Natalie MacLean's Blog, page 6

Is A $400 Wine Really 10 Times Better Than a $40 One? Do Wine Labels and Glassware Matter More Than You Think?

Introduction Is a $400 wine really ten times better than a $40 one? Does the right glass really improve your wine and is it worth it when the size makes you look ridiculous? Why do wine labels matter and should the label’s look be part of every wine review? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul Keers, co-authors of the hilarious book I Bought It So I’ll Drink It. You can find the wines we discussed here.   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of their terrific book, I […]

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Which Wines to Drink for Summer

We had such fun chatting about spring and summer wines on CTV’s The Social yesterday!   Are the wines we drink in the winter that different from the ones we drink in the spring and summer? · Yes, most people’s drinking habits change with the seasons. · We typically drink heavy, alcoholic, heavily oaked wines in the winter because they comfort us and keep us warm. · “Drink what you like” remains in effect no matter the weather, but for most people, lighter drinking in the summer generally means more consumption of white wines.     LIGHT & COLD This […]

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Best LCBO Wine Reviews: Vintages Ratings: June 7, 2025

  You can access the wines that I reviewed as a text wine list with my complete tasting notes, scores, food matches. If you are a Paid Member, you can add my wine picks to your custom shopping list with one click and access that list on your smartphone to find the stock for each wine in your closest LCBO store. You can also see my wine reviews for May 24th  These are just some of the benefits of supporting our wine community as a Paid Member. Inventory stock numbers are usually posted online a day or two before the release based on the LCBO doing so. Curious about […]

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Why do wine descriptors like cat’s pee alienate many wine lovers? Charles Jennings and Paul Keers answer that and more in “I Bought It So I’ll Drink It”

Introduction How does using everyday metaphors make wine writing more relatable? How has the pressure to be an expert in everything turned simple pleasures into social competition? Does buying your own wine versus getting free samples make you a better wine writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul Keers, co-authors of the hilarious book I Bought It So I’ll Drink It. You can find the wines we discussed here.   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of their terrific book, I Bought It So I’ll Drink It.   […]

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What Do Wild Orchids Reveal About the Health of a Vineyard and How Does Preschool Turn France Into a Nation of Gourmets?

Introduction How does biodynamic farming transform a vineyard into a thriving, interconnected ecosystem? What do wild orchids reveal about the health of a vineyard? How do France’s preschool lunches help to create a nation of gourmets? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Caro Feely, author of the terrific memoir Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France. You can find the wines we discussed here.   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Grape Adventures.   How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and […]

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What Are 4 Ways That Winemakers Die in Wineries and Why Is It So Dangerous? Caro Feely, Author of Grape Expectations, Has Answers

Introduction What makes vine growing and winemaking so physically demanding? What are the hidden dangers of winemaking that most wine lovers never hear about? Why are some winemakers choosing to label their wines as Vin de France rather than follow strict appellation rules? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Caro Feely, author of the terrific memoir Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France. You can find the wines we discussed here.   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France.   […]

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Which Wines and Cocktails Deserve the Crown This Weekend?

  The Victoria Day long weekend is just around the corner. Whether you’re firing up the grill or lounging on a dock, we’ve got drinks to match the mood and the food.   Here to help us is Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com.   Welcome, Natalie.   Great to be back with you! I love Victoria Day. We get to celebrate a queen and the official start of patio season. So I’m here for both the crowns and the corks.   Let’s start on a refreshing note. What’s a great white wine to serve […]

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Best LCBO Wine Reviews: Vintages Ratings: May 24, 2025

  You can access the wines that I reviewed as a text wine list with my complete tasting notes, scores, food matches. If you are a Paid Member, you can add my wine picks to your custom shopping list with one click and access that list on your smartphone to find the stock for each wine in your closest LCBO store. You can also see my wine reviews for May 10th  These are just some of the benefits of supporting our wine community as a Paid Member. Inventory stock numbers are usually posted online a day or two before the release based on the LCBO doing so. Curious […]

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Why do Celebrities, like Brad Pitt, John Legend, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Bon Jovi, Cameron Diaz and Kylie Minogue Choose Rosé for Their Brands?

Introduction Why is Rosé the go-to wine for celebrity-owned brands rather than Chardonnay or Cabernet? Why are the younger generations of wine drinkers choosing Rosé over red? Is the Rosé boom just a trend, or is its popularity here to stay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Rasmus Emborg & Jens Honoré, who co-published the Rose Revolution. You can find the wines we discussed here.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or […]

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Petals & Pinot: What are 5 Wine & Flower Pairings Mom Will Love?

  Let’s start by talking about the connection between wine and florals. What is it?   We often see floral descriptions of wine and they’re more than poetic fancy or wine geek speak. It’s actually a reflection of the intricate chemistry of grapes and the artistry of winemaking. Grapes, like flowers, are profoundly influenced by their terroir – the unique environment in which they grow. So I’ve brought in five different wines representing very different bouquets today.     Today you’ve brought a selection of wines and paired them with flowers that would make beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day this […]

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