Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: Prisoner Wine Co makes some seriously bold and delicious wines, and Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon is guilty of exactly that! A blend of 80% Cab, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, and 5% Merlot, sourced from several regions in California's Central and North Coasts, including Monterey, Lodi, Paso, Sonoma, and Mendocino... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON May 2021 Matt's review: This limited production (169 cases) Gewurztraminer from the Glen Elgin Vineyard (Niagara Peninsula VQA), shows fragrant spring blossoms, ripe stone fruit, and sweet lychee notes on the nose. Luscious and refreshing, its creamy texture and subtle spicy and fruity finish makes it a wonderful pairing with spicy Asian cuisine,... Continue Reading →
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 →
Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Annette Goerner and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased their top local wine picks for enjoying this Spring. Wines that pair perfectly with BBQ and patio season! Red, White, and Rosé! These Sommelier selected wines represent some of the best styles of wines for enjoying this Spring. From patio favourite Rosé,... Continue Reading →
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 →
Ottawa, ON March 2021 Matt's review: A fantastic 10 year aged Tawny Port! Full bodied, creamy smooth, with loads of dried fruits, Medjool dates, sweet spices, and all wonderfully balanced with a fresh and creamy finish that persists for minutes. Enjoy this impressive Port with charcuterie platters, and your dessert of choice, mine - Pistachio... Continue Reading →
Burrowing Owl's 2016 Merlot shows the richness and balance of the 2016 vintage. Loads of rich blackberry, black currant, cherry, plum, smoky bacon, dried fruits and chocolate on the nose and palate. Super expressive, this beautifully balanced and very full-bodied wine shows great elegance too with it's fine integrated tannins and soft mouthfeel making it a wonderful wine to enjoy with a wide range of dishes from wood-fired pizza, to roasts, to BBQ burgers and ribs. Try with spicy pork tenderloin with cherry-thyme pan sauce - a perfect pairing all year round! Tasted June 2020. 92 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
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.
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Matt's review: Frank Hellwig, an Australian winemaker, with nearly a decade of winemaking experience in Canada, has crafted a delicious red blend (80% Shiraz & 20% Grenache) that's guranteed to resonate with Canadian wine enthusiasts looking for a full-flavoured sub $20 bottle of wine, making it ideally suited for enjoying any... Continue Reading →
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 →
Quercus Vino 