Today on CTV Morning Live and CFRA News Talk 580, Sommelier Matt Steeves was introducing us to the latest trend in the premium wine scene … Orange wine!
Top Rated Orange Wines to try this Autumn
wine review: Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2022: A Winemaker’s Rebellion with a Touch of Class
Black Sheep Riesling—a wine that’s as delightfully rebellious as it is refined. Featherstone has once again proven that breaking from the herd can lead to extraordinary results. This vintage continues the label’s tradition of delivering a high-scoring, value-priced Riesling that’s nothing short of spectacular.
wine review: Benjamin Bridge Nova Zero, the no-alcohol version of Nova 7 that you have to try!
Discover the magic of Benjamin Bridge Nova Zero – the delightful twist on Canada’s beloved Nova 7, now with 0% ABV! This non-alcoholic gem captures the essence of Nova Scotia’s East Coast, delivering fragrant floral notes, marigold, citrus and exotic fruit, and a refreshing sea breeze. Perfect for brunch, cocktail parties, or a cozy picnic, it’s the ultimate versatile zero ABV wine for any occasion. Tasted September 2024. 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Wine review: Featherstone Rosé 2023 available at LCBO Sept 21
Featherstone Rosé 2023 from Niagara, Ontario, continues to impress as a fan favorite, offering exceptional value at $16.95. This vintage expertly blends 41% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, and 28% Gewurztraminer, showcasing the diverse bounty of Niagara’s vineyards. The nose is a fragrant bouquet of cherry, herbs, red apple, and strawberry-rhubarb pie, complemented by floral blossoms and juicy Jolly Rancher bonbons. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced with a hint of sweetness, delivering layers of ripe cherry and fresh strawberries, while strawberry preserve lingers on a long, creamy finish. This rosé is perfect for pairing with Thanksgiving meals or your favorite spicy dishes, and should be served chilled. Tasted September 2024. 90 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca Available at LCBO - $16.95 September 21, 2024
wine review: Cloudsley Cellars 2020 Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada
Each year Cloudsley Cellars are producing some of the best expressions of Canadian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their winery situated along the Twenty Mile Bench of the Niagara Peninsula. Their 2020 Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay is no exception. Proprietor Adam Lowy and winemaker Matt Smith source the grapes for this wine from a select parcel of the highly acclaimed Wismer Foxcroft Vineyard along the Twenty Mile Bench. Foxcroft Vineyard was planted in 1996 with Dijon Clone 96, and for the past two decades Foxcroft Vineyard has been renowned for producing many of the region's best wines, earing it a Cru-quality reputation, arguably one of the best single vineyards in the region, if not the best.
wine review: Les Jamelles Chardonnay 2022 Pays d’Oc France now available at LCBO
From the sun-drenched Pays d'Oc region, the Les Jamelles Chardonnay 2022 impresses with its inviting aromas of tropical, orchard, and stone fruits, accented by delicate floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a creamy texture that echoes the expressive bouquet, culminating in a finish that lingers with the same vibrant fruitiness. This Chardonnay is a great value, offering a versatile style that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, from corn on the cob to charcuterie to roasted poultry and hearty autumn fare. Enjoyable now through 2026. Tasted August 2026. 89 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Pays d’Oc, France
For those who seek a value-priced Sauvignon Blanc that strays from the often typical herbaceous profile, Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc is a must try. Light to medium body, the palate is greeted with a delightful medley of exotic fruits, complemented by a hint of lemongrass and a crisp citrus edge. The subtle salinity adds an intriguing layer, persisting through the clean and refreshing finish. This Sauvignon Blanc is versatile and food-friendly, making it an ideal companion for various occasions. Whether you're lounging poolside on a warm summer day, enjoying light seafood dishes, or savoring mildly spicy takeout, this wine enhances the experience with its appealing and accessible style. Even those who typically shy away from Sauvignon Blanc may find themselves charmed by its refreshing and well-rounded nature, with its subtle herbaceous notes providing just enough aromatic and flavour complexity to keep things interesting. Tasted August 2024. 88 points - Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: Foreign Affair Winery Sussreserve Riesling 2023
This Sussreserve Riesling makes for a perfect pairing with spicy cuisine with its off-dry yet super refreshing style. Enjoy over the next few years served chilled with your favourite take-out dishes or enjoy this autumn with a butternut squash and brie soup with crispy pancetta. Tasted August 2024. 90 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Wine review: Dr.L. Riesling 2022
Ottawa, ON August 2024 Matt’s review: From the northerly Mosel wine region, where some of the world’s finest Riesling are produced, Loosen Bros’ 2022 Dr. L. Riesling is an expressive, elegant, and beautifully balanced off-dry Riesling that over delivers on value. The nose shows fragrant floral blossoms, jasmine and honeysuckle, with orchard fruit, wildflower honey,... Continue Reading →
Wine review: Hester Creek “The Judge” 2021, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
The Judge 2021 is a deep ruby colour with slight garnet hue, the nose shows dark plum, black berries, dark cherry, savoury desert herbs, cedar, earth, and graphite. The palate shows great intensity of flavour with refreshing plum, fine integrated dusty tannins, with savoury dark fruit, spice, and pepper persisting on the long textured finish. A serious wine that beautifully showcases the unique vintage characteristics from this esteemed Golden Mile Bench estate. Enjoy over the next decade with rosemary and garlic grilled lamb chops or Parmesan crusted steak skewers. Tasted July 2024 and July 2025. 94 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Quercus Vino 