Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: Iconic Canadian winery, Inniskillin, is world renowned for their luxurious Icewines, and their sparkling Cabernet Franc Icewine is totally next level! By combining a few of my favourite elements of the Ontario wine industry, namely Cabernet Franc, Icewine, and bubbly, Inniskillin has achieved a profoundly expressive, richly textured,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: Stratus Red 2012 - This impressive Niagara-on-the-Lake winery consistently produces some of the finest wines available in Ontario. 2012 was the best growing season the winery had experienced which enabled the grapes to achieve their optimal ripeness thereby contributing to the big and bold style that this red... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: Painted Rock Estate Winery's flagship wine, Red Icon, showcases the high quality wines that proprietor, John Skinner, and consulting winemaker, Alain Sutre, are focused on crafting from this picturesque Penticton - Skaha Lake, Okanagan Valley winery. With an objective of crafting world-class ultra premium wines that showcase the... Continue Reading →
June 2017 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: For over 20 years Burrowing Owl has been producing some of Canada's finest wines, from the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver, BC. Their 2014 Syrah was sourced from their Black Sage vineyard in Oliver, and their Lake Eva's vineyard in Osoyoos. The grapes were hand picked and sorted, vinified... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2017 Matt's review: For over 20 years Burrowing Owl has been producing some of Canada's finest wines, from the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver, BC. Their 2013 Meritage (Bordeaux blend) is a blend of 39% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec that were each... Continue Reading →
June 2017 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Chateau des Charmes Equuleus is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot from the St. David's Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. This flagship red wine is a deep ruby colour with an opaque core, the 2012 vintage was one of Niagara's best and... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2017 Matt's review: Stratus White represents the finest white wine that this acclaimed Niagara-on-the-Lake winery produces. Winemaker J-L Groux selects the very best grapes from a handful of varieties to incorporate into this premium white wine, and after countless blends, the best representation of the vintage is showcased in the final... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2017 Matt's review: Kannuk Vodka comes in an exceptionally modern, substantial and well designed bottle which will stand out on any top shelf but for me it's what inside this work of art that commands some attention. Brilliant clear color with fresh aromas of almond croissant, white cake, delicate spice, and... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2017 Matt's review: A blend of 65% Riesling and 35% Viognier, with expressive tropical and exotic fruit on the nose. Great texture and weight that's kept light and lively by the layers of zesty exotic fruit with lychee and pear on the spicy finish. Just off dry but not noticeably so, White... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2017 Matt's review: Foreign Affair Winery continues to impress with their use of appassimento winemaking in their premium Ontario wines. Amarosé is a unique and remarkably delicious new style of wine combining the best features of two of my favourite wines, Italian Amarone and the king of the summer patio, Rosé. The... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 