Odd ’n ends … • Purple Heart Wine, distributed in Massachusetts by United Liquors, is now available locally at Tutto Bene Wine & Cheese Cellars in downtown Lowell on Prescott Street. I wrote about the Bordeaux-style blend (Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot) several weeks ago when it first hit the East Coast(http://blogs.lowellsun.com/winenovice/?p=3141). The Napa Valley wine is crafted by winemaker and […]
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Zin-Phomaniac: Big, bold, sexy wine for the Fourth
Barbecue, fireworks and American-made red Zinfandel. What could be better on the Fourth of July? Since the black-skinned grape was introduced to America in the mid-19th century, Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) has become the closest thing to natural in California vineyards. It’s where some of the world’s most luscious Zinfandel wines are crafted. When I drink Zinfandel, I […]
Dark Horse comes out strong
There’s a new Dark Horse out of California that’s caught my eye — just in time for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. But instead of betting on it, you drink it. It’s the maiden vintage (2015) of Limited Reserve Dark Horse Rosé, produced by E&J Gallo Winery of Modesto. I tried it recently at dinner with the […]
Alto Adige, Chianti Classico wines make the mark
, jcampanini@lowellsun.com The first spring wine tasting of the Mill City Mass Media Oeniphiles Club was a study in contrast: three whites from Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region and three reds from Tuscany’s Chianti Classico zone. The seven tasters — five women, two men — showed a preference for the Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico bottlings. […]
Purple Heart Wines: Bold blend for the brave
For If you’re holding a Memorial Day cookout this weekend, consider making Napa Valley’s Purple Heart red wine the guest of honor. It’s not only good, it serves a worthy cause. The Bordeaux-style blend recognizes the sacrifice and service of U.S. military members and promotes the Purple Heart Foundation, a nonprofit which provides assistance to […]
Best wine buy: Santa Rita's $8 'Secret Reserve'
jcampanini@lowellsun.com Looking for a summer bargain? How about starting with a 12-bottle case of Chilean wine — six reds, six whites — for $96? Santa Rita’s Secret Reserve red blend is a barbecue bargain at $8 a bottle. If you act fast, there’s a good deal in Santa Rita Estate’s “SR” (Secret Reserve) red and […]
Red wines that capture the power of the paws
jcampanini@lowellsun.com Are you a pushover for wine labels featuring animal art? I am — especially when loyal dogs and graceful horses are pictured. I don’t go much for bear, cat, fish, cow, bull and bird labels. Recently, however, I bought a Tuscan rosé with a Rhinocerous on the bottle. They say marketing is everything, and […]
14 Hands, My Man Sam will crown Derby Day
I’m going for longshots today in the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby. But even if I don’t win at the racetrack, I know I have a clear standout with 14 Hands Kentucky Derby Limited Reserve red blend when I get home. Today is the day to crack it open with the Wine Goddess, grill […]
Run for the Rosés: Eight lively Derby Day picks
Saturday, May 7, is the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby, the 1 1/4-mile race that tests the speed and stamina of the world’s best 3-year-old thoroughbreds. This weekend, some wine stores will be holding Run for the Rosés events — a takeoff on the blanket of roses presented to the winning horse. For the […]
Lefty or Righty?: Six seductive Chablis Premier Cru
There’s Chardonnay and then there’s Chablis, a dry white wine and also the name of the Bourgogne’s northernmost district from which it comes. Chablis is a wine that easily accentuates a sense of place (terroir). While Chablis typifies feminine elegance — seductive floral aromas, pure flavors — it’s structured around high acidity (a result of […]
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