Lambrusco, the Misunderstood Red Sparkling
One of my favorite memories of drinking Lambrusco happened many years ago during Vinitaly. After a busy morning of tasting Brunellos and Proseccos, we left the show early and headed for lunch on a sunny patio in Verona’s centro storico. As plates of culatello (cured ham from Parma) and bottles of chilled, frothy Lambrusco kept
An Introduction: The Best Tuscan Wines
Italy is the biggest wine producer in the world. Although the country’s winemaking history dates back over 4,000 years it is only in the forty years that it has become wildly popular worldwide. Tuscany plays a very important role in Italy’s wine culture, both past and present. It is the second largest producing wine region
What Is Tempranillo? An Insightful Guide
Examining This Spanish Grape: The History Of Tempranillo Tempranillo is the quintessential Spanish grape. The third most planted varietal in the world, it is most famous as being the primary grape of Rioja reds where it is blended with a bit of Graciano, Mazuelo or Garnacha. Originating in the Iberian Peninsula, it dates to at
Top Ontario Restaurants To Order Wine & Food From Right Now
While all industries are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant and hospitality industry certainly has been one of the hardest hit since the beginning of this crisis. According to the latest news reports, social distancing restrictions in Ontario will be effect until potentially halfway through the summer season. Yet, there is still
What is the Best Closure, Cork or Screw Cap?
What is the Best Closure, Cork or Screw Cap? We were recently part of an interesting experiment in our office. With considerable foresight, two New Zealand producers had bottled their 2002 Sauvignon Blanc under both cork and screwcap and tucked them away in the cellar. Eighteen years later we were able to see what the
Wine in Vienna – A Streetcar to the Vineyard
Wine in Vienna – A Streetcar to the Vineyard We were lucky enough to be in Austria for an extended weekend last September to explore wine in Vienna. On a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, we decided to visit our friend, winemaker Alex Zahel at his winery in the 19th district. From our Airbnb in the
What Makes Napa Valley So Special?
What Makes Napa Valley So Special Sunshine, warmth, elegance, and opulence. These are words that come to mind when describing Napa Valley, what many consider to be one of the world’s greatest wine producing regions. What makes Napa so unique? Location, climate and terroir: mountains, benchlands and valley floors, diurnal temperature swings, fog and marine
A How-To Guide To Decanting Wine
All wine connoisseurs will have heard of the term ‘decant’ and it is not unusual to see a sommelier in a fine dining restaurant decanting a bottle of wine before serving to a table. However, many are still unaware as to what this process is or why it is carried out. Below, we walk you
Why You Should Consider Ordering From A Wine Agent Online
Looking To Buy Wine Online? Purchasing wine online from a wine agent is becoming very popular among many in Ontario and across Canada. And for good reason; if you are looking for new options to purchase wine by the case, using an online wine agent can be a great choice for you. While a lot
Natural Wine: What Is It?
Natural wine isn’t a new concept. In fact, it has been around for thousands of years. It is only recently that this phenomenon has become trendy and passionately followed by many restaurateurs and wine aficionados. This movement is thought to have begun in rural France where a community of winemakers chose to farm organically. In
The Best California Wine Regions To Add To Your Travel List
California: The Home Of Sunshine & Decadent Wine California – home of the Sunshine State, legendary beaches, exceptional national parks and some of the best American wine available on the market. When it comes to describing this U.S state, most individuals would usually say that the words relaxed and easy-going immediately come to mind. While