made in blends. Its name, which translates […]
5 Best Wines and Spirits for Fall Sipping
As the weather cools down, we start craving our favourite comfort foods—and of course, the perfect drink to go with them. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! I love our topic today probably because I find most drinks very comforting. They’re like a warm liquid hug for your taste buds. Terrific! Where are we starting? Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum Venezuela Rum always makes me think of comfort by a crackling fire, big […]
650 Ontario VQA Wines in the LCBO This Fall: Fine a New Wine to Love
Forget pumpkin spice—fall’s real MVP is in your wine glass. Ontario VQA wines that don’t just taste great, they absolutely “crush” it this season. Who better to help us pick the best than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! You know, when people say sweater weather, I hear cellar weather. With more than 650 Ontario VQA wines hitting LCBO shelves, the biggest selection ever, so there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget. Supporting local has never been easier or […]
Why Should You Try Brazil’s Serra Gaucha Wines and Visit This Stunning Region?
Introduction Why is Serra Gaúcha the best place to start exploring Brazilian wine and what does this stunning region look like if you want to visit? Which grape varieties thrive in Brazil and have any unique varieties been successful? What’s happening with wine culture in Brazil? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Tufi Meyer, author of the terrific new book, Wines of Brazil. You don’t need to have listened to part one from last week first, but if you missed it, go back and have a listen after you finish this one. You can find the […]
Pra di Bosso Secco Is History in a Glass
Notes of violet and rose, flavors of plum and cherry, an Emilian soul: Pra di Bosso Secco is our history in a glass.
Scandiano Vineyards are a Continuous Dialogue Between Land and Passion
Our history is reflected in the vineyards of Scandiano, ready to be told in every glass. A continuous dialogue between land and passion.
Best LCBO Wine Reviews: Vintages Ratings: September 13, 2025
You can access the wines that I reviewed as a text wine list with my complete tasting notes, scores, food matches. If you are a Paid Member, you can add my wine picks to your custom shopping list with one click and access that list on your smartphone to find the stock for each wine in your closest LCBO store. You can also see my wine reviews for August 30th These are just some of the benefits of supporting our wine community as a Paid Member. Inventory stock numbers are usually posted online a day or two before the release based on the LCBO doing so. Curious about […]
Why are Brazil’s sparkling wines spectacular? Tufi Meyer reveals the answers in Wines of Brazil
Introduction Why are the sparkling wines the most successful wines? What is it about the wines of Brazil, the terroir, that really makes them excel? How does double pruning and winter harvesting help Brazilian vineyards produce higher-quality wines? How did family farming traditions shape Brazil’s wine regions, and what is the crossover between coffee and grape cultivation? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Tufi Meyer, author of the new book Wines of Brazil. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Tufi […]
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 […]
