Introduction How does biking through wine country help you better understand the wines? Why has wine held a unique place in the Bible and our culture when so many other foods like milk, olive oil, honey, dates, and pomegranates symbolize abundance and blessing? How do the aromas and complexity of wine create such deep connections to memory in the brain? Why do so many people feel disconnected in modern life despite being more connected than ever? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Professor Mark Scarlata, author of the new book Wine, Soil, and Salvation […]
What makes a well-made Mint Julep Cocktail much more complex than you expect? James Chatto reveals the secret
Introduction What makes a properly made mint julep much more complex than people expect? How did an Indian revolutionary leader end up creating one of Japan’s most famous curry recipes? How did a recipe collected during a 1930s concert tour in Indonesia become the legendary Queen Mother’s Cake, different from every other chocolate cake you’ve ever had? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with James Chatto, co-author of the terrific new book Acquired Tastes: The Lives and Recipes of Eight Culinary Ambassadors. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are […]
Acquired Tastes: The Lives and Recipes of Eight Culinary Ambassadors with James Chatto
Introduction What did lasagna taste like in Renaissance Italy before tomatoes and ragù became standard? Why are some of Thailand’s most iconic royal desserts rooted in Portuguese convent recipes? How did a chance conversation at dinner unexpectedly unlock hidden pieces of food history? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with James Chatto, co-author of the terrific new book Acquired Tastes: The Lives and Recipes of Eight Culinary Ambassadors. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of James Chatto’s new book, Acquired Tastes: The Lives […]
Barbecue Wines for Father’s Day: Best Bottles for Grilled Grub
On CTV’s The Social, we chat about great wines for BBQ fare on Father’s Day. Nat, some dads are just not wine guys, they’re more beer guys. But are you saying these selections you’ve brought today can change that? It’s mostly a perception that wine is for fancier occasions than beer, but that’s just not true. Anytime you think of having a beer, you can probably substitute it with a bubbly. I’m not talking Champagne, but value-priced sparkling wines from other regions. They’re both frothy and fun, like our first wine here. Great segue! Tell us about the first […]
What’s The Difference Between Drinking For Pleasure And Drinking For Relief? Dr. Charles Knowles Reveals The Difference
Introduction What’s the difference between drinking for pleasure and drinking for relief? How does your body’s early reaction to alcohol predict your long-term risk of developing alcohol dependence? How do some people drink heavily for years without developing the same dependence that others struggle to escape? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Dr. Charles Knowles, author of Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Charles Knowles’ new book, Why We Drink […]
Wine’s Salad Daze: The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Wine and Vegetables
On CTV’s Your Morning Yesterday, the network’s national breakfast show, we paired wine with vegetables and spring produce. Click the video above to watch. Intro Pairing red wine with a steak is easy, but can you drink that same wine with fresh spring produce, like asparagus or artichokes? Here to tell us how to pair wine with veggies and salads is Natalie MacLean, the editor of Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome Natalie Station 1 Host: Natalie, why are vegetables harder to pair with wine than say […]
Why is moderation easy for some people, yet impossible for others? Dr. Charles Explains In Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol
Introduction What can your first experiences with alcohol tell you about the relationship you’ll have with it later in life? Are we fighting with our own biology when it comes to alcohol? Why is moderation impossible for some people? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Dr. Charles Knowles, author of Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Charles Knowles’ new book, Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol. […]
Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Venezia DOC Spumante Rosé: The Wine of Poets
Iconic Italian Wine We’re pairing Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti with “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s a celebration of la dolce vita, the Italian good life, especially through food and drink. This wine’s name, Il Vino dei Poeti, means “The Wine of Poets,” a tribute to artists who expressed the joy of life, much like Elizabeth finds her spark again over a perfect meal. This iconic Italian rosé sparkling wine is one of the most recognizable wines in the Bottega portfolio, appreciated for its freshness, elegance, and visual appeal. Crafted by Bottega, […]
Books and Bottles: 5 Perfect Pairings to Gift Mom This Mother’s Day
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. And whether you were raised by a mother or another remarkable woman who shaped your life, you may be looking for a gift that goes beyond the usual flowers and chocolates. We’ve got you covered. Today, we’re pairing bottles and books for a thoughtful gift she’ll remember. 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! Now if Mom says she doesn’t want a gift this Sunday, she is testing you. It is a trap! […]
Uncorking Mom’s Best Advice with 5 Perfect Wines For Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to raise a glass to the woman who shaped us. For some, that’s mom. For others, it’s an aunt, a grandmother, a mentor, or a cherished friend. Whoever she is, today we honour her. Today, we’re bottling up her best advice and pairing each pearl of wisdom with a wine that was made to deliver it. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! As a mom myself, […]
