Category Archives: Wine

London Calling

On the heels of an inspiring trip to London (UK) for my DipWSET graduation ceremony, I am reflecting on why this historic city is often referred to as the centre of the world’s wine trade. So how does a country relatively new to wine production come to have its capital city emerge as the centreContinue reading “London Calling”

Understanding Texture in Wine

Because I now write wine reviews, I need to go beyond describing the texture of wine as “smooth”. So I took a deeper dive into what texture in wine is really about. First, the Basics The vast majority of wine descriptions focus on aromas and flavours from primary fruit (grape variety), plus secondary and tertiaryContinue reading “Understanding Texture in Wine”

Wine Morsels ~ In the News

Having many irons in the fire sometimes holds up the frequency of my posts. While I wait for my ideas to materialize as written articles, I thought I’d try reporting what others have written that I found interesting. So here goes … what’s new in the world of wine. First non-alcoholic Blanc de Blancs London’sContinue reading “Wine Morsels ~ In the News”

Porto Protocol

A Call to Action for the Wine Industry Instead of my usual musings, I would like to share the work of the Porto Protocol members and their latest video. One of Niagara’s wineries is featured, Icellars, and Canadian Michelle Boufard (founder of Tasting Climate Change) is a Porto Protocol member. The Porto Protocol is aContinue reading “Porto Protocol”

What’s Up with Rising Prices of Wine?

My grandfather was a carpenter and he knew how much thought, skill and time went into an artisinal product. So, he always said “don’t bicker about the price being asked.” But lately, I have been asking why so many of my local wineries are asking premium and super premium prices? I will assume that it’sContinue reading “What’s Up with Rising Prices of Wine?”

Loopy for Limestone

Do limestone soils produce the best wines? That’s a complex and contested question. But there is something special about the relationship between limestone and grape growing. There are claims that wine produced from grapes grown in limestone soils have lively acidity that is not overpowering but well integrated, a freshness or brightness, ageability, and aContinue reading “Loopy for Limestone”

Root Cause

As wine enthusiasts we usually focus on the region, the producer, the vintage and grape variety/varieties … and of course the finished wine. What is missed and not well understood is the importance of vine rootstocks. Without the proper selection of rootstocks in a given vineyard, there would be no wine to enjoy! Ready toContinue reading “Root Cause”