Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Today on CTV Morning Live (and later on CFRA News Talk 580), Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased an impressive line-up of world-class wines from all across Canada that highlight how vibrant the Canadian wine scene has become.
One of the best offerings I've tasted from PEC over the past two decades and a fantastic example of the high quality wines being produced in PEC. If you enjoy premium Burgundy, you'll want to keep your eyes on this up and coming region and the expressive limestone influenced cool-climate wines they're producing.
Beautifully integrated fine grained tannins highlight both the vineyard characteristics but also the winemakers touch in capturing the best expression of this Pinot through mindful winemaking practices including delicate pressing and use of large oak vessels (2100 L Foudres) to appropriately frame without masking the wine.
Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRA Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits for gifting this season as well as enjoying with family and friends over the holidays. These options will suit every palate and budget, including white, red, and sparkling wines too.
May 2024 Matt's review: M de Minuty Rosé, from the picturesque Cotes de Provence in the south of France, beside the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, is a delightful ode to the region's sun-drenched terroir and centuries-old winemaking heritage. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah, M de Minuty Rosé embodies the epitome of... Continue Reading →
Matt’s review: Stratus White Label Cabernet Franc “Amphora” 2020 is the latest release from this renowned Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. Harnessing ancient winemaking traditions with a modern twist, Stratus has produced an exceptional terroir-focused wine that beautifully showcases the greatness achievable in Niagara Cabernet Franc. 2020 was a 5 star vintage in Ontario, culminating with ideal conditions... Continue Reading →
Let me introduce you to Contrada Palui, a relatively new Valpolicella producer that has entered the market with one of the most elegant and expressive terroir-focused wines you'll find in all of Valpolicella, and it's an Amarone!
This family run winery is situated minutes north of Verona in the heart of Valpolicella's Valpantena Valley. It's here where the winemaking team of Mauro (father) and Sofia (daughter) produce their impressive Brolo (wall) del Figaretto Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena. This wine caught my attention a few years ago with its super approachable, ripe, balanced, and complex profile. Each vintage I've tasted since has impressed so when I visited Verona this winter it was first winery I visited, and as expected, it impressed.
2019 Secondo Marco Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (barrel sample) – While winemaker Marco Speri plans to let this wine rest for another three years in barrel before bottling, it is already showing beautifully and is expected to gain further integration and complexity leading up to its release in 2027. This is a wine worthy of investment, one that will show beautifully upon release and over the next three decades. Anticipated optimal drinking window: 2027-2050. Score: 96+ points.
2019 Zýmē Amarone showcases the excellence of the 2019 vintage and demonstrates what is possible with this iconic winery. Celestino Gaspari, the winemaker behind Zýmē, is now one of the most renowned names in Valpolicella winemaking. His journey began alongside the iconic Giuseppe Quintarelli, arguably the most revered producer in Valpolicella history. These formative years working with Quintarelli laid the foundation for Gaspari's progressive and curious approach, which has led Zýmē to become one of the most respected ultra-premium wineries in Valpolicella.
Quercus Vino 