PODCAST: André has finally learned something about Tuscan Wine; intervie...

 

 

As long-time listeners know, Michael heads off to Tuscany every year and calls into André to report what's new in Italy's most well-known region. This year is different. In this, our first of half a dozen Tuscan interviews you'll hear this year - Michael brought Tuscany back for André and our listeners. Whether it's the unmistakable Italian accent, the wind rolling through the hills, or birds chirping and church bells ringing in the distance, Tuscany comes to life for you.

Today, we talked to Alberto Moretti Cuseri, part of the family that owns Tenuta Sette Ponti. We talk about various parts of Italian wine making and we taste two of their iconic wines.

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Thank you to Noble Estates https://www.nobleestates.com/ for helping to get these wines from the winery and into the province.


To learn more about Tenuta Sette Ponti - follow this link: https://www.tenutasetteponti.it/

MOUTH-WATERING SoHo Wines 2023 Stella Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

 

Sauvignon Blanc should not be a controversial wine, but it seems some like the New Zealand style and some ... not so much. I happen to enjoy them, especially on a hot summer day - a chilled bottle of Savvy B by my side, makes the day all that much better. Today, I recommend the 

SoHo Wine 2023 Stella Sauvignon Blanc

ENTICING Nk'Mip Cellars 2022 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir (British Columbia)

 

Pinot Noir? From the southern Okanagan? Yes, it is a thing, and yes, it is really good. I don't often agree that BC Pinot is "their thing", but then wines like this come along and it makes me re-think my whole theory. Today, it's the Nk'Mip Cellars 2022 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir -  Another bottle I tasted during the All Canadian Wine Championships

MARVELOUS Inniskillin 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay (Ontario)

 

In a world full of mediocre Chardonnay this was one of the first I tried that opened my eyes to what Chardonnay could be. Now, many years later, Montague Vineyard Chardonnay is still one of those eye-popping Chardonnays - and that it is from here, in my own backyard (so to speak) makes it even more exciting ... It is time to reveal the newest edition of the Inniskillin 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay.

FABULOUS Gerard Bertrand 2021 Chateau L'Hospitalet La Clape Grand Vin (F...

 

The south of France can make some beautiful wines, some exceptional wines in fact; I could go on here, or I could just tell you about this one ... Let me tell you about the 

Gerard Bertrand 2021 Chateau L'Hospitalet La Clape Grand Vin

STARTLING : Bordertown Winery 2023 Viognier (British Columbia)

 

Maybe you have noticed, I'm on a Canadian Viognier kick here. So far I have pointed you in the direction of three other Canadian Viogniers, with more on the way; like this one today ... Let me tell you about the Bordertown Winery 2023 Viognier ... available at the winery (and fine wine stores). Thank you to the All Canadian Wine Championships for putting me on this panel during the judging. Judging is happening soon, so get your Canadian wines in for the MAY 16, 2025 deadline - maybe I'll find more great wines like this.

SURPRISING Wending Home 2020 Up Above Pinot Noir (Ontario)

 

New wineries don't always make a splash, but this winery made two: one with its winemaker of choice, and two with this amazing Pinot Noir that won awards right out of the gate. Tasted this at the All Canadian Wine Championships, was blown away by it ... Let me tell you about it in the video. today it's the 

Wending Home 2020 Up Above Pinot Noir

 

ADMIRABLE Tawse 2021 Robyn's Block Chardonnay (Ontario)

 

With one of the preeminent events in Ontario approaching, Cuvee, it's time to take a look at the caliber of wines shown at that event - today it's the Tawse 2021 Robyn's Block Chardonnay

TERRIFIC Zambartas 2021 Margelina (Cyprus)

 

Another wine from my Cyprus adventure in 2024 - I hope you folks with Wine-der-lust are getting the idea that you need to go and visit this newly-re-emerging jewel of the wine world - today it's the

Zambartas 2021 Margelina

INCREDIBLE Alois Lageder 2001 GAUN Chardonnay (Italy)

 

When I tasted this Chardonnay I was knocked off my feet, almost literally, so fresh, so vibrant so ... today it's the Alois Lageder 2001 GAUN Chardonnay

 

UNEXPECTED Montonale 2021 Orestilla Lugana DOC (Italy)

 

For those white wine drinkers looking for something different, unique and totally unexpected; might I point you in the direction of today's wine, the Montonale 2021 Orestilla Lugana DOC

AMAZING Meldville Wines 2022 Chardonnay (Canada)

 

Chardonnay because of what you tried at Lailey, you have Derek to blame. Derek has moved on to create his own label, and for a guy who has made some memorable Chardonnays in his day - this one might be one of his best (or at least up there). 

Today, it's the Meldville Wines 2022 Chardonnay

IMPRESSIVE - Perez Cruz 2021 Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)

 

Sure you've had Cabernet Sauvignon before, but this is a different kind of Cab. This is not just a single vineyard, it's a designer, and designed, single vineyard; but at a price that's affordable for all. 

Today, it's the Perez Cruz 2021 Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon

A BIG DEAL - Volcanic Hills 2020 Gidda Family Estate Zweigelt (Canada)

 

Zweigelt? Really? For those of you who have tried Zweigelt, you know there is so much potential in this grape, and yet ... If you have tried a good one, you are already salivating at the thought of what I am about to say. For the rest of you, let me tell you about a wine, made from a grape that gets very little respect, for good reason - but deserves so much more, from both the winemakers that use it and the consumers to try it. 

Today, it's the Volcanic Hills 2020 Gidda Family Estate Zweigelt

GOBSMACKED - Tsiakkas Winery 2021 Vamvakada

 

 

Recently I posted about my trip to Cyprus in February 2024; I'll link it below at the bottom of the first half. This is one of the wines I tasted while there and it totally blew me away ... if you have access to Cyprus wines, or can find a way to get to Cyprus and take a wine tour - do it; you will not be disappointed. Grape varieties are unique, not all, but many and today we look at one of those indigenous varieties: 

 

it's the Tsiakkas Winery 2021 Vamvakada