Introduction What makes Sangiovese a difficult wine to grow and make? Why should you pay attention to the white wines of Tuscany? What do you need to know about Tuscany’s Vin Santo? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Susan Keevil You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Tales from the Heart of Italy. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and let me know that you’ve posted […]
Wine Articles
Biodynamic v Organic Winemaking – Southbrook’s Ann Sperling Video
In this video below with Southbrook Vineyards’ winemaker Ann Sperling, we chat about biodynamic and organic winemaking. (What’s with burying cow’s horns, witchcraft and astrology?) Also: – can you taste the difference in the wine? – why take this approach and is it difficult and expensive to do in a cool climate like Ontario? Here are my Top 20 Organic Wines for Earth Day April 22, and year round. When Ann Sperling was a child, she had a miniature version of every farm tool—a child-sized hoe, shovel and so on so that she could help with almost […]
Wine Witch on Fire Calls Out Sexist Wine Marketing on CTV’s The Social
Editor’s Note: You’ll find more media coverage for the book here. Our next guest as The Social’s resident wine expert but today she’s here in a different capacity, as an author! Her deeply personal memoir “Wine Witch on Fire” is about divorce, defamation, and drinking too much. Please join us in welcoming Natalie MacLean back to the show! Nat, we want to start with a toast to say congratulations on the book! We’ve all got a little bubbly, mine is non-alcoholic, so let’s do a cheers to you! Thank you so much, it’s great to […]
On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Tales from the Heart of Italy with Susan Keevil
Introduction How was Brunello discovered? How did the medieval sharecropping system help to shape Tuscany’s wine landscape? What’s the origin of the iconic black rooster symbol of Chianti Classico? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Susan Keevil, editor of the beautiful hardcover On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Tales from the Heart of Italy. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Tales from the Heart of Italy. How to Win To qualify, all […]
What do Famille Perrin, Torres and Gaja Wines Have in Common that Makes Them Uncommon? Fiona Morrison Goes Behind the Scenes of These Family Businesses
Introduction What is unique about Famille Perrin in France’s approach to running their family wine business? How do traditional wine families differentiate their brands and market their wines in a crowded marketplace? How has the Gaja family of Italy made significant contributions to winemaking and the Piemonte community? What is unique about Famille Perrin in France’s approach to running their family wine business? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Fiona Morrison You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, 10 Great Wine […]
8 Best Wines for St. Patrick’s Day + Irish Food Pairings (Video)
St. Patrick’s Day is often celebrated with a pint or two, but what if you love wine? On CTV News, we chat about the best pairings for Irish food and classic dishes. Is there a wine that pairs with corned beef and cabbage? This begs the question: Can we skip the corned beef and cabbage and just have wine? My Irish grandmother is probably turning over in her grave. Traditional matches for this meal usually include Irish stout, like Guinness. But what about wine? Corned beef is salty and cabbage can be skunky, so you’ll avoid those wines […]
Top 10 Green Wine & Food Matches for St. Patrick’s Day
Which wines go best with the “green food” that we’ll enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day, such as corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew? How about those fresh spring vegetables that will soon be on our plates? Which wines go best with the “green food” that we’ll enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day, such as corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew? How about those fresh spring vegetables that will soon be on our plates? Green foods are the problem children of the wine world. But as a stubborn hedonist whose grandmother’s name was Brophy, I’ve found some terrific wines to […]
German Riesling: The World’s Most Versatile, Food-Friendly White Wine Grape
Someone has a big birthday on March 13th. Here to tell us more about that is Natalie MacLean who offers North America’s most popular online wine classes. Welcome Natalie. So who’s celebrating a birthday this Sunday? Although it’s actually a grape, it’s so personable that you’re right to call it someone, Bob ;) The iconic German white wine grape turns 590; it was first written about in 1435. Yet it’s irrepressibly young and vibrant, looking not a day older than 585. What makes German Riesling so special? Riesling is a tough-skinned little […]
Who Are The 10 Great Families of Wine? Fiona Morrison Gives Us A Tour Through Europe
Introduction How do you tame a grape like Merlot which actually has higher sugar and alcohol levels than Cabernet Sauvignon? What’s the little-known history behind the cult wines of Le Pin in Bordeaux that sell for as much as $10,000 a bottle when first released and then go up from there at auction? Why is it an advantage to have many stakeholders in family-owned estates? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Fiona Morrison, author of the terrific book 10 Great Wine Families: A Tour Through Europe. You can find the wines we discussed here. […]
The Best Spring Wines for Sipping on Decks and Docks
Spring has sprung and as we cast off the heavy sweaters and coats, it’s also time to lighten up our wine wardrobe. On CTV News, we chat about what’s in liquid fashion this season. Can you give us a bit of an overview of what trends we’re seeing in the wine world this spring? Everything’s coming up Rosé, Riesling and Pinot Grigio! They’re all wines meant to be consumed young, and I do mean the wines not the people. They’re fresh and lively, perfect for spring and throughout the summer. We’re starting with a German Riesling. Why have […]
