Introduction Why You Can’t Buy Switzerland’s Exceptional Wines Abroad? Why does Switzerland grow so many grape varieties, and which ones are the key players that define the country’s wine regions? What makes high-altitude wine regions uniquely capable of producing wines that balance great concentration without being too heavy? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Simon Hardy, author of The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to Switzerland. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Simon Hardy’s terrific new book, The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide to […]
Food & Wine Pairing
5 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings That Make The Season Brighter (and Tastier)
The holidays are here, which means it’s time to elevate your entertaining game! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or bringing a dish to share, one pairing never fails to impress: wine and cheese. But with so many options, how do you create combinations that truly wow your guests? Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! The beautiful thing about wine and cheese is that even mistakes taste great. Like, “Oh no, I accidentally paired […]
Why did Cha McCoy create her own flavour wheel rather than rely on traditional wine-tasting vocabulary?
Introduction Why do certain spices and dishes show up far from their origins, and how can tracing these cultural “foodways” change the way we think about wine and food pairing? Why did Cha create her own flavour wheel rather than rely on traditional wine-tasting vocabulary? How can expanding your flavour vocabulary through travel, food, and culture help us describe wine in ways that feel relatable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Cha McCoy, author of the new book Wine Pairing for the People. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three […]
Why Are Most Wine Pairing Rules Wrong for Global Cuisine? Cha McCoy Reveals What Really Works
Introduction How can you pair wine with spicy dishes in a way that enhances their flavour profile? Why do most wine-pairing guides ignore the traditions of global cuisines? How can you use wine pairings to explore under-the-radar wine regions instead of reaching for the same rosé or sparkling wine every time? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Cha McCoy, author of the terrific new book Wine Pairing for the People. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Cha McCoy’s terrific new book, Wine […]
Why Does the Term “Mocktail” for Zero Proof Non-Alcoholic Drinks Offend Many Bartenders?
Introduction Are high-end non-alcoholic drinks worth the price? What is the bartender’s secret to great citrus-based cocktails like Margaritas or Mimosas? How do bartenders redefine a crafted cocktail without alcohol? Why does the term “Mocktail” for zero-proof non-alcoholic drinks offend many bartenders? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Elva Ramirez, author of the award-winning books Sparkling and Zero Proof. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Elva Ramirez’s terrific book, Sparkling: Champagne and Sparkling Cocktails for Any Occasion. How to Win To qualify, […]
What Surprises Did a Magical Dom Pérignon Champagne Tasting of 60 Rare Vintages Reveal? Elva Ramirez Shares Her Story in “Sparkling”
Introduction How did a magical Dom Pérignon Champagne tasting of 60 rare vintages reveal the surprising depth and aging potential of sparkling Rosé? What surprising role did the British play in the discovery of sparkling wine? What makes the Porn Star Martini one of the most crowd-pleasing cocktails? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Elva Ramirez, author of the award-winning books “Sparkling” and “Zero Proof.” You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Elva Ramirez’s terrific book, Sparkling: Champagne and Sparkling Cocktails for Any […]
How Can Carbon Offsetting Claims in the Wine Industry Be a Form of Greenwashing?
Introduction How can carbon offsetting claims in the wine industry be a form of greenwashing? How does the natural fermentation process in winemaking create one of the most concentrated sources of CO₂ emissions in any industry? Can yeast selection and fermentation techniques make winemaking more sustainable? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Andrew Neather & Jane Masters. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Andrew Neather & Jane Masters’ terrific new book, Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine. How to […]
Which 5 Wines Taste Like the Harvest Around the World This Fall?
Welcome back! As the seasons change, so do our palettes. And with the cooler weather settling in, it’s the perfect time to switch up your wines! Here with her favourite picks for fall is the editor of Canada’s largest wine review website, Natalie MacLean! Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you, ladies! Fall wine season is my Super Bowl, but with better drinks and snacks. What do you consider when you’re recommending wines for the fall? Fall is all about transition and comfort. I look for wines that can shift from patio […]
Have you joined the Come Over October wine movement yet?
Come Over October is a new global movement founded by Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible. It invites us to create unforgettable moments with the people who matter most over a glass of wine or two. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! You know, Come Over October is proof that the best things in life aren’t downloaded, they’re uncorked. This movement celebrates wine’s 8,000-year history of bringing people together. Our ancestors didn’t need […]
Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine with Andy Neather and Jane Masters
Introduction How can the wine world help tackle climate change, and why is choosing sustainable and biodynamic wines not enough? What happens when vineyards embrace biodiversity with cover crops, insects, and wildlife? How are wine producers in South Africa rebuilding natural ecosystems around their vineyards? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Andrew Neather & Jane Masters. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Andrew Neather & Jane Masters’ terrific new book, Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine. How to Win […]
