Two Guys Talking Wine
We're both wine writers living in Ontario Canada. We are past-presidents of the Wine Writer Circle of Canada. We travel. We drink wine. And we know things. We're going to share that knowledge with you. Opinionated and Wine fueled content is what you will find here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Old Vines, Lost Grapes and Southern Italy
Michael and André head to southern Italy for a look at Feudi di San Gregorio in Campania, with Italian brand curator Ophelia joining the conversation to help make sense of the region, the grapes and the people behind the winery.
They talk Fiano, Greco and Aglianico, the growing impact of climate change in Irpinia, and Feudi’s unusual relationship with hundreds of local growers. They also explore the work of agronomist Pierpaolo Sirch and the FeudiStudi project, which looks at how dramatically individual vineyard sites can shape the same grape variety.
Then Michael opens two...
Capezzana's Century — Sangiovese, Syrah & Succession in Carmignano
We are joined by Beatrice Contini Bonacossi, co-owner, sales manager, and global brand ambassador of Tenuta di Capezzana in Carmignano, Tuscany who joined Michael for a rooftop chat. Beatrice walks the guys through the winery's remarkable 1,200-plus-year history, the family's century of ownership (1925–2025), and how four generations - now into the fifth - have kept Capezzana thriving. The conversation also touches on the Carmignano DOCG blend, why Cabernet Sauvignon is a gateway to Sangiovese, Vin Santo as a passion project, and a frank discussion about why European wineries seem to nail succession planning while Ontario struggles.
We...
Aveleda - and the understated wines from Vinho Verde
Michael and André sit down outside on a hot summer day with Aveleda head winemaker Diogo Campilho to explore Vinho Verde — one of the wine world's last great unsung values. Diogo breaks down the region's fantastic and easy drinking whites, the rapid rise in red wine quality over the past decade thanks to modern viticulture, and Aveleda's commitment to indigenous Portuguese grapes across its four estates (Vinho Verde, Douro, Bairrada, and Algarve).
The guys taste five wines from Aveleda, a fifth-generation family winery founded in 1870:
Loureiro '25 — Vinho Verde's most-planted grape; fruity, aromatic, and dryLoureiro-Alvarinho — a 70/30...The First Wine on Earth: Uncorking Armenia with Diana Khandilyan
Michael and Andre sit down outside in 33°C heat with geophysicist-turned-wine-educator Diana Khandilyan to explore Armenia — home to the world's oldest known winery (the Areni-1 cave, dated ~6,100 years). Diana breaks down Armenia's geography (landlocked between the Caspian and Black Seas, bordering Turkey, Georgia, and Iran), the Soviet-era gap that pushed winemaking underground for 70 years, and how the diaspora is now rebuilding the industry from scratch.
The guys taste three wines built entirely on indigenous grapes:
Chardonnay Redemption, Port Deep Dives & the Trouble with Wine Awards
Michael and André catch up on everything happening in Ontario wine right now — starting with an on-the-record correction: Michael does not hate Chardonnay (an amphora-aged Volta Chardonnay proved it). From there, the guys cover:
Flat Rock's annual tasting – barrel samples from the promising 2025 vintage, and how far Ontario Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc have come since 2010Rosé report preview – André's tasting through 200+ rosés and sparkling wines for this year's report, plus a tangent into sangria seasonJudging the Experts Tasting – Michael's first time on the panel, the surprising sommelier-vs-winemaker splits on which Chardonnays advanced, and a memorable library tasting of a...Legacy Series - Trius Red: 35 Vintages, 4 Winemakers, One Ontario Icon
André Proulx and Michael Pinkus assemble an “Avengers” lineup of Trius Red winemakers at Trius — J-L Groux, Craig McDonald, Emma Garner, and Ben Minaker - for a deep vertical tasting from 2010–2024 (plus a 2002 Trius Grand Red). Today's episode is supersized to match the grandeur of the guests.
The unpack how Niagara’s climate, vineyard sourcing, blending, tannin management, cork choices, and restrained oak have shaped this flagship blend. Groux recounts Trius Red’s origins in 1989 as a Bordeaux-inspired assemblage and how warmer, longer falls have helped late-ripening reds, while the group compares challenging and standout vintages (including 201...
Golf Claps and Nebbiolo: A Playful Dive into Barolo and Barbaresco
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...
Sassicaia is the name of the wine not the winery ...
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 creatio...
Is Nikka From the Barrel redefining the global whiskey market?
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 cas...
From Vintage Chardonnay to Chinese Cabernet
Judging 130 Chardonnays, the Canadian Wine Library, and a Surprise Chinese Cabernet Gernischt
André 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 a...
Does a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti give $6500 worth of value?
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...
The Future of the Right Bank according to Von Neipperg
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...
The New Sagrantino di Montefalco
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 - p...
Boscarelli - The Next Level of Nobile
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.html
Wines represented by Artianal Wine Imports - https://artisanalwineimports.com/
You can support us on Patreon here - https...
André Gets His First Taste of Noble Wine
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/
Alois Lageder: The What Where & Why
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 Lageder
Learn more about Alois Lageder - https://aloislageder.eu/
Learn more about Summa - https://summa-al.eu/en/
Wines are represented by Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits...
TerraLectae. TerraElectae. Terra ... It's Chosen Wine from Chosen Land - and It's Damn Good
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and f...
Is that old bottle of wine in your cellar worth anything?
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.<...
They make sparkling wine in England...?
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 LCBO
https://www.lcbo.com/en/balfour-1503-classic-cuvee-sparkling-47578
https://www.lcbo.com/en/langham-culver-classic-cuvee-extra-brut-sparkling-47093
https://www.lcbo.com/en/domaine-evremond-classic-cuvee-sparkling-47087
https://www.lcbo.com/en/chapel-down-kit-s-coty-blancs-de-blancs-2014-21281<...
Two Guys Have Been Talking Wine For Ten Years
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition - Part 3
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...
Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition - Part 2
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...
Ontario's Ultimate Wine Competition - Part 1
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...
Are we all Elbows Up About Canadian Whiskey?
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 podcast
Lot 40 Da...
I Think I'm Gonna Selvapiana Myself
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email Michael at michael@m...
What Kind of Fog Is Bordeaux In?
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 a...
What happens when Cabernet and Merlot make an Italian bambino?
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can e...
What's a Bertani and How Do I Get One?
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can e...
Federico Graziani is making wine on an active volcano...
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy
Y...
Billecart Salmon and the Future of Champagne
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy
You can support us on...
2025 Michael Pinkus Rose Report
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.pdf
You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy
You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
The Best Champagne House You Probably Never Heard of ... Henri Giraud
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email...
The New Wines From Mouton Cadet ... Are Very Good!
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 interview
You can email André at andre@andr...
The Cult Wineries of Ontario ... the real ones
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @th...
The Winery that made Michael open his Heart and his Wallet - Haut Bailly
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=0rR9IaXH1M0
https://www.haut-bailly.com/en/
You can email...
Not All Sangiovese Is Created Equal - Especially At Il Borro
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.Â
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 w...
André has finally learned something about Tuscan Wine - from Sette Ponti!
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...
BONUS - Full Dany Rolland Interview (in French)
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/2guystalkingwine
You can email André at andre@andrewinereview.ca and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview
You can email Michael at michael@michaelpinkuswinereview.com and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
What does Dany Rolland think about the future of Bordeaux?
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 o...
Are Big Brands Like Wakefield Responding To The Market Quick Enough...?
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 andre@andrewinereview.ca and fo...
