Introduction Would you like to learn more about Austrian wines, especially its iconic grape, Gruner Veltliner? Do you know why this wine is one of the most versatile wines on the planet? Why should an Austrian Heuriger be on your must-visit list? Which Austrian red wine should you try next? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Heidi Fisher Pfaffl who is in charge of business administration and marketing at her family’s winery, Weingut Pfaffl. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights How did the Pfaffl grow from a small farm to […]
Food & Wine Pairing
Video: How to Pair Wine + Quarantine Snacks
Anyone can pair a juicy steak with a Cabernet, but which wines should we drink with our favourite quarantine snacks? On Global Television’s Morning Show, I share my insider tips: What’s the key in terms of flavour, pairing a snack and a wine? Do you want opposite flavour profiles or similar? (ie: creamy snack, creamy wine or creamy snack, acidic wine)? What’s one important thing that people tend to forget when they pick a wine/snack pairing? Okay, let’s dive into these pairings! Which wine do you suggest pairing with pretzels and why? […]
Why are Nova Scotia’s Tidal Bay and L’Acadie Blanc Signature Wines?
Introduction What do you need to know about Nova Scotia’s signature grape, L’Acadie blanc? What is Tidal Bay and why is it Canada’s first stylistic appellation? Why is one Nova Scotia winery burying barrels of wine underground? Which travel tips should you keep in mind when you visit Nova Scotia wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Amy Savoury, a certified sommelier and instructor of culinary and tourism studies at the Nova Scotia Community College. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights Why can you taste many different fruit flavours […]
Father’s Day Gift Wines: Red Wine or Port?
Here are my top two wine picks for Father’s Day in the Ottawa Citizen. Wine writer Natalie recommends two full-bodied wines on her site at www.nataliemaclean.com for Father’s Day. She gives 90 points out of 100 to the Cantina Negrar Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, Veneto, Italy (LCBO No: 44784, $34.95). “It’s a juicy, full-bodied red, loaded with black fruit goodness,” she notes. “There are some fleshy black plum notes that dance along the background yielding to supreme satisfaction, especially for dedicated fathers who attend both ballet recitals and basketball games.” MacLean also gives 90 points to the the Quinta […]
The Use (and Abuse) of Wine Scores with Vino Mike and Pete on That Wine Pod
Introduction How does the 100 point scale make wine scores easier for you to interpret? How can you drink better wines by finding a wine critic whose style you like? How does grade inflation affect you as a wine lover? Why is taking an online wine course often better than an in-person course? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m sharing a conversation I originally had with Pete & Vino Mike on their podcast, That Wine Pod. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights What’s my take on the best wine? Why should you […]
Wine Girl Reveals the Wine World’s Dark Side and Hope for the Future with Sommelier Victoria James
Introduction What’s it like serving wine to celebrities like Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus? How is being a sommelier different when you work at a Michelin-starred restaurant, especially when you’re just 21 years old? Why is the wine world still largely an old boys club and how does that impact the wines you drink? Which shocking ingredients might you find in some non-organic wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Victoria James, author, restauranteur and the youngest person in the world to pass the certified sommelier exam with the Court of Master […]
Niagara Vine Laureate Klaus Reif: Ontario Wine’s Future
Introduction What profound impact does buying your local wine have on your economy? Why will supporting the “Free My Grapes” campaign improve your choice and access to wine? How have Ontario wines changed since the 80s? What are the biggest challenges facing the Canadian wine industry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Klaus Reif of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Reif Winery. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights How is the younger generation of Ontario winemakers impacting the industry? How has the perception of Ontario wines changed since the 80s? What are the four […]
Dr. Laura Catena on Malbec, Wine’s Health Benefits and Winemaking in Argentina
Introduction Have you tasted an Argentine Malbec? Which foods pair best with Malbec? Why is Malbec more like Pinot Noir than Cabernet? What are the health benefits of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Dr. Laura Catena, a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, physician and author. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights How does Laura’s scientific approach to winemaking improve the taste of the Malbecs you drink? What is the significance of the pyramid-style of the Catena winery? Why is Malbec the flagship grape of Argentina? What differences can you see […]
Slow-Basted BBQ Ribeye Recipe Paired with Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon
SLOW-BASTED BBQ RIBEYE Thick-cut boneless ribeyes are seasoned with cocoa, sea salt and ground pepper, then basted in a Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon BBQ sauce for juicy taste and smoky-sweet-savory flavor. PREP TIME: 5 minutes COOK TIME: 15 minutes PORTIONS: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1 beef ribeye steak INGREDIENTS: ½ cup Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon4 12 oz. boneless ribeye steaks½ cup smoky style BBQ sauce2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper2 tsp. sea salt METHOD: Prepare the Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon BBQ sauce: Place Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon and bbq sauce in a mixing bowl and whisk to […]
Orange Wines are Trending with Winemaker Ann Sperling
Introduction What is orange wine? How does fermenting with the stems and leave give you a more complex flavour profile? Can you find orange wine on restaurant wine lists? Which types of food should you pair with orange wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Ann Sperling, winegrower and Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Southbrook Vineyards. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights What is orange wine? How does orange wine give you a glimpse into ancient wines? Why would you see less waste from the winemaking process with orange […]
