Red, White & Bubbles with Big Head!

Looking up ‘Big Head’ in the dictionary, you’ll find all sorts of definitions for the colloquial term, including something along the lines of being “very boastful” and so on.  But Niagara’s Big Head Wines is far from that, and their name is derived from a more literal inspiration: Andrzej Lipinski, the winery’s Polish proprietor, has a big head (and according to him, so does his family and many other Poles) [Mike: being a Pole with a big head, I can confirm that this is an accurate and valid observation – no offence taken!]. Though the winery is firmly rooted in …

New Vintages from BC’s Blue Mountain Winery

It’s been a minute since we’ve visited beautiful British Columbia, and we’re still reflecting on the sparkling insights we brought back with us on our last trip in 2018.  Reflecting on Blue Mountain Winery’s Bubbles When we think of pioneers in British Columbia (BC) sparkling wine, top of mind is Blue Mountain Winery, which was one of the first wineries to craft traditional method bubbles on Canada’s west coast in the late 1980’s. On our 2018 trip, we had the pleasure of visiting Blue Mountain and tasting with Christie Mavety, who grew up on the estate, and who joined the winery formally as part of …

Sip Champagne like an NBA Champ with Champagne Cheurlin!

Have you heard of Champagne Cheurlin? 🤔 This award-winning winery is the first and only African American owned Champagne house, and it recently became available in our market here in Ontario! We’re very excited to taste Champagne Cheurlin and share our notes, but before we do, let us tell you a little bit about their story. NBA champion, respected CEO and cannabis and beverage entrepreneur Isiah Thomas and his holding company, Isiah International Inc., has a diverse portfolio that includes cannabis oil and CBD companies, as well as the legendary Champagne Cheurlin.  Isiah discovered his love of Champagne after winning the …

Portuguese Sparkling Wine: More Than Just Vinho Verde

What comes to mind, when you think of Portugal? For us, it’s custard tarts and Portuguese rotisserie chicken, white and blue tiles and cobblestone streets, friendly people and glasses of Vinho Verde (oh, and probably Port and Madeira).  Outside of Port and Madeira, Vinho Verde – which translates to ‘Green Wine’ – is one of Portugal’s larger wine exports. It’s probably what also comes to mind when you think of “Portugal” and “Sparkling Wine.” Certainly, the country’s fortified wines do not conjure up visions of effervescence. Por que é verde? Vinho Verde is a youthful wine style, originally achieving its …

Gifts That Pop: Sparkling Winos 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

We cannot believe it’s December already!  December and the onset of various festive holidays (Channukah, Christmas and New Years) means that sparkling wine is in high demand. Who wouldn’t want a bit of sparkle in their lives, at the longest, darkest point of the year (and after a year that has been extremely taxing)? 🤔 Taking this in mind, we have prepared a gift guide that celebrates a number of key themes that have come up this year: celebrating local, supporting wineries and hospitality partners where possible (especially by buying direct from wineries and agents), and that sparkling wine is …

Keeping it Clairette with Poulet et Fils

Sometimes, there are wines that intrigue you.  Years ago, while on a trip to Las Vegas (of all places), we found a small wine shop that focussed on French wines and had a substantial sparkling wine section. We were quite pleased, as you could imagine, and stocked up on a variety of different wines, including a Clairette de Die from Poulet et Fils. We bought it, but did not find the time to enjoy it in situ while in Sin City and off it went on a trip to Canada.  What is it? Clairette de Die is bound by the Clairette …

Bubbles Under $20 for Canadian Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving in Canada just around the corner, we’re thinking about some of our favourite things: Turkey and comfort foods, time spent with family, the fall colours and … sparkling wine! Sparkling wine is a sommelier’s secret weapon, and if you’ve seen our recent live video with the LCBO, you’ll remember that we talked about the endless possibilities when it comes to pairing food with sparkling wine. It’s particularly great for Thanksgiving, given its naturally high acidity and bubbles, which help cleanse your palate of rich, fatty and decadent flavours associated with Thanksgiving (and pretty much most holidays). From Brut to …

L’Acadie Vineyards: An East Coast Sparkling Pioneer

Ah, Nova Scotia. As one of Canada’s maritime provinces, this part of the country conjures up images of cool sea breezes, high tides, salt water taffy and delicious, buttery lobster rolls. For us, however, first and foremost are… drumroll, please… the amazing sparkling wines! 😍🍾 Today’s COVID reality has prevented us from visiting and enjoying Canada’s Atlantic Coast (which is under a sensible but taxing two week minimum quarantine for Ontario residents). Thankfully, we have some great bubbles from L’Acadie’s latest release to enjoy (more on those in a moment!), and tide us over until it’s safe to visit (or …

Rotari: Exceptional Value Bubbles from Northern Italy (…that are not Prosecco!)

⁣⁣Rotari hails from Trentodoc, a Northern Italian appellation centred around the City of Trento and known for its Traditional Method white and rosé sparkling wines.  Fizz Fact: the appellation was the second of if it’s kind (after the Champagne) to be created to ensure quality and distinction in its sparkling wines! 🥂 ⁣Early founders of what is now Trendodoc wanted to distinguish themselves from Prosecco, which is produced not too far away. And so, no Charmat Tanks nor Glera grapes are used in the making of Rotari Brut and Rotari Brut Rosé – as only the Tradtional Method and Chardonnay, …

A Sparkling Tasting of the World’s Finest with Cru Wine Merchants

This summer, we had the pleasure of tasting through the bounty of Wine Country Ontario and we zeroed in on Niagara-on-the-Lake. From exceptional fruit, to farm fresh vegetables and, of course, incredible wine, there is plenty to taste… and write about! However, on a warm Friday afternoon with our feet firmly planted at Stratus Vineyards, we turned our minds and palates to more global flavours. With Melissa Pulvermacher and Cru Wine Merchants, we were able to travel to Valdobiaddene, the Rheingau, Barcelona’s hilly outskirts, and the Champagne. Travel with our glasses, that is, as we tasted through their diverse and exceptional portfolio of high …