Month: December 2023

Holiday parties are well underway and you may also be wondering which sparkling wines to enjoy at home with family.  Here are two BC wines that you could consider.  One wine is made with the Charmat method (i.e. like prosecco) while the other is made with the Traditional Method, like Champagne.  Let me tell you about these sparkling wines. High…

One of the historical wineries in Italy is Marchesi di Barolo and how they elevated the Nebbiolo grape to the status it now receives around the world.  Read about their history and the wines that they will be pouring at the VanWineFest 2024 below.  The information below comes from the winery. About Marchesi di Barolo Named after our own town,…

This is my sixth year interviewing winemakers or winery principals in Ontario about their latest grape harvest and wine production.  I visited the Niagara-on-the-Lake area in September and heard many positive comments from winemakers about the upcoming harvest season.  Now that it is early December and the wines are all in tanks or barrels, how did the Ontario grape growing…

If you are still thinking about what to do for a New Year’s celebration, Provence Marinaside in Yaletown is offering a fantastic option.  Here is their press release. ~~~~~~~~~~ (Vancouver, BC) – The classic song asks “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” There are so many options out there it’s hard to choose, however one that is worthy of…

Have you heard of Casale del Giglio?  They are an iconic brand located 50km south of Rome that is well known in Rome and Lazio and will be attending VanWineFest 2024.  Of interest is that they are working with the almost forgotten indigenous vines of Lazio.  Below are some questions and answers I received from Elise Rialland at Casale del Giglio.  I’ve tasted their…

Whitehaven Block 11 Barrel Fermented Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (NZ $32) How excellent that the team at Whitehaven have chosen to launch their new Single Vineyard series with the release of a shiny new barrel-fermented sauvignon blanc. Fruit from their Paul’s Road vineyard has been wild fermented and aged for 13 months in old French Oak puncheons before being bottled…

Understanding the terms on Spanish wine labels is crucial for any wine enthusiast looking to fully appreciate the rich diversity of Spanish wines. Spanish wine labels, much like their French counterparts, are laden with terms that convey essential information about the origin, quality, and characteristics of the wine. Mastery of these terms not only enhances one’s ability to make informed…

Embarking on a journey through the world of French wine is a delightful experience, but deciphering the terms on a wine label can be a daunting task. French wines are not only celebrated for their exquisite flavours but also for the intricate classification systems that define their origin and quality. Let me unravel the mystique behind some key terms found…

If you prefer organic wines, and enjoy Chianti Classico, then you should try Il Molino di Grace‘s Il Margone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018.  If the name of the winery sounds familiar, it is because I posted an article about this winery visiting VanWineFest 2024.  My tasting notes below will give you an idea of the quality of their wines. …

If you enjoy sipping fortified wines, such as Port, over the holidays and through the cold winter, I have an option you may want to consider.  BC-made, Rara Avis, an organic, fortified haskap berry wine.  Produced at Kalala Organic Estate Winery for Saraya Natural Products Ltd.  Haskap berries are a group of berries that contain high levels of healthful nutrients,…