Info Cellar

High Praise for Montepeloso’s 2018s

Peter Wearing Uncategorized April 20, 2021February 9, 2021

High Praise for Montepeloso’s 2018s Under the direction of owner Fabio Chiarelotto, Montepeloso has established itself as one of Tuscany’s most exciting estates. For the last 20 years, Fabio has strived to produce wines with elegance and finesse, qualities difficult to achieve in the hot climate of Suvereto on the Tuscan coast. Slowly, Chiarelotto is receiving the rewards of his passion. The buzz that has been spreading through Europe over the past few years has leapt the Atlantic. A …

Discovering the Gewurztraminer White Wine Grape

Peter Wearing Featured September 10, 2021

An image of a woman holding a glass of white wine

Gewurztraminer is a unique white wine varietal that is cherished by wine enthusiasts all over the world. Known for its intense floral aromas and different styles, this aromatic grape is the perfect addition to any wine collection. Below, we unveil the mystery of the gewurztraminer grape including its origin, tasting notes, and more. Origins of Gewurztraminer: A Noble Alsace Grape While many researchers are unsure of the exact origins of the gewurztraminer grape, Alsace is this grape varietal’s spiritual home. …

Grenache: Understanding This Underrated Red Grape Varietal

Peter Wearing Featured September 10, 2021

An image of two glasses of red wine and a cheese plate

This thin-skinned red grape varietal is an unsung hero. Most likely originating in the region of Aragón in northern Spain or on the island of Sardinia, it is now mostly grown in France (where it is known as grenache noir) and Spain (where it is called Garnacha). Below, we will introduce you to the Grenache grape including its history, regional characteristics, flavour profile, styles, and more. Understanding Grenache’s History This underrated red grape varietal has a history as rich as …

Wine Tannins: Can You Be Sensitive To Them?

Peter Wearing Featured September 2, 2021

Red wine is known for having high levels of wine tannins which isn’t good news if you have a wine tannin sensitivity. However, there are low-tannin wines that you can still enjoy.

Can You Have An Intolerance to Wine Tannins? If you can’t happily sip a glass of Merlot for an evening without experiencing unpleasant side effects, then it may be an indication that you have a sensitivity to wine tannins. Similar to other allergies, people can be just as intolerant to wine as they are to gluten, peanuts or pollen. In fact, having a sensitivity to alcohol is very common with approximately 9% of women and 5% of men experiencing it …

A Guide to Pairing Wine With Salmon

Peter Wearing Featured September 2, 2021August 24, 2021

An image of a seasoned salmon sharing plate.

As we are right in the middle of the typical August heatwave, many favour lighter meals such as fish or salads. One particular favourite is salmon. This luscious, fatty, meatier fish has the flavours and textures to pair with many wines, even reds. Salmon in many ways is an extremely versatile fish. It can be served as a refreshing entree or as an equally delicious main course. For many wine lovers, their first thought is to pair this with a …

Sancerre Wine: A Great French White Wine

Peter Wearing Featured September 2, 2021August 24, 2021

An image of two individuals enjoying a glass of Sancerre wine

Sancerre, a medieval town located in the Upper Loire has become home to one of the most notable and praised examples of Sauvignon Blanc. A classic French white wine, Sancerre offers wine lovers a delectable wine experience full of grassy and herbaceous aromas along with pronounced citrus flavours. Below, we’ll guide you through the history of this white wine, its tasting profile, and much more. The History and Origins of Sancerre Many wine enthusiasts often ask the question: “What is …

Rosé Wine: Best Food Pairings for This Refreshing Wine

Peter Wearing Featured, Grape Profiles September 2, 2021August 9, 2021

An image of two women enjoying a glass of rosé wine

Rosé wine is crisp and oh so refreshing and is a popular wine choice during the summer months. One fun way to quench your summer thirst is with a vibrant and fruit-forward glass of rosé. Made with red wine grapes such as the popular varietals Grenache, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or Franc, Sangiovese etc., this pink-hued wine is produced all over the globe. However, when it comes to selecting a rosé wine, some considerations should be kept in mind. Rosé …

Top 4 Canadian Wine Regions to Put On Your Travel List

Peter Wearing Featured, Regional Profiles September 2, 2021August 9, 2021

An image of a group of friends enjoying glasses of Canadian wine

Canada is home to more than just maple syrup and ice hockey. It also holds its own when it comes to high-quality wine production. While many know Canada for its ice wine, there are numerous regions across the country that make other styles of wine deserving of equal admiration for their passionate and long-standing winemaking traditions. This article will list the top Canadian wine regions that wine enthusiasts should consider for their next wine trip or tasting. Discovering Canadian Wine: …

The Ultimate Guide to Sangiovese: A Classic Tuscan Grape

Peter Wearing Featured, Grape Profiles June 25, 2021

A woman holding a glass of Sangiovese blended red wine.

Known as the grape varietal at the heart of Italy, Sangiovese is Italy’s most widely planted red wine grape. A dominant element of many classic Italian wines, especially Chianti, this grape varietal holds a special place in the hearts of Italian winemakers. As a clear protagonist on the world’s wine stage, our team at Small Winemakers Collection believes that every wine enthusiast should make dedicate time to research and expose themselves to this beloved noble wine. So, without further ado, …

Stellenbosch: Explore South Africa’s Most Loved Wine Region

Peter Wearing Featured, Stellenbosch June 9, 2021June 3, 2021

An image of a grape vineyard surrounded by rolling hills and mountains

South Africa’s most well-known wine region, Stellenbosch is home to some excellent South African wines. Located east of Cape Town, this wine region is one of the oldest and most important wine-producing regions in the country. Below, we will delve deeper into the history of Stellenbosch, its prominent grape varietals, culture, and more. Stellenbosch: South Africa’s Best-Known Secret Stellenbosch is the centre of wine tourism for South Africa. With vineyards on gently rolling hills set amongst the background of granite …

Food and Wine Pairing: Iconic Dishes to Serve with White Wine

Peter Wearing Featured, Wine Pairings May 31, 2021

A glass of white wine served with a crisp, fresh salad

Many wine enthusiasts will agree that a glass of crisp, fresh, zippy white wine can be divine with a large selection of dishes. However, there are some nuances that must be considered when pairing various white wines such as a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc or an oaked Chardonnay. Pairing wine with the right dish can truly elevate your dining experience. Not all foods pair well with all wines. Whether you are at a restaurant or looking to cook something special …