Two Guys Talking Wine

Michael Pinkus and André Proulx take this show on the road live from the GO Train en route to a Barolo and Barbaresco tasting recently held in Toronto. André was looking for a starting point as a Barolo-curious drinker concerned about tannins and long aging. At the Liberty Grand, they taste through producers and interview Salvatore from Reva Winery about crafting youthful, fruit-forward Nebbiolo and why they don’t recommend decanting. Pietro Ratti explains Barolo’s vineyard mapping history, the MGA system (170 MGAs plus 11 villages), and how to learn the region by starting with vintage, then village, then single-vineyard wines. Bersano discusses modernizing Piedmont wines for drinkability and how climate change is affecting Barolo styles and accessibility. Back home, they praise the approachability and value of Reva’s 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo and 2021 Barolo.Wines tasted were from Reva Winery - https://www.revawinery.com/Borgogno - https://www.borgogno.com/en/Catina Ratti - https://www.ratti.com/en/Bersano - https://www.bersano.it/en/With thanks to Nicholas Pearce for providing wines from Reva for the episode - https://www.npwines.com/With thanks to Will Predhomme for hosting this fantastic event - https://predhomme.ca/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Pinkus and André Proulx record in downtown Toronto with Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta of Tenuta San Guido to unpack the history of Sassicaia and Bolgheri. Priscilla explains how Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, inspired by Bordeaux, began planting Cabernet in stony Bolgheri hill sites and originally made Sassicaia privately before Nicolo brought it to market, with the first release (1968 vintage) sold in 1971. They discuss early local skepticism, the Antinori family connection, Giacomo Tachis’ long consulting role, and the 1978 Decanter blind tasting where Sassicaia 1972 drew global attention. They cover Sassicaia’s meaning, the estate’s scale and cypress road, the creation of Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, and the portfolio—Le Difese (with Sangiovese), Guidalberto (Cabernet/Merlot), and Sassicaia—plus style priorities of elegance over trends, next-generation prospects, and the unbeaten racehorse Ribot.You can learn more about Tenuta San Guido here - https://www.tenutasanguido.com/enTheir wines are represented by Sylvestre Wine and Spirits - http://www.sylvestre.ca/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Pinkus and André Proulx welcome Nikka Global Director Koji and Export Manager Kuma to discuss Japanese whisky and taste Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts plus Nikka From the Barrel and the 40th-anniversary From the Barrel Extra Marriage. They cover founder Masataka Taketsuru’s role as the “father of Japanese whisky,” his 1918–1920 Scotland apprenticeship and detailed notebook, and Nikka’s four pillars: terroir, producing a variety of whiskies in-house, Coffey still grain whisky, and blending skill. The guests explain Yoichi’s coastal, direct coal-fire character and Miyagikyo’s softer mountain style shaped by pot-still design, heating method, and ex-sherry casks. From the Barrel is described as a 51.4% blend of 100+ whiskies made smoother via a cask “marriage” finishing, with Extra Marriage extending that process to six months. They note Japanese whisky’s market growth, minimal focus on age statements for these expressions, and recommend From the Barrel as the best entry point.You can learn more about Nikka here - https://www.nikka.com/en/Nikka is represented by Woodman Wine and Spirits - https://woodmanwinesandspirits.com/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judging 130 Chardonnays, the Canadian Wine Library, and a Surprise Chinese Cabernet GernischtAndré and Michael reunite over drinks after time apart, starting with André’s experience judging about 130 Chardonnays for the Experts Tasting alongside winemakers, sommeliers, and an LCBO rep, and his visit to the Canadian Wine Library at Brock University, where he tasted older wines and brought home a 2002 Stoney Ridge unoaked Chardonnay that held up surprisingly well, prompting discussion about Ontario Chardonnay aging potential and producers. They taste Divergence 2023 MRV (Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier) by Jeff Moote and discuss Northern Rhône-style whites in Ontario and across Canada, then open a high-end Chinese Cabernet Gernischt (noted as genetically the same as Carménère), assessing its profile and questioning its approximate $400+ equivalent pricing. They also sample Georgian AVVOP brandy and a 7% JP Wiser’s x Canada Dry whisky-ginger RTD, and preview upcoming interviews and a possible Substack focused on researched wine criticism.Learn about the Canadian Wine Libary here - https://brocku.ca/ccovi/canadian-wine-library/Stoney Ridge wines here - https://www.stoneyridge.com/Divergence Wines here - https://divergencewines.ca/JP Wisers here - https://www.jpwisers.com/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you open high-priced wines, what goes through your head? You expect to be wowed. You expect a moment of zen. You expect your world to change ... for the better. We opened three bottles in one night that should have changed our lives. A La Tache, a Henri Guiraud Fut de Chene MV17 and something else none of us can remember - which should tell you all you need to know about our dinner and tasting ... but wait, there is more to discuss. We unpack it all here.You can learn about Henri Giraud here - and they are represented by AbV in Ontario - or go back and listen to Two Guys Talking Wine episode 383You can learn about Domaine de la Romanee Conti hereYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Michael came back from Bordeaux, he made a bold statement: "I'm a right bank guy over a left bank guy". But the left bank is where all the 1st growth producers reside, how could this be. An interview with Ludovic von Neipperg may open a few eyes. So let us borrow your ears for an hour and see if you agree.Learn about the Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg here - https://www.neipperg.com/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sangrantino, heard of it? It's a wine that has the ultimate tannin punch and can take decades to resolve itself (make it ready to drink) ... but hold on. There's a new wave of winemakers in the region, fronted by women, who are learning to show the softer side, the more approachable side of this wine. Could Sagrantino be drinkable sooner - are we looking at a renaissance in Umbrian wine. Michael interviews the women (and one man) from three wineries to discuss what the heck is going on. Then, André and Michael discuss what this could all mean - plus we open an old bottle of Sagrantino, is it ready?The wineries interviewed were:https://www.tenutadisaragano.it/https://www.coccomontefalco.it/https://www.cesarinisartori.it/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After last episode's introduction to Vino Nobile, we dive a little deeper. We taste wines from Boscarelli, and even go "outside the house". For those who want to go even deeper, check out our Patreon account, there we have posted the full interview with Luca Ferrari ... become a paid member and get exclusive content like this.You can learn more about Poderi Boscarelli here - https://www.poderiboscarelli.com/en/index.htmlWines represented by Artianal Wine Imports - https://artisanalwineimports.com/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, also known as Nobile ... it's Italian for Noble and so this is known as Noble wine. But what is it, what's the history, what makes it so special and why has André been in the dark so long about this? In this episode, some of those questions get answered, others, sadly, we'll remain in the dark about. We are joined by a principal from Poliziano to discuss.You can learn more about Poliziano here - https://carlettipoliziano.com/en/Wines represented by Noble Estates - https://www.nobleestates.com/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by friend of the podcast, Ofelia Bartolucci, and we discuss Michael's and her visit to Alois Lageder and Summa back in the Spring of 2025. What is Summa you might ask? What is an Alois Lageder? What the hell are you guys talking about? So many questions. Be prepared to have them answered by none other than Helena and Clemens LagederLearn more about Alois Lageder - https://aloislageder.eu/Learn more about Summa - https://summa-al.eu/en/Wines are represented by Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits - https://www.markanthonywineandspirits.ca/You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They are going to have trouble with people pronouncing it, and they know it, but Chianti Rufina producers have a gem of a wine on their hands and they want you to know about it. Andre and Michael discuss TerraElectae with the help of Gerardo Gondi (of Gondi Estates) and Federico Giuntini Masseti (of Selvapiana). Beware: High Quality Wines Ahead.You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We get some odd questions as Canadian wine writers, many are about other Canadian wine writers: "Does Michael really hate Chardonnay?" "Does Andre really not know how to finish a question?" But the question we get asked most: "I have a bottle of BLANK Canadian wine in my cellar - how much is it worth?" We finally sat down with an expert in the secondary market of wines and posed that and other questions to him. This week we welcome Stephen Ranger, a true Mensch in the wine world, and our go to guy for this sort of thing.Links from the show ...Stephen Ranger at Ranger WineAuction House: Irongate WineYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does a bottle of British Wine sound foreign to you? We had heard good things about British Bubbles, and when given the opportunity to sit down with four British winery principals (on British soil - at the British consulate in Toronto) we jumped at the opportunity ... the results: Sparkling.You can purchase the following bottles in limited supply at the LCBOhttps://www.lcbo.com/en/balfour-1503-classic-cuvee-sparkling-47578https://www.lcbo.com/en/langham-culver-classic-cuvee-extra-brut-sparkling-47093https://www.lcbo.com/en/domaine-evremond-classic-cuvee-sparkling-47087https://www.lcbo.com/en/chapel-down-kit-s-coty-blancs-de-blancs-2014-21281You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André have been talking wine for 10 years - they take a look and reflect on what - if anything - they have learned. You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NBA could only wish for such Madness. They do theirs in March, we do ours in October ... it's just scarier that way. It all comes down to this. Four wines remain. The Highlander said it best, "There can be ONLY ONE" and we're about to find out who takes home the belt (literally).From the Ontario's longest running, and award winning, podcast about wine. The Podcast that brought you such iconic moments as Stump the Chump, The Swear Jar for Haiti, and The Legacy Series; comes yet another iconic moment in Podcast history. The winner of the very first Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition ..._________________________________Winner - Leaning Post Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (Wine 5) Second - Malivoire Bisous Rose Sparkling NV (Wine 6)Third - Tawse Quarry Road Riesling 2022 (Wine 8)Fourth - Strewn Winery Three Terroir 2020 (Wine 9) You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Sweet Sixteen over and done with, we move on to the Elite Eight. We reshuffle the deck. No one knows what wine is which. There is no picking of favourites. New numbers are assigned and we taste again. Knocking out 4 more wines from this competition; because there can be only one.This is Round 2 of Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition: the wine competition nobody asked for, and yet we pulled it off: wine against wine - no categories - one winner.After this there is only one place to go: The Final Four - coming next episode._____________________________Wines knocked out of round 2Sue Ann Staff Roberts Block Riesling 2019 (Wine 1) Pelee Island Vinedressers Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc 2017 (Wine 16)Sempre Mio Chardonnay 2023 (Wine 13) CREW Flagship Chardonnay 2023 (Wine 2)You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A boy. A dream. An adventure. An idea. They said he was crazy. They said he was nuts. They said it could not be done. The doubters were everywhere. And yet he persisted for 3 years. Finally, worn down by his antics, Michael said yes. André swooned. His dream was about to become a reality. Just a few things were needed, namely a cast of characters to help, enter Anja Warunkiewicz and Matt Cauz.Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the wine competition nobody asked for, and yet we pulled it off: wine against wine - no categories - one winner.Welcome to round one of Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition.___________________________Wines knocked out of round 1Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2024 (Wine 7)Kacaba 'Signature Series' Syrah Reserve 2022 (Wine 4)Flat Rock Monolith Chardonnay - The OC 2023 (Wine 15)Huff Estates Buried Vines Pinot Gris 2023 (Wine 14)Pillitteri Exclamation Cabernet Franc 2020 (Wine 12)Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Blanc de Blancs 'Carte Blanche' 2017 (Wine 10)Wending Home Wismer-Parke Vineyard Syrah 2020 (Wine 3)De Simone Vineyards Stallion 2020 (Wine 11)You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JP Wisers recently announced the release of a high end exclusive whiskey aged in Mizunara Oak. What the heck does a $600.00 a bottle Canadian Whiskey Taste like? André wanted to find out - and he forced Michael to taste it with him. André sits down with Dr. Don Livermore Master Blender at the Hiram Walker distillery in Windsor. He took the opportunity to taste through a few bottles to help our listeners keep their elbows up and look for a replacement for bourbon if you have a hankering.Whiskey's tasted on this podcastLot 40 Dark OakJP Wisers 18 Year OldGooderam and Worts Canadian WhiskeyWith thanks from Dr. Don and Wisers for providing samples (except the Gooderam and Worts ... that was from André's personal collection) You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That's right, this week we are talking with winemaker, general manager, head bottle washer (and whatever other job he has had over the years) Federico Giuntini Masseti of Selvapiana, one of Chianti Rufina's premier producers about all things wine. You don't wanna miss this one.You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode Andre and Michael rehash an old issue, but with a new twist. This time we have parts of an interview with Marie Lefevere, owner of four chateaux in St. Emilion. Up for discussion today, how can Bordeaux get out of the fog they are in, and what are wineries doing about it. The answers might shock the crap out of you.You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are grapes we know and there are grape we don't; on today's podcast we explore one of the latter: Caberlot from Il Carnasciale. What is it? Where did it come from? What do they do with it? And why not just DNA test the thing and find out?You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details.You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bertani has been making wine in the Veneto region of Italy since 1857. Valpolicella, Soave, Amarone, wines we've all heard about, yet the 2 Guys rarely talk about. Today, we rectify that situation. We sit down with Serena Bonaventura to talk Bertani and one of the newest innovations of the region: single vineyard wines - and while the concept isn't new - it is new to this region. Join us for a good time and a few wines. You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federico Graziani is the owner of his eponymous winery found on Mount Etna. Etna ... is an active volcano - where some of the most interesting wines in the world come from. Michael and Ofelia Bartolucci had a chance to catch up with Federico. And then - they brought some great wines back to taste and discuss on this podcast. You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André continue their adventure into champagne - this time Michael caught up with Ronny Weber head of sales in Europe for Billecart Salmon. Michael caught up with him ... in Italy. The guys sit down and talk about the future of Champagne and enjoy a bottle of Billecart Salmon, along with another special guest..You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André unpack what are the greatest wines in the latest edition of the Michael Pinkus Rosé Report. You can download the report here - https://michaelpinkuswinereview.com/images//special_reports/2025_Rose_Report.pdfYou can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of André's favourite wines are the champagnes from Henri Giraud. He had an opportunity to visit the winery in Aÿ just weeks before the family celebrated their 400th anniversary. Can André convince Michael that the wines are worth the hype ... and the price? With thanks to ABV for carrying these wines - https://abvgroup.ca/With thanks to Henri Giraud for hosting André - https://www.famillegiraudhemart400ans.com/You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Michael and André were sent a press release from Mouton Cadet - they were less than impressed. Maybe they were being just a little bit snobby... or a lot snobby. But Michael went to the event - and was stunned at the quality of the 2022 Mouton Cadet Red - André didn't believe him - so he had to taste for himself. And that brings us to our interview with Ophélie Michaud from the winemaking team. With thanks to Mouton Cadet for lining up the interviewYou can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André got a chance to visit some wineries in Niagara - That's right - in the same place at the same time. The visited five rows for their annual open house - as well as 16 mile cellar's. They also taste a new sweet champagne from Veuve Clicquot - and talk about Formula 1 briefly with Glenfiddich sponsoring Canadian owned team Aston Martin. You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Haut Bailly is an iconic winery in Bordeaux run by Veronique Sanders. The delicious wines from this winery may have made Michael's wallet and heart grow three sizes the day he visited the winery(or shrunk). Regardless - this is an interesting conversation that goes down a few rabbit holes about value - and along the way even talks about screw caps in Bordeaux. Jim Jefferies as referred to in the podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rR9IaXH1M0https://www.haut-bailly.com/en/You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back in Tuscany, in an area called Valdarno di Sopra; don't worry, we'll cover what that is and its importance. This week we are speaking to Salvatore Ferragamo - does that last name sound familiar? His family owns Il Borro a winery that currently makes Andre's favorite Sangiovese "that doesn't taste like any sangiovese I've ever had before." We explain that too. Lots to learn in this one, and we bring it all to you from the hills of Valdarno and the magic of imagination. If you close your eyes (if you can) this one will make you feel like you're actually in the hills, the wind blowing, you're looking over an ancient Borgo (small village) - and if you listen closely, you'll even know the time of day we recorded the interview. A big thank you to Stem Wine Group - https://www.stemwinegroup.com/ for getting us these great wines from this week's winery, Il Borro - https://www.ilborrowines.it/You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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/You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday you heard our commentary about a chat Michael recently had with Dany Rolland - here is the unedited french interview. Learn more here - https://www.rollandcollection.com/france/chateau-fontenil/ Support the Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineYou can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André have been talking about the storm brewing for years in regions that have not laid out the proper infrastucture to attract new customers. While they typically have been focused on the canary in the coal mine in California - the storm is already raging in Bordeaux. A region that up until recently has turned its back on their traditional customers and hopped into bed with a lucrative Chinese market... now that that market has dried up people are sitting on a mountain of wines that have no market will to pay the sky high prices they once commanded ... what does the future of Bordeaux hold? Dany Rolland is the co-owner of Chateau Fontenil and is the wife of Michel Rolland. Learn more here - https://www.rollandcollection.com/france/chateau-fontenil/ Support the Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineYou can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

André recently had a chance to sit down with Justin Taylor of Wakefield Wines. Wakefield wines is the number two ultra-premium brand in Australia behind Penfolds. With global trends in wine making a dramatic turn - How is Wakefield adjusting to the changes? Millenials and Gen Z are drinking less - but drinking better. The market is moving away from Full Bodied 'Parker' Wines ... With thanks to Profile - https://profilewinegroup.com/With thanks to Wakefield Wines - https://www.wakefieldwines.com/You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguyYou can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***Explicit Language took place in this episode - We tried to keep it G - but this episode is definitely rated PG-13 - If a well placed F Bomb may offend you skip this episode***Laura Milnes is the host and founder of Crushable Wine Club - she regularly features great Canadian wines - and great wines that she loves with her devoted followers. (In the interest of disclosure she has helped André sell many bottles of 80x Wines - for which he is grateful). She also recognizes that the system is broken. André, Michael, and Laura expand on what was happening in last weeks episode after Laura recently went viral for posting an instagram reel making Canadian suggestions for people looking for American wines.This is ther reel that set this episode up - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHEtRfxyzVY/You can follow Laura here - https://www.instagram.com/crushablewineclub/You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerviewYou can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguySupport Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadian Liquor Boards have stripped the shelves of American Booze - Should we be celebrating this newfound patriotism? For once - André is cynical about the fact that drinking local wasn't our default setting. The LCBO takes one month a year to promote VQA wines - while in the 11 other months they promote whichever highest bidder buys the space. Michael discusses how things are looking in Europe.Support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineYou can email André at [email protected] can email Michael at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invitation for judging the Ontario Wine Awards have been sent out - and Michael and André take some time to discuss some recent changes that have taken place at this once prestigious event. Are these awards still as prestigious as they once were? Are all award shows full of baloney?You can learn more about the Ontario Wine Awards here - https://ontariowineawards.com/Support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineYou can email André at [email protected] can email Michael at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael visited Umbria in the middle of 2024 - and things are changing in a region notorious for it's dense, and tannic wines. Are we continuing to witness the de-Parkerization of wines as a global movement? Are we also seeing regions thumbing their noses at the 'natural' wine movement as it currently exists?The voices and wineries discussed areMarco Rossi - Lungarotti - represented by ProfileGianpaolo Tabarrini - TabarriniValentino Valentini - BocalePeter Heilbron Bellafonte - represented by Woodman Wines and SpiritsYou can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineYou can email André at [email protected] can email Michael at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

André is doing Dry January - but we know that nobody cares about that. Michael is currently discovering Bordeaux and sipping on some of the most coveted wines of the region. Does Bordeaux live up to the hype? Or is it overhyped and overpriced?You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineYou can email André at [email protected] can email Michael at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THIS IS NOT AN EPISODE OF TWO GUYS TALKING WINE - BUT TASTING TOGETHER - WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS EPISODE AND HAVE A GREAT 2025!André took an April visit to lake Seneca - he visited Hillick and Hobbs, Hermann J Wiemer, and Fox Run. This was a return to the United States after his first visit to the Finger Lakes in 2017 when he heard that Paul Hobbs was opening a winery. Miroki and André take some time to unpack the trip and have a conversation about Riesling, Natural Wine, and the Geology and Geography of Lake Seneca.Wineries visited -https://www.hillickandhobbs.com/https://www.wiemer.com/https://foxrunvineyards.com/You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncespleaseYou can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André spent a lot of time together in 2024. But they also enjoyed some great bottles of wine together. They do some clean-up of topics for the end of the year and set the table for 2025.Thanks for listening in 2024!You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

André took a much needed vacation to Portugal - naturally he headed to Porto and visited a few Port Houses. He also visited a couple of wineries in Vinho Verde.Michael has been spending his December in Italy - he has also been eating and drinking his way through the country.You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André have once again written the Toronto Life gift guide - here are some highlights. They also had a chance to dive into some killer bottles of wine over the past month - including a stellar dinner with the wines of Joseph Phelps.You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineYou can email André at [email protected] can email Michael at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This fall Michael and André got the opportunity to sit down with Leslie and Rich Frank of the Napa Valley winery that bears their name. They enjoyed the wines so much - they needed to get in touch with Todd Graff the man behind the delicious wines in the bottle.You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André sit down with the folks from Alpha Estate and Wine Art Estate to get a crash course in Greek wines. They taste through a bunch as well ...https://alpha-estate.com/https://wineartestate.com/with thank to the Kolonaki group for providing the wines and heading down to the Hamilton studio.You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André sit down with Ed Madronich of Flat Rock Cellars. Ed invited us to visit the winery to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Twisted. Michael and André were lukewarm about going down to taste this wine ... Ed was undeterred. So - Will we convince you to drink blended white's from Ontario?You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwineHere is a summary of the wines tasted.2020 Red Twisted – 72% Gamay, 25% Merlot, 3% Pinot Noir2012 Red Twisted – 39.7% Pinot Noir, 38.2% Syrah, 22.1% Merlot 2023 Special Edition Twisted – 74% Riesling, 15.54% Gewurztraminer, 9.86% Chardonnay (RS 13 g/L ~ TA 7.05 g/L)2017 Twisted – 64% Riesling, 32% Gewurztraminer, 4% Chardonnay (RS 15 g/L ~ TA 6.1 g/L)2015 Twisted – 75% Riesling, 17% Gewurztraminer, 8% Chardonnay (RS 18g/L ~ TA 7.4 g/L) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this year - Episode 345 - Michael was on his way to Cyprus - and André said he wished he could taste these wines. Well - Michael came through and brought a selection to taste through. Needless to say - these wines did not disappoint.The wines tasted are samples that were provided by Kolonaki Fine Wines - https://kolonakifinewines.com/Zambartas 2022 Promara (white)Tsiakkas 2022 Xinestri (white)Tsiakkas 2022 Mavro (red)Zambartas 2002 Maratheftiko (red)Zambartas 2021 Margelina (red)You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are taking a break from our regular show to make an announcement and own up to our shortcomings as voices in the wine industry. This is an unreserved apology to people who we have hurt and offended with our conduct and content in the past. It is not the standard to which we are trying to set ourselves. As people who are trying to be agents of change in an industry that is ripe for abuse we need to do better. That being said - We may say something offensive in the future - We cannot get better unless people tell us we're falling short. We fully recognize that people have tried to tell us we have been failing in the past through social media, in the reviews of this show - and with the occasional phone call. We weren't listening - but we are going to try harder to listen now. André Proulx - [email protected] Pinkus - [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's everyone's favourite game show ... Stump the Chump - When we recently sat down with Shiraz Mottiar and Elisa Massi to find out what's new at Malivoire - Michael couldn't resist to torture our unsuspecting guests by lining up a Gamay themed blind tasting.You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael and André sit down with Elisa Mazzi, the new head winemaker at Malivoire - and Shiraz Mottiar the old head winemaker. Is there a change of direction? Will Malivoire become the house of Sparkling wine?This episode is sponsored by Los Arango Tequila which you can find at the LCBO hereYou can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.