The Average Wine Enthusiast

The Average Wine Enthusiast Mike LaPlante serves up video on YouTube that educates the wine-drinking masses. 🍷

We raided a friend’s wine fridge and decided on this Chianti. Poured it, took the photo and let it sit for a few. Unfort...
08/29/2026

We raided a friend’s wine fridge and decided on this Chianti. Poured it, took the photo and let it sit for a few. Unfortunately, it was apparent to me this wine decided to head for the Land of Vinegar at some point. Do I…

Now tell me what would you do. I’m sipping with three other folks when I find out about the wasted bottle.

After listening to an episode of Two Guys Drinking Wine, where they talked about Portugal’s white wine region; Vinho Ver...
08/17/2026

After listening to an episode of Two Guys Drinking Wine, where they talked about Portugal’s white wine region; Vinho Verde, I cracked one open.

On the episode, they talked to the owner of Aveleda who make the full gamut of Vinho Verde, including this entry level wine I found at the LCBO for $13.95.

For the money, this porch pounder that comes in at an ABV of 9.5%, has a decent QPR. Notes of lemon zest, grapefruit and a hint of nectarine on the mid palate. Thanks to Michael Pinkus and Andre Proulx for talking about a wine that I would hesitate buying otherwise because of the price point.

If you haven’t already, check out The Average Wine Enthusiast’s shows on our wine trip to Portugal. Link in bio.

It’s crazy hot and humid here in Windsor, ON. Sounds like a job for Rosé!I purchased this bottle recently at the LCBO an...
08/07/2026

It’s crazy hot and humid here in Windsor, ON. Sounds like a job for Rosé!

I purchased this bottle recently at the LCBO and was not sure what to expect. I’ve only had a few dozen Xinomavros in my life and I liked them all and never a Rosé from this varietal. This Rosé is one serious wine. This isn’t your Aunt Nicole’s sit-by-the-poolside Rosé.

Medium straw in colour this wine is intense, vibrant with great acidity. Floral components along with stone fruit aromas pop out of the glass. Notes of lemon zest, grapefruit and crushed gravel on the palate with the dryness you’d expect from a Vermentino or Verdicchio. I suspect a pairing with blue cheese or spicy sushi would be ideal.

Sipping some red wine from a small region in Portugal known as the Dao. A unique terroir that offers up some of the best...
08/07/2026

Sipping some red wine from a small region in Portugal known as the Dao. A unique terroir that offers up some of the best reds in the country.

In Portugal this variety is known as Jaen, but in Spain and other parts of the world it’s known as Mencia (men-thē-uh). One of my favourite Portuguese varieties, for sure. It really highlights black fruit and spice notes with beautiful tannins and medium-full body. We are drinking the 2018 vintage which is offering up a beautiful texture and a long subdued finish.

Smoky, buttery AND opulent. Those Aussies sure pack it all in one bottle of Chard.
08/04/2026

Smoky, buttery AND opulent. Those Aussies sure pack it all in one bottle of Chard.

One of the biggest disappointments when going out is not being able to find a decent glass of wine. What a pleasant surp...
07/28/2026

One of the biggest disappointments when going out is not being able to find a decent glass of wine. What a pleasant surprise to find a Bachelder Pinot Noir on the menu at Dock & Vine

Being that it was 30° while sitting on their patio, I asked to put the bottle in some ice, being sure to put small pours in my glass. It paired nicely with the parm-encrusted Lake Erie perch they had on special. It also paired nicely with the live blues music from Heartless Saints.

07/19/2026

It’s always a treat for me to shop at an SAQ in the province of Quebec. So many bottles you just can’t procure living in Ontario.

The Rasteau sub-appellation in France was one of our favourites when we visited Southern Rhone. So when I saw some on th...
07/18/2026

The Rasteau sub-appellation in France was one of our favourites when we visited Southern Rhone. So when I saw some on the shelf at an SAQ, I didn’t hesitate. Great QPR!

Dark ruby in colour, we found notes of blackberry, dark cherry, black pepper, lavender, and sweet spices. A beautiful velvety texture that comes from the Grenache grape. But most Rasteau wines are GSM blends (at least 50% Grenache) so you also get the colour and spice of Syrah. So tasty.

Here’s a toast to all my American friends and wine lovers who are celebrating the Fourth. Here in Windsor, ON it’s hard ...
07/04/2026

Here’s a toast to all my American friends and wine lovers who are celebrating the Fourth. Here in Windsor, ON it’s hard to ignore our neighbours on the other side of the Detroit River as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of formation of their country. Also, my mother gave birth to me in that country.

I can count on one hand the amount of U.S. wines I have in my cellar. However, in my fridge I had this Riesling from Keuka Springs in the Finger Lakes region of NY state. This Riesling is very nice on a hot summer day. Lots of jasmine and citrus on the nose. On the palate, green apple, lime and beeswax which lends itself to a nice texture. The acidity makes an appearance, but nothing to leave an impression on the backend. Hence, the finish on this is nothing to write home to Uncle Sam about. No signs of petrol notes either which is somewhat disappointing but seems to be a trend in North American Rieslings.

What Canadian wine are you drinking today? Today we’re tasting Hillside Winery Muscat Ottonel. Not your typical Canadia...
07/01/2026

What Canadian wine are you drinking today?
Today we’re tasting Hillside Winery Muscat Ottonel. Not your typical Canadian fare. Floral with notes of pear, pineapple, lychee with bright acidity and a lovely finish. Drinking it cold on this hot Canada Day.

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