Unwined with Mandi Robertson

Welcome to Unwined with Mandi on CJAD 800!

Today, we’re heading to one of the most famous wine regions in the world: Bordeaux, France.

Now, Bordeaux has a reputation. Prestigious châteaux, expensive bottles, and wines that supposedly need decades in the cellar before you can even think about opening them. But is that really what Bordeaux is all about?

Not quite.

Bordeaux is a region steeped in history and tradition, but it’s also evolving. And while some of the world’s most sought-after wines come from here, there are plenty of fantastic bottles that are approachable, affordable, and ready to enjoy right now.

Today, I’m joined by three guests who know Bordeaux exceptionally well: Jean-Pierre Durand from J. Lebègue, Hugues Laborde from Vignobles, and Julien Queyrens from Château Grand Peyruchet ( Importing agent PotVin). 

Together, we’ll explore what makes Bordeaux so distinctive, from its grape varieties and terroir to the art of blending, the differences between the Left and Right Banks, and of course, those extraordinary sweet wines of Sauternes.

We’ll also talk about how Bordeaux is changing, what today’s wine drinkers are looking for, and why you don’t need a special occasion—or a particularly generous bank account—to enjoy a good Bordeaux.

So whether you’re a longtime Bordeaux lover or someone who finds the region a little intimidating, there’s something for everyone today.

Pour yourself a glass, get comfortable, and let’s head to Bordeaux!

This week on Unwined with Mandi, make room on your La Grande Dégustation de Montréal itinerary for Wines of Greece at counter A18. With 34 wines to discover at its wine bar, this is a chance to explore a country whose wines deserve a bigger place on our tables.

Greece’s indigenous grape varieties, varied landscapes and blend of longstanding traditions and contemporary winemaking give its wines remarkable individuality. From crisp, expressive whites to reds with depth and character, there’s plenty to discover beyond the familiar names. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions, compare styles and find something new to bring to your next dinner party. Whether you’re already a fan or wondering where to start, make the Wines of Greece wine bar at A18 a stop.

For more info on Greek wines head to :

https://www.saq.com/en/wines-greece?srsltid=AYCX9vKI1242SuSj508NzRe0s0an_IvgKOmeKj2XiafljkSaiU5rOh_H

Then, we’re heading to Piedmont with Roberto Bruno and Fabio Bosio from Fontanafredda for a conversation about all things Barolo. What makes a wine Barolo, and why does it have such a grand reputation? We explore Barolo Week, the initiative Fontanafredda created to bring this celebrated wine to more tables, and discover how to join the celebration here in Montreal. From the estate’s royal beginnings to choosing a bottle for dinner, we discuss why Barolo can be more approachable and affordable than you might expect, and why enjoying it doesn’t always require decades in the cellar! 

 

Today on Unwined with Mandi, we’re discovering BOUS, a Montreal restaurant where childhood memories help shape a refined expression of Persian cuisine.

I’ll be speaking with co-founders Hamed Masoumi and Saba Heravi, starting with their childhoods in Iran, their journeys to Montreal and the flavours that have stayed with them along the way. Those familiar dishes now have a home at BOUS, where the food they grew up eating is presented with care and elegance, while keeping its connection to family and tradition.

We’ll talk about what it means to recreate a taste of home—and share it with a city that loves to eat. Then, sommelier Hadrien Lottiaux joins us to explore the wines and how to pair them with the fragrant herbs, spices and rich flavours of Persian cooking.

To make a reservation:

https://bous.ca/

This Week on Unwined with Mandi: A Barossa Legend, a Fresh New Look, and a New Way to Date!

This week on Unwined with Mandi, we’re heading to Australia’s Barossa Valley to discover the fascinating story behind one of the country’s most iconic wine names, Peter Lehmann.

I’m joined by Andrew Stark from Peter Lehmann Wines to talk about the man who helped shape the Barossa wine industry, his extraordinary legacy, and the wines that continue to carry his name. We’ll also discuss the winery’s refreshed look, including its new, elegant labels. The packaging may have changed, but the great wines inside remain the same!

Then, we’re switching gears from wine to romance!

Marie-Chantal Pénouf, founder of VYBZ, joins me to talk about a fresh approach to dating in Montreal. With so many singles frustrated by dating apps, VYBZ is bringing people together through real-life connections and experiences. We’ll find out what inspired Marie-Chantal to launch the service, how it works, and why meeting someone in person might just be making a comeback.

This Thanksgiving weekend on Unwined with Mandi, we’re exploring what to pour for everyone around the table. Dawn Murray joins us to introduce Vierge, a Canadian-owned, Quebec-made non-alcoholic wine alternative crafted with fermented tea, fruit concentrates and tannins. We’ll discover what inspired her to create it and how she builds flavour and texture without relying on alcohol.

Pierre-Adrien Fleurant of Maison AIX takes us to Provence to talk rosé, and why this versatile wine deserves a place alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings. Then, Alessandro and Alberto Tasca of Sicily’s Tasca d’Almerita share their approach to sustainability and the work behind protecting the land that produces their wines. Plus, my Wines of the Week, with delicious recommendations and pairings for your Thanksgiving meal.

This week on Unwined with Mandi, we’re heading to Italy with Alessandro Medici of Medici Ermete to debunk some of the biggest misconceptions about Lambrusco. We’ll discover what makes their Concerto so unique — a single-vineyard Lambrusco that’s dry, vibrant, high-quality and seriously delicious.

Plus, I’m sharing details about the upcoming Unwined & Uncorked trips to Portugal, Madeira and the Azores in 2027! Click on the link below for more info :

https://deltatur.pt/en/portugal2027/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAUt7FVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAmZkaWQWUPlzfIBL-bnzyxxJCjHjVrIXQECLunNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp33luHoXk9iDVXAhvvAXx4PCIllXfuCBmzuCh4geu5ruKBgarlVUHo59w8As_aem_ysmBrrydOipuy3rzmPGSZQ

Today on Unwined, we begin with a category that is changing quickly: sophisticated wine alternatives for those choosing not to drink alcohol. Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger, co-founder of French Bloom, joins me to discuss the creation of the brand and the challenge of producing a premium French sparkling wine with 0.0% alcohol. Made with organic French grapes, French Bloom was created to bring the complexity, elegance and celebratory character of traditional sparkling wine to the non-alcoholic category. We talk about how the wines are made, the growing demand for elevated alcohol-free options and why choosing not to drink should never mean settling for something uninspiring in your glass.

Then, we travel to Burgundy for a conversation with Laurent Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin, one of the region’s most respected and historic family-owned producers. Laurent shares his perspective on the latest harvest and what the growing season may reveal in the finished wines. We also explore the fascinating diversity of Chardonnay in Burgundy, from the freshness, minerality, and precision of Chablis to the texture, depth, and complexity found in the great white wines of the Côte d’Or.

It is a conversation about terroir, vintage variation, and the extraordinary ability of one grape variety to express itself so differently depending on where it is grown.

What does it mean to inherit a family winery, and decide where to take it next? This week on Unwined with Mandi, I’m joined by Isabel Gassier, the fifth generation of her family to work in wine in southern France. We’ll talk about the history behind Domaine Gassier, the wines of Costières de Nîmes, and how her interest in regenerative farming is shaping the estate’s future.

Then we’re heading to Australia’s Yarra Valley with Cameron Gordon of Punt Road Wines. If your idea of Australian red wine is big, heavy and high in alcohol, the Yarra Valley may surprise you. Cameron and I will talk about what makes this cooler region so exciting, why its wines deserve more attention here in Québec, and the Airlie Bank Garden Red, a fruity, fresh, wonderfully crushable red I’ve been keen for you to try.

This week on Unwined with Mandi, we’re celebrating the flavors of the season—and taking you straight to Portugal.

First, Mandi sits down with Lumir Jardak to make the most of fresh fig season. They’re talking about a beautiful fig tart made with crisp phyllo pastry and cheese: a recipe that looks impressive, tastes incredible and is much easier to prepare than you might think. Lumir shares how to choose perfectly ripe figs, how to work with delicate phyllo pastry and what makes this tart sit so beautifully between sweet and savoury. And, of course, Mandi has the perfect wine pairing: Port.

Then, we travel to the Douro Valley for a conversation with Miguel Roquette of Quinta do Crasto, one of Portugal’s most historic and respected wine estates. Miguel shares the story of his family, the extraordinary landscape of the Douro and what makes this region unlike anywhere else in the world. They’ll talk about Port, but also the outstanding dry red wines being produced in the Douro—including two affordable Quinta do Crasto wines available at the SAQ.

And finally, Mandi is officially launching the return of her all-inclusive Portugal food and wine tour in July 2027. This immersive seven-day experience takes guests through Porto, the Douro Valley and Vinho Verde, with boutique hotels, exceptional wineries, authentic Portuguese cuisine and experiences that bring travellers closer to the country’s wine, culture and people. 

https://deltatur.pt/en/portugal2027/

Today on Unwined with Mandi, we’re diving into the food, rum and culture of Martinique as Martinique Gourmande returns to the city.

I’m joined by Muriel Wiltord from the Martinique Tourism Committee, Martinican chef Prisca Morjon, and Ralph Couteperoumal from Trois Rivières rum to talk about the flavours of the island, what makes Martinican cuisine so distinctive, and of course, its incredible rhum agricole.

And if we make you hungry, you can experience it for yourself! The Marché Créole is happening this weekend September 12-13  at the Montréal Science Centre in the Old Port, bringing together Martinican chefs, food, rum, music and plenty of opportunities to discover the island without leaving Montreal.

https://martiniquegourmande.ca/