Monday (April 16) was Patriots Day in Massachusetts and the Wine Novice celebrated by sampling four “anytime wines” at Stadium Plaza Wine & Spirits store on Route 38 on the Lowell-Tewksbury line. Steve Maciejewski is the owner and has been operating the store next to Market Basket for 26 years, quite a strong run for […]
Author: Jim Campanini
What an Easter feast
What wines did you pair up with your Easter food feast? Sunday in Providence, at Mama Campanini’s, is a day when the senses, after 40 days and 40 nights of Lent, are revived in great celebration. The food aromas are rich and dramatic. We drank a small taste of pink Banfi Rose` on arrival. It […]
Summer wines are on the way!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_nqfXF2j28] Spending several hours with Dickie Rourke is like an adventure to Vintner’s Valley. The “Wine Wizard” (as I affectionately call Mr. Rourke) is now stocking his shelves with light- and medium-bodied summer wines. It’s a turnover I look forward too, sipping cool white wine on the patio or down in the backyard pergola […]
Winemaker takes a calculated Zocker (Gamble)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-YX7wYLiB8] I’ve never met a real live global winemaking star but if they are all like Christian Roguenant, the world would be a far better place. Hailed as a “winemaking genius” by reputable wine publications, the fact that Roguenant was willing to share his secrets with a Wine Novice like me, and make me […]
Taking the bland out of Savignon Blanc
The Cloudy Bay label depicts the famous New Zealand mist.” I had my first taste of Sauvignon Blanc in October 2011 on my trip to Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. The crisp, acidic taste was different and I liked it. But I found the “likability” factor varied from winery to winery. Some were downright bland […]
Wine, the new Massachusetts Miracle
Just think, there are over 3,800 bonded wineries in the United State and most of them — 1,800 — are in California producing more than 82 percent of the wine consumed from coast to coast. So where does Massachusetts fit in? We’re less than a blip on the radar, but a truly unique and growing […]
Embrace Greeks Bearing Gifts
Two weeks ago, longtime Lowell resident George Zaharoolis presented me with a bottle of Greek red wine. “I want you to try this,” he said. “Tell me what you think.” Zaharoolis, who co-hosts a Friday radio show on WCAP, knew that I had started writing this blog and wanted my opinion. “George”, I told him, […]
The Flying Winemaker lands in Lowell
Cameron Hughes, right, with MRT supporters. The dynamic, charming American wine negociant Cameron Hughes made a stop in Lowell Wednesday night, hosting a wine tasting fundraiser for 125 supporters of the Merrimack Repertory Theater. Hughes signed bottles of his signature vintage Cameron Hughes Lot 300 Cabernet Sauvignon. He also delighted oenophiles with his new releases […]
WhatdoUwannado? Taste wine of course!
Wine tasting are fun, especially when your guest doesn’t know what is in the bottle. Follow along as Katelyn McNamara opens her palate to the mystery whites and comes up with some interesting findings. Buttered popcorn goes best with … ? [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRrOeq5YLYo]
The Wonderful World of Whites
Time to learn a little about the texture, body, aromas and enjoyment of white wines. Serve them chilled and with delightful foods. It is a shame that some wine drinkers limit themselves to just red wine. That’s like shutting yourself off to half the great vintages now being produced across the globe. In this video, we […]
