When you think of Italy’s sparkling wines, your mind might go straight to Prosecco. But decades before the world fell in love with Prosecco, the Casali family of Reggio Emilia was already experimenting with a more ambitious idea: bringing the secrets of Champagne home to Lambrusco country. In the 1970s, Casali made a bold journey to Reims, the beating heart of Champagne, to study the art of méthode traditionnelle — bottle-fermented sparkling wine. It was a daring move for a family rooted in Lambrusco production, but curiosity has always been their hallmark. That trip planted the seeds […]
Spergola: Emilia’s Forgotten White Grape Returns
When people think of Emilia-Romagna, they picture red: Lambrusco’s jewel tones in sparkling glasses, poured alongside platters of prosciutto and Parmigiano. But Casali Viticultori has another treasure up its sleeve, one that whispers of history and carries the elegance of a pearl: Spergola. This ancient white grape has roots reaching back to the 15th century, when Bianca Cappello, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, mentioned it in her writings. For centuries it quietly flourished in the hills of Scandiano and Canossa, only to nearly vanish in the wave of modern plantings. Casali stepped in as the first major producer to […]
Pra di Bosso Noir: Lambrusco’s Darkly Romantic Side
Lambrusco is often celebrated for its joyful sparkle, its ruby-red effervescence that turns every meal into a party. But Casali Viticultori has given this lively wine a sultry alter ego: Pra di Bosso Noir. This isn’t Lambrusco as you know it — it’s Lambrusco with a darker, more mysterious edge. The inspiration behind Noir lies in a grape that usually plays a supporting role: Ancellotta. Often blended quietly into Lambrusco for colour, Ancellotta rarely gets the spotlight. Casali, never one to shy away from innovation, decided to showcase it in a starring role. The result is a Lambrusco […]
Pra di Bosso: The Lambrusco That Redefined Reggio Emilia
When you think of Italy’s great wine regions, your mind may dart straight to Tuscany’s Chianti or Piedmont’s Barolo. But in the fertile plains and gentle hills of Reggio Emilia, there’s a red sparkler that has been stealing hearts for generations: Lambrusco Reggiano. And few producers embody its spirit quite like Casali Viticultori. Pra di Bosso isn’t just a wine; it’s a landmark in Lambrusco history. Born in the early 1980s, it was the first single-vineyard Lambrusco in the region — a bold move in a time when most Lambrusco was made in blends. Its name, which translates […]
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 […]
Pra di Bosso Secco Is History in a Glass
Notes of violet and rose, flavors of plum and cherry, an Emilian soul: Pra di Bosso Secco is our history in a glass.
Scandiano Vineyards are a Continuous Dialogue Between Land and Passion
Our history is reflected in the vineyards of Scandiano, ready to be told in every glass. A continuous dialogue between land and passion.
Best LCBO Wine Reviews: Vintages Ratings: September 13, 2025
You can access the wines that I reviewed as a text wine list with my complete tasting notes, scores, food matches. If you are a Paid Member, you can add my wine picks to your custom shopping list with one click and access that list on your smartphone to find the stock for each wine in your closest LCBO store. You can also see my wine reviews for August 30th These are just some of the benefits of supporting our wine community as a Paid Member. Inventory stock numbers are usually posted online a day or two before the release based on the LCBO doing so. Curious about […]
