One very interesting aspect of the wine tasting profession is the notion of a regional palate. The difference is clear to those who judge at competitions that use tasters from all over the world, or even just from different parts of North America, from east to west coast. There is
In cooler winegrowing areas, one could easily think that the appearance of a warm, dry, sunny vintage would always be greeted with enthusiasm and happiness by winegrowers and winemakers. The reality, however, is more nuanced: very hot years can be as much of a challenge as cool, wet ones. It
2008 was a tough vintage in Ontario: a rainy spring and early summer and, after a bit of a sunny reprieve in July and August, more grey and rainy weather for most of the fall. Obtaining full ripeness and balance in red wines, even for the early ripening pinot noir,
One thing is certain about Natalie MacLean: she can sure spin a yarn. Unquenchable, the latest book by this popular Canadian author with a keen sense of self-promotion and a remarkable level of energy, is full of entertaining stories. For example, there is a hilarious, semi-terrifying car ride with German
In a previous article, here on Palate Press, I wrote just how impressed I’ve been with the sparkling wines from Nova Scotia, in Atlantic Canada. After visiting the province in August, while judging at the Canadian Wine Awards, I discovered many other good bubblies, as well as the Tidal Bay
The relationship between tradition and innovation is not a linear one. Sometimes, it can even go full circle. Take appassimento, for instance, an Italian tradition of partially drying grapes before turning them into wine that is taking hold considerably in Canada’s Niagara region. The appassimento style of winemaking began in
In a previous article, here on Palate Press, I wrote just how impressed I’ve been with the sparkling wines from Nova Scotia, in Atlantic Canada. After visiting the province in August, while judging at the Canadian Wine Awards, I discovered many other good bubblies, as well as the Tidal Bay
Quite an unusual wine from this Okanagan Valley winery : a field blend of grenache, viognier and marsanne, pressed together and fermented together in oak barrels, thus creating an unusual, largely blanc de noirs, white wine. Coming from a cool vintage, it has an edgy, vibrant touch, combining the aromatics of