Category: Wine reviews

Women in Wine Talks Interview With: Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta of Two Sisters Vineyards – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Discover Two Sisters Vineyards

Located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s renowned wine region,Two Sisters Vineyards exemplifies the Marotta family’s steadfast commitment to achieving excellence in both viticulture and hospitality. Established by sisters Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta, the winery embodies their shared vision of producing ultra-premium wines that honour the distinctive terroir of the Niagara River sub-appellation.

The estate encompasses over 130 acres, with cultivated varietals including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. Renowned for their dedication to sustainable farming practices, Two Sisters Vineyards have achieved recognition for its environmentally conscious approach.

At the heart of Two Sisters Vineyards lies a guiding philosophy: to craft super-premium and luxury wines through a non-interventionist approach to winemaking. By prioritizing the integrity of the fruit and the uniqueness of their property’s terroir, the winery consistently delivers exceptional, world-class wines.

Since its inception in 2014, Two Sisters Vineyards has garnered numerous accolades, including being named “Best Small Winery in Canada” by the National Wine Awards of Canada. Their 2014 Cabernet Franc, in particular, earned a prestigious platinum medal, showcasing the winery’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Melissa and Angela together have created a destination that combines exceptional wines with Italian-inspired culinary offerings at their onsite restaurant, Kitchen76.

The winery’s dedication to excellence extends to its digital presence, with an engaging website (Two Sisters Vineyards) and active social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, where they connect with wine enthusiasts worldwide. Two Sisters Vineyards stands as a beacon of innovation and tradition.

Interview With: Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta of Two Sisters Vineyards
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Liz Palmer: Which influential women in the wine industry have inspired you throughout your journey?

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta: We are inspired by the women who work alongside us at Two Sisters Vineyards. Many of us are mothers, daughters and sisters who work tirelessly together to make an impact here at TSV while juggling the demands outside the workplace. The wine industry in Ontario has many amazing inspiring women, many who are winemakers and stakeholders/owners.

Sue Ann Staff has been integral to the landscape here for many years. Thirty Bench has a very talented winemaker, Emma Garner, as does Tawse with Jessica Otting. There are many women working behind the scenes as well as out in the vineyard and in overall management. The industry has many talented women who are truly pivotal to each wineries success. Debbie Zimmerman stands out so much as CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario.  It all starts with the farmers here in NOTL and we very much advocate for all wineries here in the region to support and buy grapes locally. Debbie has been pivotal to raising this awareness and supporting this part of the industry here. At TSV all our fruit is estate grown and when needed, depending on the year, we will first and foremost support our neighbouring grape growers.

Liz Palmer: Could you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement
in your illustrious career?

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta: When we won Best Canadian Winery in 2018, we knew we were doing many things right!  It was a very proud moment for our team here in Niagara on the Lake. Adam Pearce our winemaker has been producing award-winning wines for TSV since we opened our doors and to see him get that recognition from his peers and the industry was very exhilarating. In 2019 we were recognized as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail which gave us great exposure and the confidence to know we were scaling the company in the right direction.

Liz Palmer: What recent technological innovations have you and your team integrated into your winemaking process?

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta: In the last year we have invested in a temperature-controlled storage for our barrel fermentations. This allows for ideal conditions to ensure consistent quality. In an effort towards sustainable packaging, we have been working with a company to reduce our carbon footprint by washing and sanitizing a portion of our wine bottles to be reused for future wines. We also invested in a mechanical grape harvester so we can hone in on our picking date and time and efficiently pick our fruit at it’s ideal peak in ripeness and quality.

Liz Palmer: How do you ensure sustainability and uphold environmental responsibility in your vineyard and winery operations?

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta: We have several key practices that uphold our commitment to environmental responsibility, from sustainable farming to major conservation initiatives. We prioritize soil health by conducting annual nutrient sampling on our vines and soils across all blocks. Our vineyards are Certified Sustainable by Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario. The program makes sure it is a sustainable journey from grape to glass. When it comes to energy efficiency, we implement technologies such as the Gregoire grape harvester and mechanical leaf removal. For waste reduction, we compost all our grape pomace. Additionally, our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program collaborates with a local university to scout our vineyards and conduct trials each year, ensuring the best understanding of vineyard pests. At every stage, sustainability remains a top priority as we farm with future generations in mind.

Liz Palmer: What are your perspectives on the No and Low Alcohol Wine Revolution, and how has your wine estate adapted to this burgeoning movement?

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta: We feel that drinking wine in moderation is the best way to achieve a well balance lifestyle.  Europeans have wine almost every day. There are also reports stating that drinking red wine is good for the heart (and soul!). Wine should not be categorized the same as hard spirits and this can get lost with those advocating for zero alcohol consumption. Wine is very much part of the enjoyment of food and is at our table for most meals. There needs to be a continued appreciation for winemaking as it is an art.  The cultivation and farming of grape from vineyards echoes the history that is deep rooted in our region and elsewhere in the world!

Liz Palmer: How do you and your team stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the wine industry?

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta: We focus on quality and don’t necessarily follow all the trends. If there are advancements that we are made aware of we will get informed however we are not large producers and as a result, we lean towards a more traditional way of winemaking that values high quality barrels for longer aging.  We don’t want to mess up a good thing and to date focus on farming, hand tending to each vine, dropping fruit for lower yields and a talented winemaking team is what has made us successful and garnered our wines many accolades domestically and internationally.

Liz Palmer: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the
wine industry?

Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta: Focus on quality not quantity. Consumers who appreciate wine will respect anyone who is passionately focused on producing high quality premium wine. Also, don’t focus on growing and scaling too quickly. Make the effort to know the economics of the industry as it can be very risk oriented. Create a demand for your wine and focus always on producing the best that you can.

Wine Reviews: Two Sisters Blanc de Franc Sparkling 2020 +
Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2018

Two Sisters Blanc de Franc Sparkling 2020

Crafted in the Traditional Method from 100% Cabernet Franc, this sparkling wine stands as a hallmark of Two Sisters’ esteemed repertoire.
Displaying a luminous light lemon hue, this sparkling wine exhibits a persistent and vigorous effervescence. Aromatically, it unfolds with layers of elegance, showcasing fresh red berries interwoven with nuanced herbal undertones, vibrant lemon zest, and the refined allure of brioche.

On the palate, this sparkling wine is a symphony of freshness and complexity. The lively, creamy mousse provides a seamless foundation for flavours of crisp apple, red berry medley, with a delicate touch of lemon. Subtle brioche accents and a whisper of toast contribute to the wine’s creamy depth and complexity. Elevated by a bright, well-integrated acidity, it delivers a finely tuned structure that culminates in a medium-length, polished finish. This is a compelling and articulate expression of Cabernet Franc in sparkling form, offering sophistication and balance in every sip.
92 points
Liz Palmer

Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2018

The Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2018, a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot (48%), Cabernet Franc (24%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (28%), captures the essence of Niagara’s terroir.

This wine visually presents itself with a medium-intensity garnet hue. On the nose, it offers a sophisticated bouquet of cassis, black cherry, and ripe plum, interwoven with subtle dried herbs, anise, along with hints of cinnamon and clove from its oak maturation. These inviting aromas are complemented by delicate hints of wood char and dark chocolate.

The palate reveals a medium body, with rich and ripe flavours of black fruit, plums, and hints of black pepper. The velvet tannins provide structure, while vibrant acidity ensures freshness and balance. Layers of black cherries and nuanced dark fruit persist through to the finish, which is long, polished, and refined, leaving traces of spice and earthy undertones.

A standout in the Two Sisters portfolio, it exemplifies the finesse and depth of Niagara’s viticultural promise.
91 points
Liz Palmer

Wine Review: Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella 2021 – Liz Palmer

Tasting Notes:

This wine is a Symphony of Flavors, showcasing a deep, dark inky red hue that captivates. On the nose, it reveals an intricate bouquet of dark cherry, dried fig, and grilled herbs, intertwined with subtle hints of dark chocolate and spice. The palate is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, with flavors of bacon, dark cherry, and dried figgy fruit, with a touch of dark chocolate and spice. The wine is full-bodied and balanced by velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression and wanting more.
93 Points
Liz Palmer

Food Pairing:

This Amarone is a versatile companion to a variety of dishes. Its robust flavors pair beautifully with roasted venison, beef daube, and leg of lamb. For a more traditional pairing, try it with polenta dishes or pasta with a rich tomato sauce. The wine’s complexity also makes it a delightful match for aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Gorgonzola.

Valpolicella Charts New Path: Amarone’s Journey from Volume to Value

On February 1 and 2, the Valpolicella Wine Consortium celebrated the 20th anniversary of Amarone Opera Prima with world-renowned tenor Vittorio Grigolo, a former Sistine Chapel soloist and Arena Opera Festival star since 2013.

The two-day event, hosted in the 17th-century Gran Guardia building on Piazza Brà, featured 70 producers. Consortium President Christian Marchesini focused his keynote on Valpolicella’s future amid shifting global markets and consumer preferences. Master of Wine Andrea Lonardi, the consortium’s vice-president, noted that while past Amarone production catered to demand for smooth, approachable reds in high volumes, today’s market seeks wines with stronger territorial identity and clear messaging. He emphasized the need for synergy between method, territory, producers, and communication, requiring cultural, legislative, and production changes to shift from volume to value.

Vintage 2020

In general, Amarone 2020 turned out to be soft and fruity with good structural balance, a true reflection of the vintage. The year began with normal bud burst timing and a warm, dry spring. Despite weather fluctuations—including June rains, July heat, and late-summer rainfall—skilled vineyard management ensured healthy fruit development. The mid-September harvest yielded grapes that produced an exceptional Amarone, characterized by perfect ripeness, balanced acidity, and profound aromatics that masterfully express both varietal and traditional appassimento characteristics. This exceptional wine promises remarkable aging potential, driven by its precise acidity and true-to-type expression. Its sophisticated bouquet weaves together authentic varietal notes with distinctive aromas from the appassimento process and barrel aging. In the glass, it commands attention with its profound color depth, impeccable structural balance, and harmonious alcohol integration.

Territory, Tourism, and Market Changes Shape New Strategy as Valpolicella Celebrates 100 Years

“The three wines of Valpolicella uniquely reflect the varied tastes across generations among Italian denominations. Amarone and Recioto appeal to mature consumers, Ripasso to millennials, and Valpolicella—a contemporary wine which Milo Manara fittingly depicted with a woman—to the younger generation,” said Christian Marchesini, President of the Valpolicella Wine Protection Consortium, at Amarone Opera Prima. The event celebrated the centenary of Veneto’s first wine consortium, which now represents over 2,400 companies, 360 bottlers, and approximately 8,600 hectares of vineyards.

The Valpolicella Wine Protection Consortium anchors Italy’s wine heritage, bringing together over 2,400 businesses throughout 19 municipalities in Verona province. This dynamic collective encompasses growers, winemakers, and bottlers who tend to 8,600 hectares of prestigious vineyards. With annual revenues exceeding 600 million euros—predominantly driven by Amarone’s success—the Consortium safeguards and champions the denomination’s interests both within Italy and abroad. Representing over 70% of the region’s production, it serves as the authoritative voice for one of Italy’s most distinguished wine regions.

Regional Characteristics and Denominations

Valpolicella’s distinctiveness stems from its location between the Dolomites and Lake Garda. The Monti Lessini plateau shields vineyards from Alpine cold, while Lake Garda provides mild winters and ventilation, enabling longer growing seasons that produce concentrated wines with high acidity. The region’s traditional appassimento method—grape drying—creates its flagship Amarone wine.

The region produces four wines: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG. Each can originate from three territories: Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella DOC Classico, and Valpolicella DOC Valpantena.

Experiencing Valpolicella

The region offers diverse attractions beyond wine. Historic villages like San Giorgio di Valpolicella showcase 12th-century Romanesque architecture, while Fumane features the preserved Maso degli Orzi rural complex. San Pietro in Cariano’s Villa Serego Alighieri serves as both winery and museum.

Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides an ideal base for exploring. The city features the Roman Arena, Juliet’s House, and Piazza delle Erbe. Nearby Lake Garda offers water sports and scenic villages.

Local cuisine includes specialties like bigoli with duck ragù and paparotte (cabbage and bean soup), perfectly complementing regional wines.

Legacy in Motion: Protecting Valpolicella’s Appassimento Tradition

The Valpolicella community seeks UNESCO Intangible Heritage status for its appassimento tradition—not for commercial gain, as Amarone already generates over 600 million euros in revenue, but to preserve the practice for future generations. The application process has unified the community while respecting individual approaches to tradition and innovation. Visitors can experience this heritage through various accommodations, from intimate farmhouses to luxury wine resorts in converted Renaissance villas, all within 30 minutes of Verona.

My Choices of Valpolicella’s Producers

Below are a few notable producers that caught my eye and palate during this year’s Amarone Opera Prima event. They range from historic estates to new state-of-the-art wineries, and small, passionate producers focused on terroir and sustainability.

CONTRADA PALUI – www.contradapalui.com Contrada Palui is a relatively new producer created by the innovative and passionate Hannes Pichler. After studying renewable energies in London and Milan, Hannes discovered a naturally organic green meadow in the Valpolicella region, just northeast of Verona, which had never seen pesticides. He planted a vineyard there. The unique location benefits from 500 meters elevation and 180 degrees of sun exposure. The soil composition includes clay, limestone, flint, and black basalt, allowing Hannes to produce very terroir-driven wines. He converted an old hay barn to store his barrels and amphorae.

LA COLLINA DEI CILIEGI – www.lacollinadeiciliegi.it Nestled in the hills of the Valpantena territory, the charming Collina dei Ciliegi is the dream of winemaker Massimo Gianolli. He began his journey in 2005 with a small production of grapes that became the first Amarone produced in the small village of Erbin. Now, La Collina dei Ciliegi produces three collections exported to over 20 countries worldwide. They have some of the highest vineyards in Valpolicella (750m) with chalky soils that produce wines with excellent acidity and minerality. Their modern approach includes new blends that combine traditional and international varieties. A visit to the winery offers a memorable journey through the land, culture, and flavors of Valpantena. Their beautifully restored farmhouse, Ca’ Del Moro, welcomes visitors for tastings, vineyard walks, fine dining, and stays in six finely refurbished rooms, each named after symbolic wines of the region (Amarone, Valpolicella, Recioto, Ripasso, Garganega, and Corvina).

LE GUAITE DI NOEMI – www.leguaite.it Noemi Pizzighella, the driving force behind Le Guaite, is a young and highly respected winemaker in Veneto. Growing up in the vineyards of Mezzane di Sotto, north of Verona, Noemi was immersed in the rich viticultural traditions of her family. Her father, Stefano Pizzighella, started a small olive oil production in 1987, making the most of the family’s olive groves. Inspired by her father’s dedication, Noemi developed a passion for winemaking as a child.

Le Guaite’s portfolio includes the celebrated Amarone della Valpolicella, known for its rich, robust profile with notes of dark fruit, spice, and a velvety finish. The Valpolicella Superiore is another standout, offering a harmonious balance of red berries, herbs, and subtle oak. Noemi’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that each bottle embodies the essence of the region. Her wines include Recioto della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso, Valpolicella Superiore, Amarone della Valpolicella, and Tano IGT Rosso Veronese. These wines are celebrated for their fresh and fruity nuances, distancing themselves from the opulence of certain other Valpolicella wines.

MASSIMAGO – www.massimago.com Hidden in the valley of Mezzane in Valpolicella is the Massimago winery which dates back to 1883. The name comes from Latin meaning “maximum wellness” and that is certainly what they have created here. Current owner and winemaker Camilla Rossi Chauvenet renovated the entire estate in 2003, expanding their cellars and creating a Wine Relais with seven elegant country-style suites, a pool, a private spa, and a restaurant serving dishes created from ingredients grown on the property. Visitors can enjoy a variety of tasting experiences from a vineyard walk to a picnic or e-bike tour.

TENUTA SANTA MARIA di Gaetano Bertani – www.tenutasantamaria.wine Tenuta Santa Maria, a historic estate dating to the 16th century in Arbizzano di Negrar, stands as one of Valpolicella’s most significant cultural and viticultural landmarks. Under the stewardship of brothers Giovanni and Guglielmo Bertani, who inherited the estate from their father, legendary winemaker Gaetano Bertani, the winery continues a centuries-old tradition of excellence.

The estate’s neoclassical complex, featuring a frescoed villa and monumental cellar, is recognized as a national monument. Tenuta Santa Maria combines historical significance with modern innovation. The Bertani brothers focus on indigenous varieties and sustainable practices, producing wines from both their Valpolicella estate and ventures in Soave’s Colognola ai Colli, as well as a high-altitude project in Valpantena. Their portfolio reflects both tradition and innovation, showcasing the diversity of Veneto’s terroir through wines that blend historical techniques with modern precision.

Filippo Magnani

Wine Review: Two Wines from Marqués de Riscal [voted #1 Vineyard in the World]

Marqués de Riscal

Located in the picturesque Basque Country, the Marques De Riscal winery in Elciego, Spain, is a beacon of viticultural excellence. This historic winery, founded in 1858, has recently been voted the #1 vineyard in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 and received the Best Vineyard in Europe Award. The winery’s commitment to innovation and quality is also evident in every bottle they produce, making it a must-visit destination. You can explore the stunning vineyards, tour the state-of-the-art winery facilities, and indulge in tastings of their award-winning wines.

At the heart of the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine stands Hotel Marques De Riscal, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. This hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience, blending modern design with the rich history of the region. With its combination of award-winning wines, luxurious accommodations, and rich cultural experiences, Marques De Riscal is truly a destination that should be on your bucket list!

Website Link: https://www.marquesderiscal.com/en

Wine Reviews

2023 Marques de Riscal Rueda

This organic wine is a testament to Marqués de Riscal’s commitment to quality and innovation. This vibrant white wine, crafted from the Verdejo grape, offers a bouquet of white flowers with hints of grass and fennel. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with a well-balanced acidity that makes it a perfect companion for seafood dishes and light salads. The finish is clean and lingering, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that invites another sip.

90 Points
Liz Palmer

2020 Marques de Riscal Reserva

This Rioja wine is a robust red wine that showcases the depth and complexity of the Tempranillo grape. Aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, this wine exudes rich aromas of licorice, cinnamon and black pepper. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with well-integrated tannins with a long, persistent finish.

This Rioja Reserva pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

93 Points
Liz Palmer

Miller Family Wine Company (California) Unveils AI-Powered Sommelier Technology

The Miller Family Wine Company recently introduced AI-powered sommelier technology on its website. This advancement underscores the company’s digital vision and solidifies its role as a pioneer in the application of artificial intelligence within the wine industry.

MFWC’s AI Sommelier represents a transformative development, fundamentally altering how consumers browse and purchase wine. Utilizing state-of-the-art autonomous AI-powered agents, the AI Sommelier provides fast, personalized recommendations tailored to individual palates. It delivers detailed tasting notes, comprehensive accolades, and expert reviews directly to users. Available 24/7, this innovative tool offers an unparalleled shopping experience, enabling wine enthusiasts to explore and acquire wines with unprecedented ease and confidence.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our AI-powered sommelier—the fastest, most intuitive way to learn and shop for wines,” shares Nicholas Miller, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at MFWC. “Using advanced technology, the AI Sommelier takes the complexity out of choosing the perfect wine, providing detailed comparisons, reviews, tasting notes, and even pairing suggestions so everyone can make informed decisions effortlessly—anytime, anywhere. It’s primed to set a new standard for digital wine retail, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this innovative technology with consumers.”

MFWC’s AI Sommelier is available online at www.millerfamilywinecompany.com, accessible via the small icon in the bottom right corner.