Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON February 2017 I love tasting wines (obviously!) and am always keen to taste new wines in the Ontario market so I can share any new personal favourite wine picks with fellow wine lovers on social media and via my wine segments on CTV. Well earlier this winter I had the pleasure of tasting... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON January 2018 Matt's review: A fun and friendly Charmat method sparkling Rosé that shows delicious strawberry, cran-cherry, biscuit, and fresh herbs on the nose. Light and refreshing, this sparkling Rosé would be a great complement to your Valentine's evening paired with dark chocolate dipped strawberries, Sunday brunch, or to enjoy in the summer... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON January 2017 Matt's review: Jackson-Triggs' Entourage Grand Reserve Brut 2014 is a great example of the high-quality and value-priced vintage sparkling wines coming from the Niagara Peninsula. This wine has earned top awards both internationally and here in Canada over the past few years, and having tasted the last three vintages, I'd say you'd... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON January 2018 Matt's review: The 2016 Inniskillin Discovery Series Baco Noir is a very impressive expression of Ontario Baco! Niagara is renowned for producing the finest Baco and this value-priced offering from Inniskillin is a real gem. Blackberry, vanilla bean, pomegranate, boysenberry, leather, and cedar on the nose. Dry, inky, and superbly balanced, the... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON January 2018 It's -25C today in Ottawa so naturally I started day dreaming about +30C weather in the sunny Okanagan Valley, Canada's very own pocket desert, where they produce world-class white and red wines. Then the thought came to me...it's time to try that bottle of Hillside Winery's Muscat Ottonel that I had... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2017 Matt's review: Iconic Canadian winery, Inniskillin, is world renowned for their luxurious Icewines, and their Cabernet Franc Icewine is the best of the best! Rich and refreshing, with incredible complexity and perfect balance, it bursts with layers of brandied cherry, stewed plum and rhubarb, and the sweetest red strawberries you've ever tasted.... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2017 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge is increasingly becoming a top recommendation for Canadian Sommeliers when customers are looking to enjoy a premium sparkling wine with a delicious meal. Produced essentially the same way as Champagne, with all the labour intensive rituals, craftsmanship, and care, it's no wonder why wine lovers around the world... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: Kismet Estate Winery's 2014 Riesling Icewine from Oliver (in the heart of the Okanagan Valley), BC - Canada's Wine Capital. This wine won top honours, the coveted Platinum Award, at the 2015 British Columbia Wine Awards , recognizing it as a top 1% of British Columbia wines. The... Continue Reading →
Last February I had the pleasure of attending a full day symposium at the Vancouver International Wine Festival that focused on what it takes to enable the development of a prosperous and healthy wine culture here in Canada. The premise is that despite world class winemaking expertise, ideal terroir, and an increasingly knowledgeable and growing... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2017 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has captured the attention and admiration of wine aficionados and top restaurants around the world with their premium sparkling wines that rival some of the finest. Needless to say, this Gaspreau Valley (Nova Scotia, Canada) sparkling wine house continues to make a real fizz with their premium... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 