Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON June 2024 Matt's review: Terrific value-priced white wine to enjoy year round from the south of France. 100% Albarino, the nose shows expressive apple, pear, peach, honeysuckle and floral blossoms. Medium bodied and dry, the palate shows pithy citrus, stone fruit, and great salinity on the finish. Light tannins add to the textural... Continue Reading →
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 →
Beautifully integrated fine grained tannins highlight both the vineyard characteristics but also the winemakers touch in capturing the best expression of this Pinot through mindful winemaking practices including delicate pressing and use of large oak vessels (2100 L Foudres) to appropriately frame without masking the wine.
May 2024 Matt's review: 1 Mill Road's second vintage of their single vineyard 100% Pinot Noir Rosé from the recently minted East Kelowna Slopes Sub-GI. This impressive Rosé boasts an elegant copper color, exuding sophistication even before you take your first sip. The nose reveals delightful notes of tiny wild field strawberries, cherry, Black Sage... Continue Reading →
May 2024 Ottawa, ON Matt’s review: Finding value-priced Pinot Noir these days is a reason to celebrate in itself! Pinot Noir can be some of the most expensive wines in the world, especially those from Cru vineyards throughout Burgundy, France, so it's particularly nice to discover a quality Pinot at a bargain price and that's... Continue Reading →
Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRA Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines and spirits for gifting this season as well as enjoying with family and friends over the holidays. These options will suit every palate and budget, including white, red, and sparkling wines too.
May 2024 Matt's review: M de Minuty Rosé, from the picturesque Cotes de Provence in the south of France, beside the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, is a delightful ode to the region's sun-drenched terroir and centuries-old winemaking heritage. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah, M de Minuty Rosé embodies the epitome of... Continue Reading →
Ilatium Morini's 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG "Campo Leon" pre-release sample tasted during Anteprima Amarone in Verona. The wine is anticipated to be released in January 2025 when the winemaker deems it ready for commercial release. Ruby red colour, the nose shows dried dark fruit, plum, fig, tobacco, and incense. Super refreshing, with cherry, tart dark fruits, black tea, salted dark chocolate, and youthful fine grained tannins persisting on the long textured finish. A complex and well structured Amarone which will pair beautifully with braised dishes, creamy risotto, and aged cheese. Enjoy 2026-2036+. Tasted February 2024. 94+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Matt's review: The pre-release preview of Santi's 2019 "Carlo Santi 1843" Amarone showed great harmony, complexity, and overall potential from this five star vintage. Ruby with a slight garnet hue, the nose shows dried plum, cherry, orange peel, herbs, and expressive spice notes. Great intensity, beautifully balanced with loads of dried fruit, spice, and herbs on the long finish. Santi's Carlo Santi Amarone is anticipated to be released to market in fall 2024. Enjoy 2025-2040. Tasted February 2024. 94+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
Torre di Terzolan's Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 caught my attention at Anteprima Amarone this year. In a flight of 72 Amarones from 2019, Torre di Terzolan's was a star. While the 2019 vintage is anticipated to be released to market only in 2026, it was showing beautifully already and merits top accolades. This is a wine you should seek out and stock up on.
Quercus Vino 