Grenache

This balanced L’Ecole Grenache rosé disappears all too fast

Where, oh where, did my Grenache rosé go? Before I realized what was happening, I had only a quarter left in the second bottle that I received from L’Ecole No. 41 as part of a year-long partnership. This summer thirst-quencher did quite a disappearing act – especially with the nibblers and light cuisine we tend […]

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Sipping Maury Vin Doux Naturel in strawberry season (#Winophiles)

Grenache, Grenache, Grenache. Or, if you’re in Spain, Garnacha. Lately, everything’s been coming up Grenache. Not surprising considering the growing popularity of this thin-skinned, late-ripening grape that loves hot, dry environments – southern France, almost all of Spain, southern Australia, Sardinia (where it is known as Cannonau), California, Washington and recently, China, Mexico and Israel.

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Leaning Savory with a 2016 Alain Jaume Côtes du Rhône (#Winophiles)

“This one is savory,” says Carol as she pulls down a 2016 Alain Jaume Côtes du Rhône from the shelf. I’m in her wine shop looking for a 2016, a particularly good year in the Rhône region of France. Carol has a half dozen or more Côtes du Rhône wines from this same vintage. “I

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Clark Smith crafts ‘postmodern’ wines for the discerning consumer

In an ideal world, wine would be made from perfectly ripe grapes picked under optimum conditions –– warm, sunny days and cool nights. It would never rain during harvest or get too hot or too cold. Ha! If only that rosy scenario were true 100% of the time. In reality, grapes may lack the sweetness

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A dry Roussillon blanc turns my thoughts to chicken (#winophiles)

Mention specific varieties of wine and my taste buds start to salivate for certain foods. For example, say “Cabernet Sauvignon” and like many of you, no doubt, I’m thinking red meat, preferably grilled. Similarly, viscous or oily-textured whites such as Viognier immediately evoke thoughts of savory mushrooms, butter, and plump chicken pieces simmering in wine

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