Jul
2
An Amphitheatre of Elegance in Chianti Classico: Monteraponi
Chianti Classico has the capacity for great terroir-driven wines. There is huge variability among the region’s hills and valleys, forests and fields, heat and chill. Soil types include schist, clay,
Jun
9
The New Spain Emerging
My previous article on Priorat explained the context of the Spain most of us have come to know, derived from the globalized influence of a limited number of palates seeking
Jun
1
Priorat: Globalization, Terroir, and The New Wines of Spain
A contradiction lies deep in the heart of wine’s globalization. The standard narrative is that globalization leads to homogenization of wine style and increasing monopolization of distribution. The counter-narrative has
May
1
Checking in on Wine Price Gouging at the British Columbia LDB
I thought the time was right to check in on the ever-increasing prices of wine in British Columbia. This is a small update to my article from August, 2015 to
Apr
27
Ciabot Berton: Barolo from a La Morra Traditionalist
Ciabot Berton are new entrants into British Columbia’s wine market. A recent tasting provided an opportunity to explore a range of blended and single vineyard Barolos from various recent vintages.
Apr
6
San Francisco Drinking: 20 Spot Wine Bar and Restaurant
20 Spot has won me over. The unassuming Mission canteen is now my favourite wine bar in San Francisco, beating out some stiff competition, but also capitalizing on the diminishing
Mar
16
Xanadu in Uruguay: Bodega Garzon
The scope of the Bodega Garzon project in Uruguay is almost megalomaniacal. It takes a Citizen Kane like vision to start a winery by planting 200 hectares comprised of 1,200
Mar
9
Why Natural Wine Matters
First off, naturalist ideologues need not read this article. The problem with militant natural wine advocates is ideology is inherently untrue. Truth lies in nuance and dialectic. Ideology covers over
Mar
6
Mak N Ming: Destination Dining in Kits
The heart of a neighbourhood often lies in its restaurants. These are the places locals gather and deepen community ties. Trends come and go but the need and demand for
Feb
16
Vancouver International Wine Festival 2017 – Seminar: Tales of Next World Wines
A seminar sampling the top wines from several of the most interesting producers attending the festival this year revealed some excellent wines. A particular standout for me was Bodega Garzon,