The Secret “5 S” To Enjoy Oysters at Home SELECT. SHUCK. SERVE. SAVOUR. SAUVIGNON BLANC “Oysters, like wine, have a tendency to bring people together, open up conversation, throw inhibitions to the side and make a party unique.” – John Belknap, owner of John & Sons Oyster House S1: SELECT Ten Tips To Select Oysters 1. Buy oysters from a local fish monger and ask for ‘Select’ or ‘Choice’ grade oysters. 2. Look for oysters that are tightly closed. Avoid oysters that have a soft or spongy shell. 3. Choose oysters that are slightly rounded and evenly shaped, with a […]
Sauvignon Blanc
Natural Pacific Rock Oysters with Lemon Recipe Paired with Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc
Natural Pacific Rock Oysters with Lemon Sponsored Post by Nobilo Wines Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc and oysters are one of the true marriages made in heaven! The crisp citrusy flavors found in the Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc work superbly with lightly salty minerality of the oysters. Natural Pacific Rock Oysters with Lemon Ingredients: 12 Rock Oysters Rock Salt Lemon Method: Freshly shuck the oysters and carefully cut the oyster free from the shell. Remove any broken shell, check the oyster is clean. Be careful not to lose any of the natural juices. Serve 12 oysters on a bed […]
Surprising Pairings for Villa Maria Wines from Antipasto to Steak
Canada’s top wine writers and sommeliers gathered in the nation’s capital for a comprehensive tasting of Villa Maria wines from New Zealand. Terry Jeans Wine Writer, Ottawa Wine Guide What an elaborate tasting! We had the chance to have an amazing tasting with one of the viticulturists from Villa Maria– Ollie Powrie, who presented us with an insightful session of tasting over a dozen wines from one of the only New Zealand owned and family operated wineries. Founded and owned by the venerated Sir George Fistonich, a real icon of the wine industry, who has been part of […]
Are Expensive Wines Always Better? Are Screwcap Wines Always Plonk? Busting 7 Sacred Wine Myths
On CityTV’s Breakfast Television, we chat about six wines in three different price ranges, all of which offer terrific value: Dr. L Riesling, Torres Syrah, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Wente Cabernet, Burrowing Owl Chardonnay, Masi Amarone. Insider tip: go south for better bargains, such as Sicily in Italy rather than Tuscany or Provence rather than Bordeaux in France. They taste twice as expensive as they cost! Meanwhile, Canadian Press (CP) published this story below this week in newspapers across the country … Putting a cork in wine myths December 15, 2016 Everyone who really enjoys wine […]
Win $500 Wine Pack with Casas del Bosque Wines on Instagram
Enter the #hotandcool Photo Contest to Win a $500 Wine Pack Featuring the wines of Casas del Bosque, Chile Some like their wines from cool regions and others like them hot. From the vibrant tropical and citrus notes of Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc (Cool Casablanca Valley) to the dark fruit, chocolate and cooking spice flavours of the Casas del Bosque Reserva Carmenère (Hot Rapel Valley), these wines suit your every mood. What do I win? The grand prize winner of this contest will receive a $250 gift certificate to the LCBO and matching his and her Casas del Bosque […]
Miguel Torres Chilean Wines Focus on Sustainability
By Melissa Pulvermacher During i4C (International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration), I had the opportunity to meet with producers from all around the world. My meeting with Miguel Torres of Chile’s General Manager, Jaime Valderrama was a real treat. In our market, we recognize Torres Chile as the producer of easy-drinking, incredibly affordable wines, but after speaking with Jaime, I now recognize their sustainable initiatives as a major part of who they are. We spoke of the “sustainability strategy”. In our current market, green and health products are in high demand. This does not transcend wine and in fact, the […]
Pairing Wine with 7 Turkey Dishes from Bacon to Turducken
Yesterday, Leanne and I chatted about great wine with Thanksgiving turkey on CTV. We started with “basic” roast turkey, but went way beyond with citrus and Cajun turkey, and even that oddity turducken. Click on the arrow above to play the video. You can also watch our second chat about pairing wine with turkey left-overs from turkey tetrazzini to (oh yes) turkey pizza! Roast Turkey Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy Wits End Luna Shiraz Mclaren Vale, South Australia, […]
Chilean Cool Climate Wines at Casas del Bosque Have Historic Roots
Canada’s top wine writers and sommeliers gathered in our nation’s capital recently for a tasting of Casas del Bosque Chilean wines with head winemaker, Grant Phelps. Grant’s presentation style is a perfect blend of wit and education. Monique Sosa Wine Columnist, Ottawa Family Living Magazine Have you ever met someone when, after hearing them speak for like five minutes, you think, “What a smart dude, and funny too!” Imagine meeting a winemaker like that. It sure made a portfolio of wine tasting both refreshing and fun. Our group of Ottawa-based sommeliers and wine writers got a real treat meeting Casas del Bosque’s […]
Kim Crawford Wines: Blending Passion and Place
In the video above, Kim Crawford Winemaker Anthony Walkenhorst explains how blending works at the winery as we try our own hand at it. Canada’s top wine writers and sommeliers met in our nation’s capital recently for a fascinating tasting, and blending exercise, with Kim Crawford wines. Jennifer MacDonald Havers Wine Columnist, Ottawa Citizen Upon entering a beautiful dining room at Courtyard restaurant, our group knew our tasting with Kim Crawford wines was going to be a unique experience. A huge table set with multiple glasses, all but one at each setting containing a sample of […]
A Tale of Two Niagara Wineries: Ravine Wines Have Deep Roots
By Trish Kroeger As a relatively new lifestyle and travel photographer, the opportunities I’m about to embark on while visiting far away destinations and delightful wineries will undoubtedly be the envy of many wine connoisseurs. Luckily for me as a proud Canadian, I will never have to venture too far away from home to experience the thrill of visiting world class wineries and meeting passionate and inspirational people along the way. So it made perfect sense to me, with the imminent end of summer fast approaching, that I grab my camera and head off to the most picturesque place I […]
