Some of the most impressive and wallet-friendly wines arriving in America these days are coming from vineyards in southern France’s Rhone Valley. There’s a reason: The location and conditions are exceptional for growing Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre — the backbone varieties of the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape red blend that is lusciously captivating. Les Dauphins winery isn’t […]
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Chateau Miraval: Shades of summer
If you’re looking for a dry and delicious rosé to get your summer sipping season started, try Chateaux Miraval Cotes de Provence Rosé. It’s one of my favorites for relaxing on the deck, reading a book in the pergola, or for welcoming guests before dinner. Chateau Miraval is now on sale for $19.99 through Saturday, […]
An event all Merlot and Cab fans will drink up
World-renowned winemaker Nick Goldschmidt will be showing some of his signature Napa Valley wines Saturday at the Wine ConneXtion in North Andover, from 1-5 p.m. The public is invited to attend the complimentary tasting, which offers wine enthusiasts a chance to hear this extraordinary talent speak about his passion for single-vineyard Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. […]
Deal (or is that steal) of the week: Kirkland Chianti for $8.47 at Costco
The best deal of the week? Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva 2014, which is now on sale for $8.47 at Costco in Nashua. This is a steal, and I thank the Wine Goddess, my wife Mary Lee, for her sharp-eyed shopping on a recent trip across the border. I’ve been drinking a lot of Chianti […]
These wines pass the test (hope I did, too)
On Saturday, I took my Italian Wine Scholar final exam on the wines from Central and Southern Italy. It was more difficult than I had anticipated. It covered 12 regions, including Toscana, Campania, Puglia, Sicily and the island of Sardegna. The Unit 1 exam, which I took last spring and passed, covered six Northern regions, […]
Going all in for Zin
, The Wine Novice I am mixing wines from the Old World with the New World on Easter. Two bottles of Zinfandel will be gracing sister Angela’s table (The Wine Goddess, my wife Mary Lee, has a well-deserved day off from preparing the feast, although she will be baking her famous Limoncello lemon squares for […]
Easter Wines You Won't Want to Pass Over
, The Wine Novice Once again, I’ve called out my stable of experts to suggest a variety of pleasing wines for your Easter holiday enjoyment. Jo-Ann Ross of Boston is a licensed wine educator (WSET) who has earned both Italian Wine Scholar and French Wine Scholar certifications, respectively. She is also my instructor in the […]
These three Pinot Noirs will bring on spring
I know there are 16 inches of snow on the ground after the third nor’easter in two weeks slammed into Massachusetts this week, but don’t despair. Spring is just around the corner. And that means only one thing: Break out the Burgundy — or, as we say in America, the Pinot Noir! Yes, my mind […]
Nerello Mascalese erupts with elegance in Zonin Rosé
The Nerello Mascalese is a thick-skinned red grape that thrives in the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna’s vineyard slopes in Sicily. Sunny exposures and the warm Mediterranean sea breezes allow it to ripen fully, yet winemakers are always on the lookout to make sure the grape retains its wonderful acidity. In southern Italy, Nerello Mascalese […]
Big Cab blowout coming Saturday
Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignons boast big, powerful luscious tastes and this /Saturday (Feb. 24) at the Wine ConneXtion in North Andover you’ll be able to sample some of the little known gems of recent vintages. Sam Messina’s brought in 10 fruit bombs for your tasting pleasure. The free event, open to the public, runs from […]
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