jcampanini@lowellsun.com The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby is 16 days away, and I’m excited. That’s because I already have a winner — not the winning horse — but the winning wine. Once again, I’ll be drinking 14 Hands Winery’s Limited Release Kentucky Derby Red Blend with grapes sourced from Washington State’s Columbia Valley. The […]
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Brunello takes the sting out of Bella's curse
Someone asked me the other day if I remembered what I had received for Christmas gifts. I thought hard for a moment and said I couldn’t recall exactly. Was this a dementia test, I asked? No, said the friend, explaining that life seems to be a blur these days — everything’s going by so fast. […]
Five wines that command attention
It’s the end of March and I’ve had a good week tasting several red wines — two from the France — and a wonderful dry Riesling. Here are the reviews: • 2012 Inkblot Tannat, Lodi, $26.95 — Here’s a red grape varietal that is popular in southwest France where it’s used in blends. California’s Michael […]
Missing mom and her toast of Sauvignon Blanc
There’ll be one less one wine glass on the Easter dinner table this year. My mother, Dorothy May (Fuscellaro) Campanini, passed away during the final week of January. She would have turned 97 on March 15. The architect — and cook — of every family celebration and holiday meal for 70 consecutive years — mom’s […]
Easter wines? Experts make their selections
If you’re looking for Easter wine selections, here are 19 to consider from my team of local experts. Buy local and enjoy! Andrea DiFiore, Andover Classic Wines • Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne, $19.99 — The Tre Vigne Barbera has a gorgeous ruby-purple color with ripe red cherry aromas followed by hints of mineral and […]
Greek Vinsanto: Luscious sweet wines of paradise
You say Vin Santo, I say Vinsanto. What’s the difference? Vin Santo, from Tuscany is made from Italian white grapes trebbiano and malavasia bianca. Vinsanto, from the Greece, specifically the island of Santorini, is made with native white grapes Assyrtico and Aidan. Both are luscious dessert wines, served slightly chilled, that can be made dry […]
Unique grapes that yield stunning new wines
I consider spring a time of rebirth for lots of things, including my palate. Searching out exciting new wines is a favorite past-time, especially those made from unfamiliar grapes and innovative winemakers. Here are three discoveries to put on your white wine list. • Zymé From Black to White, Veneto 2014, $19.99 — Celestino Gaspari […]
Bixio Poderi's brave new world of Italian reds
If I had to select a Best of Show at the recent 2016 Boston Wine Expo, it would be Bixio Poderi, a small family owned winery (7.2 acres of vineyards) located in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone in Italy’s Veneto region. In truth, I sampled less than 3 percent of the 800 wines […]
Domaine Drouhin wines thriving in Burgundy, Oregon
Can “New World” Oregon wines match the quality of “Old World” Burgundy wines? For Veronique Drouhin, the winemaker for Domaine Joseph Drouhin’s global operations here and in France, the answer isn’t complicated. It’s not a competition of Burgundy vs. Oregon, she says. Instead, it’s bringing out the best of two uniquely different terroirs located a […]
Boston Wine Expo 2016: Something special for everyone
For those of you who’ve never been to the annual Boston Wine Expo, this is the year to make your debut. It’s the 25th anniversary of this classic event and its founders, the Boston Guild of Oenophilists, have come up with a spectacular program for the weekend of Feb. 13-14. Come to think of it, […]
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