Why did Mouton Cadet, Bordeaux, decide that sustainability needed to include people, not just the environment?

Introduction Why did the Bordeaux wine Mouton Cadet decide that sustainability needed to include people, not just the environment? Why is the Fair for Life certification that’s focused on people, community, and respect the environment a perfect fit for Mouton Cadet? What does it mean to create trust with more than 100 grape growers that lasts for generations? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Véronique Hombroekx, the Managing Director for the Mouton Cadet Brand and Jérôme Aguirre, Director, Mouton Cadet Wines, about their Fair for Life program. You can find the wines we discussed […]

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What are 4 terrific wines to celebrate Canada Day?

  Canada Day is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of something truly Canadian.   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! And what a week to raise a glass.   Let’s start on the East Coast. Nova Scotia has been making a name for itself as a wine region. What makes it special?         Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada         Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coastline is […]

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Can You Get Wine From Coast to Coast for Canada Day? Yes and No

  Canada Day is almost here. For the first time, some provinces are shipping wine to each other directly. Joining us for an update and a few BC bottles to celebrate is editor of the country’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com.   Welcome, Natalie.   Great to be back with you! You know, for years Canadians couldn’t ship wine across provincial borders, but this year, some of those barriers are finally coming down.   What we have is a patchwork. Ontario and Nova Scotia now have a deal to ship to each other as do Alberta and BC. But […]

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5 World Class Sips for FIFA Watch Parties and Father’s Day

  The World Cup kicked off this week, and with 48 nations competing, every match is a reason to celebrate. We’re raising a glass for every goal and pairing the world’s most iconic drinks with the teams that love them. We’re going on a global tasting tour, no passport required.   Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie!   Great to be back with you! I’ve been warming up for this segment beside the bench, so let’s play ball!   You’re right that with […]

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Pairing 5 Seriously Great Drinks with Dad Jokes for Father’s Day

  Father’s Day is this Sunday, so we’re pairing great gift wines and spirits with something we all secretly love: dad jokes. Even though the drinks are seriously good, we can still have fun dad-style.   Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks site at nataliemaclean.com.   Welcome, Natalie.   Great to be back with you! You know, I just heard that the dad who invented autocorrect has died. May he restaurant in peace. I’m here all week, folks 😉   Let’s start with the first pairing. Tell us about […]

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Soil, Soul, and the Sacred Cup: Wine in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament with Mark Scarlata

Introduction How did wine transform biblical meals into symbols of the covenant in the ancient world? Why did overflowing vineyards and giant clusters of grapes become such powerful symbols of the Promised Land? Why did religious leaders label Jesus a glutton, a drunkard, and a friend of sinners? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Professor Mark Scarlata, author of Wine, Soil, and Salvation in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. You can find the wines we discussed here.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this […]

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The Best Drinks for World Cup Watch Party & Father’s Day

  Canada is hosting the FIFA World Cup and Father’s Day lands right in the middle of it, so that calls for a serious upgrade to your watch party drinks. We’re talking spritzes, sparkling cocktails, ready-to-drink crowd-pleasers, and a crisp Canadian lager that’s practically made for tournament season.   Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com.   Welcome, Natalie.   Great to be back with you! We have a double header this week with the FIFA World Cup and Father’s Day. It’s that glorious confluence of athletic excellence and your […]

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Why does wine play a central role in the Bible and our culture, symbolizing abundance and joy, and not other food or drink? Dr. Mark Scarlata shares the story

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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