Introduction How does the biggest misconception about Spanish wine make it a hidden gem for wine lovers? How did Spain’s civil war and period of dictatorship delay the growth of its wine culture? What makes the vineyards of Priorat challenging to walk and unforgettable to visit? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Sarah Jane Evans, author of the terrific new book The Wines of Central and Southern Spain: From Catalunya to Cadiz. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Sarah Jane Evans’ wonderful […]
Wine Articles
How Much of Wine’s Taste Is Shaped By Psychology? Dr. Alex Maltman Reveals The Surprising Evidence
Introduction How much of what we perceive about the taste of wine is actually shaped by psychology? Are vineyard soils important contributors to a wine’s tasting profile? Why do so many wine producers highlight their soils as a unique factor that makes their wines stand out? Where do the “minerals” we taste in wine originate from? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Dr. Alex Maltman, author of the new book Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate: A Geologist Wanders Through the World of Wine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you […]
Why is Geology Essential for Vineyard Management but Overrated When It Comes to Wine Taste? Dr. Alex Maltman Shares Soil Secrets
Introduction Why is geology essential for vineyard management but overrated when it comes to wine taste? Do soils get too much credit for wine flavour, when invisible factors might be the real drivers? What does “minerality” in wine really mean? Rock, nutrient, or just taste perception? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Alex Maltman, author of the terrific new book, Taste the Limestone, Smell the Slate. A Geologist Wanders Through the World of Wine. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Alex Maltman’s […]
What makes these wines and whiskies perfect for fall?
Fall is here and with it comes cozy nights, hearty comfort foods, and the perfect excuse to explore some fantastic wines and spirits that capture the season’s essence. 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! Fall is like nature’s fashion week: the leaves are strutting their colours and these wines and whiskies are also working the runway on our dinner table. They’re ready to steal the show. From alcohol-free celebrations to bold spirits that warm […]
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 […]
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 […]
How do vines thrive in Mount Etna’s rocky, volcanic soils on the island of Sicily?
Introduction How can vines for wine thrive in Mount Etna’s rocky, volcanic soils on the island of Sicily? Mount Etna is a perpetual baby in terms of its vineyard soils; constant rejuvenation of the soil through ash and lava impacts the vine’s health and the resulting grape characteristics. The lava flows are centuries old and vary widely. So, how would a producer choose one flow over another for planting? How does Mount Etna still have pre-phylloxera vines that are over 200 years old? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Ben Spencer, the award-winning author of […]
The Art of Austrian Wine: From Auslese to Zweigelt
By Alana Lapierre If a question on the American game show Jeopardy! showcased the varietes Gruner Veltliner and Blaufrankisch, a contestant would surely respond promptly with, “What are two of Austria’s most well-known varieties?” They’d be correct of course, but that answer would also belie the great depth and variety of Austria’s terroir, one that I had the pleasure of tasting through following Austrian Wine’s June 2021 Ontario online tasting event that included wine samples, public seminars, and private video meetings with winemakers. Austria is known mostly for fresh, pure white wines and exceptional value for money in terms […]
