Every so often people ask, “What was the wine that ignited your passion for the grape?” I wish I could recall a specific bottle, variety or vintage. Alas, no. I can say that before I got seriously into wine, I often would bring home a bottle of Malbec, the affordable, meaty and fruity red wine […]
Argentinian Malbec: An immigrant who gets the job done (#WorldWineTravel) Read More »
Sweet wines have their detractors. Fact is, sweet wines get a downright bad and largely undeserved rep. A wine with a touch of residual sugar or bubbly with a slightly sweet dosage can be perfect for spicy or sweet barbecue sauce. Can’t say the same for Cabernet Sauvignon, right? I’ve said it before and I’ll
Slightly sweet Cava Brut ups your grilling options (#winePW) Read More »
By now, most of us know that many of the old wine and food pairing rules no longer apply. Grilled salmon on the menu? Go ahead, open that Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc calling you from the wine cellar. If you’re in doubt, smother those salmon filets in pan-fried mushrooms for extra umami (the savory
In praise of Manchego cheese and Navarra wine for any season (#winePW) Read More »
“These are two very different wines,” Carol notes as she pulls down a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and a Verdicchio di Matelica from the shelves in her retail store. “Sounds great!” I reply. I’m liking the idea of comparing the same white variety from two different subregions of Marche, Italy, for this month’s Italian
Two Verdicchio stars in the Marche wine firmament (#ItalianFWT) Read More »
They had me at sheep in the vineyard. Yes, the image of grazing sheep is pastoral. Beyond the pretty pictures, though, sheep serve a useful purpose in a vineyard. They cut the grass, aerate the soil and minimize compaction. Their manure adds nitrogen to enrich the soil and help healthy vines to grow and prosper.
Sheep in the Vineyard, Wine from Organic Grapes in My Glass (#WorldWineTravel) Read More »