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Alanna McIntyre

Product Specialist, Sommelier

After travelling and studying in France, Spain and Italy, the desire to learn more about the world of wine grew. Alanna started with Bishop’s Cellar back in 2008 and now splits time between the store and our warehouse offices using product expertise to design educational programs and elevate customer experiences throughout the business. Alanna is a Certified ISG Sommelier, who has also received the WSET Level 3 and Italian Wine Scholar Diploma.

Favourite grape or wine region?

I love Italian wines because there is such a variety, they are so unique and really shine with food. In France, I love the wines from the Loire Valley; the region offers many different white styles I love and the reds are lighter and fresh, which is more my speed. If money were not an option, I would definitely be drinking more white Burgundy.

Coffee or Tea; what wakes you up in the morning? And how do you take it?

Coffee, made in my stovetop mocha pot, usually black. I recently cut caffeine out of my life, but Espresso 46 makes a good decaf that made the switch pain free!

If you weren’t selling wine at Bishop’s Cellar, what would you be doing?

I’d probably be working in the field of the art and design or doing something with languages; teaching or translation.

Alanna McIntyre's Picks

International Food Pairings


Tartiflette

I was recently in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France; Tain-Hermitage (Rhone Valley) and La Léchère (Savoie).  While there, I drove by the steep terraced vineyards of Chapoutier flanking the Rhone river so I am obviously thrilled to see these wines available at home. It will pair perfectly with cool weather foods like tartiflette; a traditional dish from the Alpine region of the Savoie. Everyone in the Savoie has their own version of how to make tartiflette; it’s basically a casserole of potatoes (or pasta), onions, butter, cream, herbs and a whole round of ooey gooey Reblochon cheese, baked and served up with bread.  Curb the impending Canadian winter chills by making your own version of tartiflette and pair it with a rustic Rhone red like Chapoutier’s Louberon for an authentic French experience.   

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Recent Blog Posts by Alanna

A Sommelier’s Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner Food + Wine Pairings

Producer Spotlight: Germany’s Weingut am Stein