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- news
Why Is The Daiquiri Used As A Litmus Test To See If A Bartender Can Make A Decent Drink?
Introduction Why is the Daiquiri with just rum, lime and sugar used as a litmus test to see if a bartender is capable of making a decent drink? What is oleo saccharum and why is it a gorgeous way to sweeten sophisticated cocktails? What is tepeche and why do fermenting pineapples make a delicious cocktail? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Kaitlyn Stewart, author of Three Cheers: Cocktails Three Ways: Classics, Riffs, and Zero-Proof Sips. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy […]
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How Does It Feel Competing Against The World’s Best Bartenders Making Six Cocktails in Six Minutes in Front of a Large Audience?
Introduction How does it feel competing against the world’s best bartenders making six cocktails in six minutes in front of a large audience? How can bartending become a form of storytelling instead of simply making drinks? How did the Mojito begin as a 16th-century medical remedy? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Kaitlyn Stewart, the first Canadian to win the prestigious title of World Class Bartender of the Year and author of the book, Three Cheers: Cocktails Three Ways: Classics, Riffs, and Zero-Proof Sips. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway […]
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Travel the World One Glass at a Time with These 5 Wines
Travel costs are climbing, so today we’re taking a trip that needs no suitcase. We’re turning our kitchen counter into a world tour, one glass at a time. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest drinks site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Thank you for flying with me today! I’ll be your captain and sommelier for this taste bud trip that has no gate changes, nobody has given one person with a scanner god-like authority and no middle seat guy snoring on your shoulder. The only turbulence is deciding which […]
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How Did One Decision Trigger Sherry’s Decline From Britain’s Favourite Drink?
Introduction How did a single decision trigger Sherry’s decline from Britain’s favourite drink? What would it take for Sherry to make a comeback after decades of decline? How can you make the most out of your trip to the Sherry region of Spain? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Ben Howkins, author of a new book on Sherry. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Ben Howkin’s terrific book, Sherry: Maligned, Misunderstood, Magnificent! How to Win To qualify, all you have […]
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How Does The Solera System Give Every Glass Of Sherry Centuries Of History?
Introduction How does the Solera system give every glass of sherry centuries of history? How does Sherry’s “second terroir” shape the wine just as much as the vineyard itself? Why should every great wine cellar have mature, dry Sherry? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Ben Howkins, who has just published a new book on Sherry. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of Ben Howkin’s terrific book, Sherry: Maligned, Misunderstood, Magnificent! How to Win To qualify, all you have to […]
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Can Bordeaux Reinvent Itself? How One of Wine’s Greatest Regions is Adapting to a Changing World
Introduction Can Bordeaux adapt to changing wine tastes without losing its identity? Bordeaux is pulling up thousands of hectares of vines because of overproduction. How does Mouton Cadet’s model offer a way out for some wine growers? How are modern Bordeaux producers, like Mouton Cadet, creating wines with more energy, smoothness, and drinkability for today’s consumers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Véronique Hombroekx, the Managing Director for the Mouton Cadet Brand and Jérôme Aguirre, Director, Mouton Cadet Wines, about their Fair for Life program. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join […]
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How do Canada’s ancient volcanoes, limestone escarpments and massive tides shape our wine?
Welcome back, everyone! From the ocean breezes of Nova Scotia to the valleys of British Columbia and the vineyards of Niagara, Canada’s wine regions are as diverse as the wines they produce. Joining us to explore how geography shapes flavour from coast to coast to coast is the editor of Canada’s largest wine review website, Natalie MacLean! Welcome back to the show! Before we dive into the wines, give us the big picture. What are some of the key landscapes that shape Canadian wine regions. This is my favourite kind of geography lesson: the map is in […]
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Why Mouton Cadet, Bordeaux, decide that sustainability needed to include people, not just the environment?
Introduction Why did the Bordeaux wine Mouton Cadet decide that sustainability needed to include people, not just the environment? Why is the Fair for Life certification that’s focused on people, community, and respect the environment a perfect fit for Mouton Cadet? What does it mean to create trust with more than 100 grape growers that lasts for generations? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Véronique Hombroekx, the Managing Director for the Mouton Cadet Brand and Jérôme Aguirre, Director, Mouton Cadet Wines, about their Fair for Life program. You can find the wines we discussed […]
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What are 4 terrific wines to celebrate Canada Day?
Canada Day is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of something truly Canadian. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! And what a week to raise a glass. Let’s start on the East Coast. Nova Scotia has been making a name for itself as a wine region. What makes it special? Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coastline is […]
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Can You Get Wine From Coast to Coast for Canada Day? Yes and No
Canada Day is almost here. For the first time, some provinces are shipping wine to each other directly. Joining us for an update and a few BC bottles to celebrate is editor of the country’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! You know, for years Canadians couldn’t ship wine across provincial borders, but this year, some of those barriers are finally coming down. What we have is a patchwork. Ontario and Nova Scotia now have a deal to ship to each other as do Alberta and BC. But BC […]
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5 World Class Sips for FIFA Watch Parties and Father’s Day
The World Cup kicked off this week, and with 48 nations competing, every match is a reason to celebrate. We’re raising a glass for every goal and pairing the world’s most iconic drinks with the teams that love them. We’re going on a global tasting tour, no passport required. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie! Great to be back with you! I’ve been warming up for this segment beside the bench, so let’s play ball! You’re right that with 48 […]
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Pairing 5 Seriously Great Drinks with Dad Jokes for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is this Sunday, so we’re pairing great gift wines and spirits with something we all secretly love: dad jokes. Even though the drinks are seriously good, we can still have fun dad-style. Who better to help us than our favourite drinks expert Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! You know, I just heard that the dad who invented autocorrect has died. May he restaurant in peace. I’m here all week, folks 😉 Let’s start with the first pairing. Tell us about the […]
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Soil, Soul, and the Sacred Cup: Wine in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament with Mark Scarlata
Introduction How did wine transform biblical meals into symbols of the covenant in the ancient world? Why did overflowing vineyards and giant clusters of grapes become such powerful symbols of the Promised Land? Why did religious leaders label Jesus a glutton, a drunkard, and a friend of sinners? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Professor Mark Scarlata, author of Wine, Soil, and Salvation in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this […]
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The Best Drinks for World Cup Watch Party & Father’s Day
Canada is hosting the FIFA World Cup and Father’s Day lands right in the middle of it, so that calls for a serious upgrade to your watch party drinks. We’re talking spritzes, sparkling cocktails, ready-to-drink crowd-pleasers, and a crisp Canadian lager that’s practically made for tournament season. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! We have a double header this week with the FIFA World Cup and Father’s Day. It’s that glorious confluence of athletic excellence and your […]
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Why does wine play a central role in the Bible and our culture, symbolizing abundance and joy, and not other food or drink? Dr. Mark Scarlata shares the story
Introduction How does biking through wine country help you better understand the wines? Why has wine held a unique place in the Bible and our culture when so many other foods like milk, olive oil, honey, dates, and pomegranates symbolize abundance and blessing? How do the aromas and complexity of wine create such deep connections to memory in the brain? Why do so many people feel disconnected in modern life despite being more connected than ever? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Professor Mark Scarlata, author of the new book Wine, Soil, and Salvation […]
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What makes a well-made Mint Julep Cocktail much more complex than you expect? James Chatto reveals the secret
Introduction What makes a properly made mint julep much more complex than people expect? How did an Indian revolutionary leader end up creating one of Japan’s most famous curry recipes? How did a recipe collected during a 1930s concert tour in Indonesia become the legendary Queen Mother’s Cake, different from every other chocolate cake you’ve ever had? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with James Chatto, co-author of the terrific new book Acquired Tastes: The Lives and Recipes of Eight Culinary Ambassadors. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are […]
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Acquired Tastes: The Lives and Recipes of Eight Culinary Ambassadors with James Chatto
Introduction What did lasagna taste like in Renaissance Italy before tomatoes and ragù became standard? Why are some of Thailand’s most iconic royal desserts rooted in Portuguese convent recipes? How did a chance conversation at dinner unexpectedly unlock hidden pieces of food history? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with James Chatto, co-author of the terrific new book Acquired Tastes: The Lives and Recipes of Eight Culinary Ambassadors. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of James Chatto’s new book, Acquired Tastes: The Lives […]
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Barbecue Wines for Father’s Day: Best Bottles for Grilled Grub
On CTV’s The Social, we chat about great wines for BBQ fare on Father’s Day. Nat, some dads are just not wine guys, they’re more beer guys. But are you saying these selections you’ve brought today can change that? It’s mostly a perception that wine is for fancier occasions than beer, but that’s just not true. Anytime you think of having a beer, you can probably substitute it with a bubbly. I’m not talking Champagne, but value-priced sparkling wines from other regions. They’re both frothy and fun, like our first wine here. Great segue! Tell us about the first […]
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What’s The Difference Between Drinking For Pleasure And Drinking For Relief? Dr. Charles Knowles Reveals The Difference
Introduction What’s the difference between drinking for pleasure and drinking for relief? How does your body’s early reaction to alcohol predict your long-term risk of developing alcohol dependence? How do some people drink heavily for years without developing the same dependence that others struggle to escape? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Dr. Charles Knowles, author of Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Charles Knowles’ new book, Why We Drink […]
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Wine’s Salad Daze: The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Wine and Vegetables
On CTV’s Your Morning Yesterday, the network’s national breakfast show, we paired wine with vegetables and spring produce. Click the video above to watch. Intro Pairing red wine with a steak is easy, but can you drink that same wine with fresh spring produce, like asparagus or artichokes? Here to tell us how to pair wine with veggies and salads is Natalie MacLean, the editor of Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome Natalie Station 1 Host: Natalie, why are vegetables harder to pair with wine than say […]
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Why is moderation easy for some people, yet impossible for others? Dr. Charles Explains In Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol
Introduction What can your first experiences with alcohol tell you about the relationship you’ll have with it later in life? Are we fighting with our own biology when it comes to alcohol? Why is moderation impossible for some people? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Dr. Charles Knowles, author of Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of Charles Knowles’ new book, Why We Drink Too Much: The New Science of Alcohol. […]
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Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Venezia DOC Spumante Rosé: The Wine of Poets
Iconic Italian Wine We’re pairing Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti with “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s a celebration of la dolce vita, the Italian good life, especially through food and drink. This wine’s name, Il Vino dei Poeti, means “The Wine of Poets,” a tribute to artists who expressed the joy of life, much like Elizabeth finds her spark again over a perfect meal. This iconic Italian rosé sparkling wine is one of the most recognizable wines in the Bottega portfolio, appreciated for its freshness, elegance, and visual appeal. Crafted by Bottega, […]
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Books and Bottles: 5 Perfect Pairings to Gift Mom This Mother’s Day
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. And whether you were raised by a mother or another remarkable woman who shaped your life, you may be looking for a gift that goes beyond the usual flowers and chocolates. We’ve got you covered. Today, we’re pairing bottles and books for a thoughtful gift she’ll remember. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! Now if Mom says she doesn’t want a gift this Sunday, she is testing you. It is a trap! […]
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Uncorking Mom’s Best Advice with 5 Perfect Wines For Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to raise a glass to the woman who shaped us. For some, that’s mom. For others, it’s an aunt, a grandmother, a mentor, or a cherished friend. Whoever she is, today we honour her. Today, we’re bottling up her best advice and pairing each pearl of wisdom with a wine that was made to deliver it. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie. Great to be back with you! As a mom myself, […]