The mysteries of wine are truly fascinating and a reason I enjoy learning about what’s in the bottle as well as where the wine was made. French winemakers place a great deal of emphasis on terroir — the environment in which the planted vine does its work. Something magical occurs below the soil and above […]
Author: Jim Campanini
Wine storage woes? Here's a 24-bottle end table
A big concern for casual wine drinkers — and collectors — is how to store their bottles. Collectors usually can afford to invest in a wine cellar or a customized storage area in their home. But to the casual buyer, who may have anywhere from 20 to 60 bottles, and limited space, there’s now a […]
Bledsoe's 2011 Doubleback is ready for action
Drew Bledsoe’s 2011 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon ($89) is now being shipped to select liquor outlets across the country and can be found in limited supply in several Massachusetts stores. Individual allocation list members will receive their shipments (6 bottles minimum) in mid-April direct from the Doubleback Winery located n Walla Walla, Washington. I picked up […]
Italian Night Out at Centro: Vino and Cibo
How many grapes does it take to produce a six-ounce glass of wine? If you drank one bottle of wine a day, how many days would it take to drink all the different wines produced in Italy? Ah. Those were the weighty questions we pondered as we feasted like Julius Caesar and Cleopatra at a […]
Wine values for Valentine's Day and beyond
Here are some recent tastings which should be considered for Valentine’s Day purchases. • Segura Viudas Brut Cava, $7.95 — Here’s a sparkling Spanish party wine that also goes well with all kinds of food. Guests will thrill at the dry, crisp citrus tastes and aromas. Why spend more for champagne when this cava is […]
Fifty Shades of Grey: A novel wine for romance
More than a year ago I purchased a book for the Wine Goddess for her birthday. It was billed as a “provocative romance” by savvy marketers. The women on The View were gleefully reading excerpts to the nation about the “playroom” adventures of literature student Anastasia Steele and the rich, handsome and older Christian Grey. […]
Score with these Super Bowl wine pairings
The New England Patriots won’t be in Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl Championship game but there’s still plenty to cheer about. This is one day, like the Fourth of July, that is strictly an all-American event. Even if one doesn’t like savage, concussion-rocking football, it is a time to gather with friends and family to watch […]
When Behrakis talks wine, it's worth listening
George Behrakis never ceases to amaze me. He’s a proud Greek-American, a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, a kind patron of the arts, a decent golfer, a great family man and an astute wine drinker. Behrakis can usually spot a trend. It’s a reason why he’s made millions through savvy investments. Recently, I ran into […]
For pure holiday power, it's Barbaresco
I was asked recently what wines I served over the holidays to guests and friends, and what I might be looking to drink in the new year.Two good questions for someone who writes a wine column. I will answer the second question first. I consider myself a “explorer” when it comes to learning about wine, […]
Boston Wine Expo, other events kick-start 2014
q Tickets are now on sale for the 2014 Boston Wine Expo at the Seaport World Trade Center & Seaport Hotel on Feb. 15-16. If you’ve never been, you’re missing a great experience. Tickets start at $95 for Saturday and $85 for Sunday. It includes entry to the Grand Tasting room from 1-5 p.m. where […]
