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.
wine review: 2019 Secondo Marco Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (barrel sample)
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.
97 points wine review: Zýmē Amarone della Valpolicalla Classico 2019 (barrel sample)
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.
wine review: Casa Sartori 1898 I Saltori Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 2015
An impressive single vineyard Riserva Amarone with decades of age ahead of it.
99 point wine review: 1995 Tedeschi La Fabriseria Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG
La Fabriseria Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva (and the associated single vineyard Valpolicella Classico Superiore) is a fantastic example of the world-class wines being produced in Valpolicella and the potential its wines have for decades of cellaring. Highly recommend La Fabriseria vineyard wines and enjoying them over decades.
wine review: 2019 Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain, California
Impressive 94 point wine coming to LCBO on February 3, 2024
Sommelier Recommendations for Celebrating Robbie Burns Day as seen on CTV Morning Live
Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some of his top recommended Scotch Whiskies and Scotch cocktails to celebrate Robbie Burns on January 25.
Top scoring wines you’ll want to try in 2024…
After tasting hundreds of wines, here's my short list of most memorable wines tasted in 2023. Put these on your must-try list for 2024!
93 pts wine review: 2022 Rottensteiner Sauvignon Alto Adige DOC
Matt's review: Rottensteiner Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Bolzano, Italy. An outstanding expression of mountain influence Sauvignon Blanc from the Alto Adige DOC in northern Italy. It's the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from the renowned Bolzano-based family winery, Rottensteiner, who's family name translates to 'Red Rock', just like the Bozen quartz porphyry red mountains throughout Alto Adige/South Tyrol. Grapes are... Continue Reading →
Cheers to the New Year – Sommelier Matt Steeves’ NYE Wine and Spirits Recommendations as seen on CTV Morning Live
Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Melissa Lamb and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits for ringing in the New Year.
