Let me start this post about Oregon sparkling wine by saying a few words about Lambrusco. Don’t worry – I promise to connect the dots. It’s been hit or miss for me with Lambrusco from central Italy. Too many of these red sparkling wines taste grapey and lack complexity. Now, fans might insist I haven’t […]
On the road in Oregon? Check out the sparkling wine Read More »
When I told friends and family about my summer “vacation” plans to attend a wine conference, reactions were mixed. Some chuckled and expressed mock sympathy, and perhaps a hint of envy, as in, “too bad you have to taste wine for three days.” Others registered skepticism and concern. Actually, I signed up for the 13th
What it’s like to attend a wine conference for the first time Read More »
Daffodils were opening and the earliest flowering trees were just starting to bloom in Oregon’s Dundee Hills when the spouse steered our Subaru Outback onto Worden Hill Road. Spring, warm and sunny, had sprung at last, and the northern Willamette Valley was already hopping with travelers despite Covid restrictions still in place. Our destination was
Tasting Worden Hill Road Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Dundee Hills Read More »
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is famous for its Pinot Noir. Deservedly so. The region’s cool climate and rich soils lend themselves to often stunning and distinctive examples of Pinot Noir – some of them comparable to those of Burgundy. In the midst of this bounty, it seems ungrateful to ask, “Uh, what else do you grow?”
Native Italian grapes find a home in the land of Pinot Noir (#ItalianFWT) Read More »
In the heart of Pennsylvania mushroom-growing country, there’s a tiny vineyard where French and northern Italian grapes yield wines that are simply “wow.” Va La Vineyards is a 6.7-acre plot of land along the main road between Amish Lancaster County and Wilmington, Delaware. In this unlikely spot, owner Anthony Vietri crafts wines of uncommon quality.
You’re invited to explore Italian grapes outside of Italy (#ItalianFWT) Read More »