The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
108 results across all types
podcast· 39:48· Ep 417Shooting the It: Fracette, Tidal Bay and a Tough Harvest
Michael and André crack a bottle of Hinterland 2021 Blanc de Noirs and settle in for another round of Shooting the It — this time with plenty to say about what’s happening in Canadian wine. First up: Fracette, the new sparkling wine category that uses icewine during production. André questions why the category exists at all, while Michael — who has actually tasted several — isn’t exactly rushing to defend it. From there, they head east to talk Nova Scotia, including Lightfoot & Wolfville, Blomidon and Tidal Bay, before turning back to Ontario and a much tougher subject: the 2026 harvest. With ripeness becoming a serious challenge in some vineyards, they talk about which grapes consistently work here and introduce the “mighty handful” — Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Gamay. They also get into whether VQA needs a second tier for Ontario-grown wine, why difficult vintages shouldn’t automatically be written off, the extreme 2026 harvest conditions in France, and why c
podcast· 48:50· Ep 416Amarone, Appassimento and the Boscaini Family
André and Michael sit down with Giacomo Boscaini, seventh generation of the family behind Masi, to talk Amarone, appassimento and the wines of Valpolicella. They taste through several expressions of Amarone, including Costasera 2020, a five-star 2007 vintage, and the single-vineyard Campolongo di Torbe and Mazzano. Giacomo explains what makes Amarone unique, how the drying process works, and why Masi has been producing single-vineyard wines long before the idea of “cru” became fashionable in the region. The conversation also gets into changing winemaking styles, climate change in Valpolicella, food pairings, and why Amarone belongs at the dinner table rather than being treated only as a “meditation wine.” They finish with Recioto, the traditional sweet wine that actually predates Amarone, before getting Giacomo’s thoughts on the use of appassimento outside Valpolicella — including whether the technique really works with Bordeaux varieties and some of the experiments happening here in O
- podcast· 43:30· Ep 415
Whisky, Al Capone and the Sleeman Family Business
The dog days of summer may be behind us, but André and Michael are already thinking about whisky. This week they’re joined by Cooper Sleeman , General Manager of Spring Mill Distillery in Guelph and part of the family behind one of Canada’s best-known names in beer. Cooper shares the wild history of the Sleeman family — including Prohibition, Al Capone, rum-running and tunnels under Guelph — and explains why the family returned to distilling decades after selling Sleeman Breweries. The guys tasted the new John Sleeman & Sons Copper Pot Whisky , an Irish-inspired whisky made with Canadian grain, while digging into what separates Irish, Scotch, bourbon-style and Canadian whisky. Cooper also explains the massive investment required to build a whisky business, including 14-foot wooden washbacks imported from Scotland, thousands of barrels aging upstairs and experiments with sherry, cognac and Canadian oak. They also talk about whether Canadians who discovered domestic spirits during the U.
- podcast· 36:55· Ep 414
Old Vines, Lost Grapes and Southern Italy
Michael and André head to southern Italy for a look at Feudi di San Gregorio in Campania, with Italian brand curator Ophelia joining the conversation to help make sense of the region, the grapes and the people behind the winery. They talk Fiano, Greco and Aglianico , the growing impact of climate change in Irpinia, and Feudi’s unusual relationship with hundreds of local growers. They also explore the work of agronomist Pierpaolo Sirch and the FeudiStudi project, which looks at how dramatically individual vineyard sites can shape the same grape variety. Then Michael opens two particularly interesting bottles: Serpico 2017 , an Aglianico made from remarkably old pre-phylloxera vines, and Sirica 2019 , made from an ancient Campanian grape that was nearly lost before being rediscovered. That leads André and Michael into a bigger discussion about forgotten varieties, regional identity, the “de-Parkerization” of wine — and, somehow, whether Ontario’s legacy wineries have done enough to lead
- podcast· 32:04· Ep 413
Capezzana's Century — Sangiovese, Syrah & Succession in Carmignano
We are joined by Beatrice Contini Bonacossi, co-owner, sales manager, and global brand ambassador of Tenuta di Capezzana in Carmignano, Tuscany who joined Michael for a rooftop chat. Beatrice walks the guys through the winery's remarkable 1,200-plus-year history, the family's century of ownership (1925–2025), and how four generations - now into the fifth - have kept Capezzana thriving. The conversation also touches on the Carmignano DOCG blend, why Cabernet Sauvignon is a gateway to Sangiovese, Vin Santo as a passion project, and a frank discussion about why European wineries seem to nail succession planning while Ontario struggles. We taste two wines from Capezzana: Villa di Capezzana 2020 (DOCG Carmignano) — primarily Sangiovese with up to 20% Cabernet Sauvignon; extremely tannic and rustic at six years old, still needs significant time or a long decant Gaia della Furba 2021 (IGT Toscana) — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah blend first made in 1979 with Syrah added in 1998; velve
podcast· 57:50· Ep 412Aveleda - and the understated wines from Vinho Verde
Michael and André sit down outside on a hot summer day with Aveleda head winemaker Diogo Campilho to explore Vinho Verde — one of the wine world's last great unsung values. Diogo breaks down the region's fantastic and easy drinking whites, the rapid rise in red wine quality over the past decade thanks to modern viticulture, and Aveleda's commitment to indigenous Portuguese grapes across its four estates (Vinho Verde, Douro, Bairrada, and Algarve). The guys taste five wines from Aveleda, a fifth-generation family winery founded in 1870: Loureiro '25 — Vinho Verde's most-planted grape; fruity, aromatic, and dry Loureiro-Alvarinho — a 70/30 blend built for easy, happy drinking Parcela do Convento (100% Loureiro, 2024) — single-vineyard, stainless steel, called one of the best Aveleda wines ever tasted Parcela do Rosal (100% Alvarinho, 2024) — aged with a touch of French oak Manuel Pedro Guedes 2023 — Aveleda's icon wine, only 671 bottles made, named for the estate's founder Many thanks to
podcast· 49:18· Ep 411The First Wine on Earth: Uncorking Armenia with Diana Khandilyan
Michael and Andre sit down outside in 33°C heat with geophysicist-turned-wine-educator Diana Khandilyan to explore Armenia — home to the world's oldest known winery (the Areni-1 cave, dated ~6,100 years). Diana breaks down Armenia's geography (landlocked between the Caspian and Black Seas, bordering Turkey, Georgia, and Iran), the Soviet-era gap that pushed winemaking underground for 70 years, and how the diaspora is now rebuilding the industry from scratch. The guys taste three wines built entirely on indigenous grapes: An Areni from Oshin — high-altitude, ungrafted vines, aged in native Caucasian oak An estate blend from Van Ardi — Areni, Haghtanak, and Milakh grown at ~1,000m A rare natural, one-barrel skin-contact wine called Tarerk , made by winemaker Silva Atoyan Many thanks to our guest Diana Khandilyan whom you can follow here Instagram: @glass_nomad (international wine travels) Instagram: @pour_across_america (US winery discovery project) You can support us on Patreon here - h
- podcast· 45:04· Ep 410
Chardonnay Redemption, Port Deep Dives & the Trouble with Wine Awards
Michael and André catch up on everything happening in Ontario wine right now — starting with an on-the-record correction: Michael does not hate Chardonnay (an amphora-aged Volta Chardonnay proved it). From there, the guys cover: Flat Rock's annual tasting – barrel samples from the promising 2025 vintage, and how far Ontario Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc have come since 2010 Rosé report preview – André's tasting through 200+ rosés and sparkling wines for this year's report, plus a tangent into sangria season Judging the Experts Tasting – Michael's first time on the panel, the surprising sommelier-vs-winemaker splits on which Chardonnays advanced, and a memorable library tasting of aged Canadian wines (Creekside Lost Barrel, Quail's Gate, 16 Mile Rebel Pinot) Competition season wrap-up – results from the All-Canadian Wine Championship (including a surprise Sauvignon Blanc ice wine winner) and a pointed critique of the Ontario Wine Awards' medal inflation — 92% of entries took home a meda
podcast· 1h 36m· Ep 409Legacy Series - Trius Red: 35 Vintages, 4 Winemakers, One Ontario Icon
André Proulx and Michael Pinkus assemble an “Avengers” lineup of Trius Red winemakers at Trius — J-L Groux, Craig McDonald, Emma Garner, and Ben Minaker - for a deep vertical tasting from 2010–2024 (plus a 2002 Trius Grand Red). Today's episode is supersized to match the grandeur of the guests. The unpack how Niagara’s climate, vineyard sourcing, blending, tannin management, cork choices, and restrained oak have shaped this flagship blend. Groux recounts Trius Red’s origins in 1989 as a Bordeaux-inspired assemblage and how warmer, longer falls have helped late-ripening reds, while the group compares challenging and standout vintages (including 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2020) and discusses the difficulty of maintaining quality as production scaled. In the post-credits scene André speaks with former Trius winemaker Darrell Brooker (2005–2010), now CEO of Latitude Wines, about his approach to Trius Red, vintage-driven volumes, and adapting oak use to each season. Learn more about Trius
podcast· 40:12· Ep 408Golf Claps and Nebbiolo: A Playful Dive into Barolo and Barbaresco
Michael Pinkus and André Proulx take this show on the road live from the GO Train en route to a Barolo and Barbaresco tasting recently held in Toronto. André was looking for a starting point as a Barolo-curious drinker concerned about tannins and long aging. At the Liberty Grand, they taste through producers and interview Salvatore from Reva Winery about crafting youthful, fruit-forward Nebbiolo and why they don’t recommend decanting. Pietro Ratti explains Barolo’s vineyard mapping history, the MGA system (170 MGAs plus 11 villages), and how to learn the region by starting with vintage, then village, then single-vineyard wines. Bersano discusses modernizing Piedmont wines for drinkability and how climate change is affecting Barolo styles and accessibility. Back home, they praise the approachability and value of Reva’s 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo and 2021 Barolo. Wines tasted were from Reva Winery - https://www.revawinery.com/ Borgogno - https://www.borgogno.com/en/ Catina Ratti - https://www.
podcast· 47:55· Ep 407Sassicaia is the name of the wine not the winery ...
Michael Pinkus and André Proulx record in downtown Toronto with Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta of Tenuta San Guido to unpack the history of Sassicaia and Bolgheri. Priscilla explains how Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, inspired by Bordeaux, began planting Cabernet in stony Bolgheri hill sites and originally made Sassicaia privately before Nicolo brought it to market, with the first release (1968 vintage) sold in 1971. They discuss early local skepticism, the Antinori family connection, Giacomo Tachis’ long consulting role, and the 1978 Decanter blind tasting where Sassicaia 1972 drew global attention. They cover Sassicaia’s meaning, the estate’s scale and cypress road, the creation of Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, and the portfolio—Le Difese (with Sangiovese), Guidalberto (Cabernet/Merlot), and Sassicaia—plus style priorities of elegance over trends, next-generation prospects, and the unbeaten racehorse Ribot. You can learn more about Tenuta San Guido here - https://www.tenutasanguido.com/en
podcast· 55:19· Ep 406Is Nikka From the Barrel redefining the global whiskey market?
Michael Pinkus and André Proulx welcome Nikka Global Director Koji and Export Manager Kuma to discuss Japanese whisky and taste Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts plus Nikka From the Barrel and the 40th-anniversary From the Barrel Extra Marriage. They cover founder Masataka Taketsuru’s role as the “father of Japanese whisky,” his 1918–1920 Scotland apprenticeship and detailed notebook, and Nikka’s four pillars: terroir, producing a variety of whiskies in-house, Coffey still grain whisky, and blending skill. The guests explain Yoichi’s coastal, direct coal-fire character and Miyagikyo’s softer mountain style shaped by pot-still design, heating method, and ex-sherry casks. From the Barrel is described as a 51.4% blend of 100+ whiskies made smoother via a cask “marriage” finishing, with Extra Marriage extending that process to six months. They note Japanese whisky’s market growth, minimal focus on age statements for these expressions, and recommend From the Barrel as the best entry
- podcast· 32:43· Ep 405
From Vintage Chardonnay to Chinese Cabernet
Judging 130 Chardonnays, the Canadian Wine Library, and a Surprise Chinese Cabernet Gernischt André and Michael reunite over drinks after time apart, starting with André’s experience judging about 130 Chardonnays for the Experts Tasting alongside winemakers, sommeliers, and an LCBO rep, and his visit to the Canadian Wine Library at Brock University, where he tasted older wines and brought home a 2002 Stoney Ridge unoaked Chardonnay that held up surprisingly well, prompting discussion about Ontario Chardonnay aging potential and producers. They taste Divergence 2023 MRV (Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier) by Jeff Moote and discuss Northern Rhône-style whites in Ontario and across Canada, then open a high-end Chinese Cabernet Gernischt (noted as genetically the same as Carménère), assessing its profile and questioning its approximate $400+ equivalent pricing. They also sample Georgian AVVOP brandy and a 7% JP Wiser’s x Canada Dry whisky-ginger RTD, and preview upcoming interviews and a possi
podcast· 39:37· Ep 404Does a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti give $6500 worth of value?
When you open high-priced wines, what goes through your head? You expect to be wowed. You expect a moment of zen. You expect your world to change ... for the better. We opened three bottles in one night that should have changed our lives. A La Tache, a Henri Guiraud Fut de Chene MV17 and something else none of us can remember - which should tell you all you need to know about our dinner and tasting ... but wait, there is more to discuss. We unpack it all here. You can learn about Henri Giraud here - and they are represented by AbV in Ontario - or go back and listen to Two Guys Talking Wine episode 383 You can learn about Domaine de la Romanee Conti here You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Inst
podcast· 45:00· Ep 403The Future of the Right Bank according to Von Neipperg
When Michael came back from Bordeaux, he made a bold statement: "I'm a right bank guy over a left bank guy". But the left bank is where all the 1st growth producers reside, how could this be. An interview with Ludovic von Neipperg may open a few eyes. So let us borrow your ears for an hour and see if you agree. Learn about the Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg here - https://www.neipperg.com/ You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
podcast· 37:08· Ep 402The New Sagrantino di Montefalco
Sangrantino, heard of it? It's a wine that has the ultimate tannin punch and can take decades to resolve itself (make it ready to drink) ... but hold on. There's a new wave of winemakers in the region, fronted by women, who are learning to show the softer side, the more approachable side of this wine. Could Sagrantino be drinkable sooner - are we looking at a renaissance in Umbrian wine. Michael interviews the women (and one man) from three wineries to discuss what the heck is going on. Then, André and Michael discuss what this could all mean - plus we open an old bottle of Sagrantino, is it ready? The wineries interviewed were: https://www.tenutadisaragano.it/ https://www.coccomontefalco.it/ https://www.cesarinisartori.it/ You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can ema
podcast· 32:57· Ep 401Boscarelli - The Next Level of Nobile
After last episode's introduction to Vino Nobile, we dive a little deeper. We taste wines from Boscarelli, and even go "outside the house". For those who want to go even deeper, check out our Patreon account, there we have posted the full interview with Luca Ferrari ... become a paid member and get exclusive content like this. You can learn more about Poderi Boscarelli here - https://www.poderiboscarelli.com/en/index.html Wines represented by Artianal Wine Imports - https://artisanalwineimports.com/ You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
podcast· 40:35· Ep 400André Gets His First Taste of Noble Wine
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, also known as Nobile ... it's Italian for Noble and so this is known as Noble wine. But what is it, what's the history, what makes it so special and why has André been in the dark so long about this? In this episode, some of those questions get answered, others, sadly, we'll remain in the dark about. We are joined by a principal from Poliziano to discuss. You can learn more about Poliziano here - https://carlettipoliziano.com/en/ Wines represented by Noble Estates - https://www.nobleestates.com/ You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
podcast· 1h 09m· Ep 399Alois Lageder: The What Where & Why
This week we are joined by friend of the podcast, Ofelia Bartolucci, and we discuss Michael's and her visit to Alois Lageder and Summa back in the Spring of 2025. What is Summa you might ask? What is an Alois Lageder? What the hell are you guys talking about? So many questions. Be prepared to have them answered by none other than Helena and Clemens Lageder Learn more about Alois Lageder - https://aloislageder.eu/ Learn more about Summa - https://summa-al.eu/en/ Wines are represented by Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits - https://www.markanthonywineandspirits.ca/ You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
podcast· 48:07· Ep 398TerraLectae. TerraElectae. Terra ... It's Chosen Wine from Chosen Land - and It's Damn Good
They are going to have trouble with people pronouncing it, and they know it, but Chianti Rufina producers have a gem of a wine on their hands and they want you to know about it. Andre and Michael discuss TerraElectae with the help of Gerardo Gondi (of Gondi Estates) and Federico Giuntini Masseti (of Selvapiana). Beware: High Quality Wines Ahead. You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- podcast· 50:27· Ep 397
Is that old bottle of wine in your cellar worth anything?
We get some odd questions as Canadian wine writers, many are about other Canadian wine writers: "Does Michael really hate Chardonnay?" "Does Andre really not know how to finish a question?" But the question we get asked most: "I have a bottle of BLANK Canadian wine in my cellar - how much is it worth?" We finally sat down with an expert in the secondary market of wines and posed that and other questions to him. This week we welcome Stephen Ranger, a true Mensch in the wine world, and our go to guy for this sort of thing. Links from the show ... Stephen Ranger at Ranger Wine Auction House: Irongate Wine You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast
- podcast· 36:04· Ep 396
They make sparkling wine in England...?
Does a bottle of British Wine sound foreign to you? We had heard good things about British Bubbles, and when given the opportunity to sit down with four British winery principals (on British soil - at the British consulate in Toronto) we jumped at the opportunity ... the results: Sparkling. You can purchase the following bottles in limited supply at the LCBO https://www.lcbo.com/en/balfour-1503-classic-cuvee-sparkling-47578 https://www.lcbo.com/en/langham-culver-classic-cuvee-extra-brut-sparkling-47093 https://www.lcbo.com/en/domaine-evremond-classic-cuvee-sparkling-47087 https://www.lcbo.com/en/chapel-down-kit-s-coty-blancs-de-blancs-2014-21281 You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram he
- podcast· 38:34· Ep 395
Two Guys Have Been Talking Wine For Ten Years
Michael and André have been talking wine for 10 years - they take a look and reflect on what - if anything - they have learned. You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
podcast· 17:47· Ep 394Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition - Part 3
The NBA could only wish for such Madness. They do theirs in March, we do ours in October ... it's just scarier that way. It all comes down to this. Four wines remain. The Highlander said it best, "There can be ONLY ONE" and we're about to find out who takes home the belt (literally). From the Ontario's longest running, and award winning, podcast about wine. The Podcast that brought you such iconic moments as Stump the Chump, The Swear Jar for Haiti, and The Legacy Series; comes yet another iconic moment in Podcast history. The winner of the very first Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition ... _________________________________ Winner - Leaning Post Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (Wine 5) Second - Malivoire Bisous Rose Sparkling NV (Wine 6) Third - Tawse Quarry Road Riesling 2022 (Wine 8) Fourth - Strewn Winery Three Terroir 2020 (Wine 9) You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon p