Wine shouldn’t feel intimidating — it should be enjoyable, expressive, and accessible to everyone. Yet myths persist about how wine should be sealed, served, stored, or selected. To help cut through that noise, I recently joined Patricia Boal on CFRA News Talk Radio 580 to debunk some of the most common misconceptions using seven wonderful wines from Canada, Portugal and Italy.
Wine Myths as seen on CTV Your Morning
Wine shouldn’t feel intimidating — it should be enjoyable, expressive, and accessible to everyone. Yet myths persist about how wine should be sealed, served, stored, or selected. To help cut through that noise, I recently joined CTV Your Morning to debunk some of the most common misconceptions using five wonderful wines from Canada and Italy. Each wine highlighted a different myth, and each proved it wrong in the most delicious way. Wine doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. Serve it properly, store it wisely, and stay open to discovery. Whether it’s a twist-top white, a powerful cool-climate red, sea-aged sparkling, or an iconic style like Amarone — the key is curiosity, not conformity. Afterall, wine is meant to be experienced, not overcomplicated. So remember, the best bottle isn’t determined by price, closure, or origin—it’s the one you enjoy, explore, and share.
wine review: Lamole di Lamole “Lareale” Riserva Chianti Classico DOCG 2020, Tuscany, Italy
Impressive and welcoming from the first swirl, the 2020 Chianti Classico 'Lareale' Riserva opens with a complex bouquet showing sweet sandalwood, warm spice, black tea, brandied cherry, plum, balsamic notes, leather, and graphite. There’s both elegance and depth here, a seamless expression of Lamole’s high-elevation terroir (upwards of 600m asl), and the estate’s signature finesse. On the palate, savoury dark fruit mingles with hints of brighter berries, the soft tannins gently emerge on the long, balanced finish, providing structure without austerity. Polished and beautifully integrated, this Riserva is showing wonderfully now and will continue to evolve gracefully over the next decade. A refined Riserva that showcases what makes Chianti Classico so timeless — bright fruit, savoury spice, and the graceful balance only its Tuscan hills can produce. Tasted November 2025, 92 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca
Canadian Wine Writer Matt Steeves Wins International Journalism Award in Italy for Feature on Collio Wines.
The Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio, in collaboration with the Department of Agro-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences of the University of Udine, the MIB Trieste School of Management, and ARGA Friuli Venezia Giulia, has honoured Canadian wine writer Matt Steeves with the Collio Award for Best Popular Journalism Article Published in Foreign Media.
Wine review: Pasini San Giovanni Sopravento (Turbiana) 2024, San Benedetto di Lugana, Italy
May 2025 Matt’s review: Pasini San Giovanni Sopravento 2024 is a delightful expression of the Turbiana grape, native to northern Italy, particularly the Lugana region on the southern shores of Lake Garda. This grape variety is celebrated for its crisp acidity and refreshing character, making it a perfect choice for crafting lively white wines from... Continue Reading →
winery profile: Rizzini – Franciacorta, Italy
Founded in 1985, Rizzini is a small, family-owned winery in the heart of Franciacorta, Italy, dedicated exclusively to crafting vintage Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines from their 'single cru' vineyard. Nestled at the base of the Monticelli Brusati hills, their two-hectare estate was replanted in 1995 and 2000, focusing entirely on Chardonnay — where they have been focused on producing the finest expressions of traditional method sparkling wine from their unique terroir each year.
Sommelier Matt Steeves’ wine picks for holiday entertaining – CFRA News Talk Radio
Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRAs Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some of their top recommended wines for entertaining and gifting this holiday season.
wine review: Michele Chiarlo La Court 2017 Nizza DOCG
I first tasted La Court Nizza DOCG in 2019 while touring throughout Alba enjoying their wonderful Barbera d'Alba wines. After a few years of additional bottle age, the 2017 La Court is showing beautifully now. Highly recommend checking this Cru vineyard wine.
wine review: 2022 Gradis’Ciutta Ribolla Gialla Collio DOC, Italy – look for it in LCBO soon…
Italy's Collio DOC is renowned for producing many of the finest white wines in Italy. Nestled in the north east of Italy, along the Slovenian border, near the base of the Julian Alps and the shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's here where the unique Ponca soils that are found in the region's hilly vineyards create the ideal terroir for crafting expressive wines with outstanding structure, aromatic and flavour complexity, pronounced minerality, and ageability characteristics.
Wine Review: Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2022
Ottawa, ON August 2024 Matt’s review: In the ever-evolving world of wine, it’s a rare pleasure to uncover a gem that not only captures the essence of its origins but also offers a fresh perspective on familiar varietals. Bodega Piedra Negra's Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2022 is precisely such a treasure, presenting the best expression... Continue Reading →
