Ottawa, ON March 2021 Matt's review: Burrowing Owl's 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from their Keremeos vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. A blend of 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon, where a third was barrel fermented to provide additional weight and textural complexity. The nose shows sweet passionfruit, gooseberry, lemongrass, lime zest, and flinty minerality.... Continue Reading →
Top recommended (Canadian) sparkling wines to ring-in the New Year!
As we plan to ring-in the much anticipated new year (and leave 2020 in the past), I wanted to share some of the most memorable Canadian sparking wines I tasted this past year should you be looking to toast with a special bottle of fine Canadian wine this New Year's Eve. Because a celebration isn't complete without some fine sparkling wine, here's a few I highly recommend enjoying this New Year's Eve and throughout 2021.
wine review: Ruffino Modus 2017
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: A blend of 37% Sangiovese, 32% Merlot, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ruffino's Poggio Casciano Estate, near the renowned Tuscan city of Florence. 2017 Modus shows juicy layers of dark fruits, plum, blackcurrant, mocha, sweet spices, cigar box, and leather. Inky with fine tannins, this bold and balanced Tuscan... Continue Reading →
wine review: 2016 Culmina Merlot – an outstanding quality wine at a great price!
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: Culmina's Merlot showcases just how complex and interesting the Okanagan's signature varietal can be, especially those sourced from the prestigious Golden Mile Bench. Rich and intense black fruit, black plum, Okanagan Black Sage, dried herbs, with a hint of cacao and graphite on the nose. Huge structure with grippy... Continue Reading →
wine review: Ruffino’s 2016 Romitorio di Santedame Gran Selezione Chianti Classico DOCG
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: Romitorio di Santedame is Ruffino's new high-end single vineyard Gran Selezione from the Santedame Estate in Castellina Chianti. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino, from the heart of Chianti Classico, between the region's twin capitals of Florence and Siena, this Gran Selezione was accorded the quality distinction... Continue Reading →
Autumn Wines to Fall for as seen on CTV Morning Live
Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Jasmin Ibrahim and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased the styles of wines they're falling for and recommending we check out this Autumn. Matt's got some unique wines that are perfectly suited for the season and the meals we’re serving this time of year!
wine review: Burrowing Owl Meritage 2017
Ottawa, ON August 2020 Matt's review: Meritage 2017, Burrowing Owl's flagship wine, is a blend of (59%) Cabernet Sauvignon, (20%) Merlot, (18%) Cabernet Franc, and (3%) Petit Verdot, all estate grown from their Oliver-based winery in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. Vinified and barrel-aged separately for 15 months in a blend of French and... Continue Reading →
wine review: Jackson-Triggs’ 2016 Entourage Grand Reserve Brut
Ottawa, ON June 2020 Matt's review: Jackson-Triggs' 2016 Entourage Grand Reserve Brut - A very impressive high quality sparking wine from this well known Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. At $29.95, Jackson-Triggs' Entourage Grand Reserve Brut has become a Sommelier favourite with each vintage given its consistent quality yet at a fraction of the price sparkling wines of... Continue Reading →
98 point wine review: 2019 Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 – the finest vintage ever!
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has been making a real fizz in the sparkling wine scene over the past two decades. This Nova Scotia (Canada) based winery is producing sparkling wines that rival those from Champagne and other storied wine regions around the world. A combination of ideal terroir for producing... Continue Reading →
wine review: Rodney Strong Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Ottawa, ON November 2019 Matt's review: This value-priced Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California, is chalked full of tropical and exotic fruits with a refreshing hint of herbal notes, making it a true crowd pleaser and a great wine to pair with a wide range of dishes from fish tacos, salads, seafood pasta, or... Continue Reading →
