Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
June 2024 Matt's review: Back up the truck and stock up on this bargain-priced red blend from Portugal - perhaps one of the best values you'll discover this summer. Aveleda's Lisboa Red is a blend of three delicious varietals (Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet) producing a rich and juicy red wine that pairs beautifully... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON June 2022 Matt's review: Aveleda Fonte is a fragrant, crisp, and refreshing low alcohol white blend from the Vinho Verde wine region in Portugal. A subtle fizz greets you upon opening the bottle which is then followed by an impressive bouquet of citrus, honeysuckle, pear, and mineral notes. The palate is refreshing with... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2022 Waterdog Portugal is much more than a wine with a great label at a bargain price. This red blend combines two popular Portugese varietals (Castelao and Touriga Nacional) in a very tasty, sessionable, and crowd-pleasing style.Look for dark cherry, stewed fruit, and sweet spices on the nose and palate. Medium bodied... Continue Reading →
Today on CTV Morning Live Halifax, CTVs Ana Almeida, Amanda Debison, and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits which are sure to impress this holiday season. From fine Canadian sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Vodka, to international wines from Portugal and Italy, these Sommelier-selected wines are sure to please!
Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: Quinta Vale D. Maria 2017 is a wonderful expression of premium Douro wine that showcases the greatness achievable from their unique single vineyard field blend of 41 (mainly indigenous) varietals. That's right, a blend of 41 varietals, including Tinta Amarela, Rufete, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON Matt's review: Altivo Dão DOC white 2017: This fresh, fruity, and fragrant wine from one of the most storied wine regions in Portugal, the Dão DOC, is reminiscent of a tropical summer breeze. Very expressive with perfumed floral blossoms, sweet orchard fruit, and citrus notes, with a creamy texture that's kept lively by its... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2018 Matt's review: An impressive and super value-priced red blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen, and Trincadeira from one of the oldest and most storied wine regions in Portugal, the Dão. Rich and fragrant with an inviting bouquet of plum, dark fruit, currant, clove, pepper, smoky bacon, graphite, and a hint of... Continue Reading →
Cais da Ribeira Reserva 2015. This dry Portuguese red blend incorporates some of Portugual's most popular varietals including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Touriga Barroca, and Tinta Roriz from the Douro region - the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region (1756), which is renowned for their Port production and becoming increasingly recognized for their dry red wines that offer great value as this one does! Deeply coloured, it shows black fruit, dark plum, spice, leather, mushroom, and sous bois. Dry with dusty tannins and mouthwatering acidity that makes this well suited for enjoying with rich dishes such as Portuguese braised steak & onions, or stew with Javali (wild boar) and root vegetables. Tasted March 2018. 89 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Quercus Vino 