There are no commercial grape vineyards in Lowell (MA), but now the historic mill city has its own “vintner” to crow about. Craig Gandolf is the first “vintner” from Lowell (MA) to ever achieve the distinguished honor of having his wine considered for evaluation by the editors of Wine Enthusiast magazine and receive a positive […]
Author: James Campanini
Lacryma Christi – “Tears of Christ” – is a legendary Vesuvius wine for Lent
For Jim Campanini’s InsideLowell.com podcast on Lacryma Christi, click on the link below: https://insidelowell.com/podcast/grapefully-yours-wine-show-lacryma-christi/ By Jim Campanini Campania’s Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Bianco is one of my favorite Italian wines, even though I drink it mostly during the 40-day period of Lent observed by Catholics and other Christian faiths. It’s an excellent pairing […]
Get your Irish up with fruity, spicy red wines
Several friends have asked me for wine recommendations to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Wine? Even I drink a beer or two on St. Patrick’s Day, which is Friday, March 17. Still, a female friend insisted. She said she’d been invited to St. Patrick’s Day party where the traditional corned beef and cabbage plate would be […]
‘Amiata Sangiovese’, the rising star of Montecucco wines and central Tuscany
Giovan Battista Basile looks at his friend, Christian Trotta, and tries to find the right words to explain the point he is making to an interviewer. “What is it you say in America about the politics being close to home?,” asks Basile. Trotta quickly responds: “All politics is local.” “Yes,” says Basile, adding, “In Italy, […]
“Scotty, beam me up a boxed wine, will ya?”
By Jim Campanini The Wine Novice Three weeks into the new year, I’ve committed to making a serious resolution as to how I will drink wine going forward. I’m adding boxed wines to my list (I’ve already tried aluminum cans). I’m taking Captain Kirk’s advice to “go boldly” into the great beyond of the wine […]
Wines of the Week: Querceto Chianti Classico and Waterdog Reserva from Portugal
By Jim Campanini The Wine Novice The following wines were sampled and discussed on the Grapefully Yours Wine Podcast posed on Tuesday, Jan. 10 on InsideLowell.com. Click on the link to view a video of the show. http://insidelowell.com/podcast/grapefully-yours-w-jim-campanini-dave-messina/ Castello Querceto Chianti Classico 2017 DOCG, Greve, abv. 13% – For an entry-level wine, Querceto Chianti Classico […]
Grapefully Yours podcast with Wine ConneXtion’s David Messina
http://insidelowell.com/podcast/grapefully-yours-w-jim-campanini-dave-messina/ By Jim Campanini Great conversation with the Wine ConneXtion’s Dave Messina on my latest wine podcast from InsideLowell.com studios. Dave talks about the North Andover store’s mission to search out high-quality, affordable wines from across the globe and build consumer awareness through free, educational tastings. Watch for Dave’s recommendation on a new Oregon Pinot […]
Hands Off Wines: Authenticity, quality in every stylish can
By Jim Campanini Did you ever drink wine from a can? Odds are that you haven’t, but times are a changin’ and so is the wine industry. Canned wines are gaining popularity worldwide, especially in the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The reasons are obvious: cans are portable, recyclable and less expensive […]
Say “I love you” with sparkling Italian Prosecco
What’s not to like about Italian Prosecco? It’s an easy drinking sparkling wine that’s bubbly delicious and much less expensive than French Champagne. Plus, you can get creative and mix all kinds of fruit juices with Prosecco to make colorful and refreshing sparkling drinks. One of my favorites is the Bellini, made famous at Harry’s […]
‘Lady Z’ sparkles on Champagne podcast -‘Tis the season to be bubbly!
It’s bubbly season – as in celebrating the holidays with sparkling wine – and on my most recent podcast I talk with one of Lowell’s most engaging Champagne drinkers, “Lady Z” herself, Dacey Zouzas. Click on the following link to watch the 34-minute show: Grapefully Yours w/Jim Campanini – Champagne – YouTube You’ll see me […]
