I’ve always been impressed by Caymus Vineyards, owned by the Wagner family, which produces two of the best Cabernet Sauvignons on the continent. One is labeled “Napa Valley” and the other is the premium “Special Selection,” both of which wine experts have rated 90 points or better for 15 consecutive years. The fruit is sourced […]
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If Scotch is Dad's drink, head to Andover tasting
Father’s Day is Sunday so why not surprise Dad with a special gift of his favorite Scotch, Irish whiskey, Bourbon or wine? On Saturday, at Andover Classic Wines in the Shawsheen Plaza off Route 28 in Andover, Manager Andrea DiFiore and her capable assistants, Maggie Griset and Chris Whitaker, will be pouring a top-notch selection […]
It's shaping up as a beautiful rosé weekend
There are several big events coming up this weekend and next for wine explorers, starting with Saturday’s rosé tastings from 3-5 p.m. at Andover Classic Wines in the Shawsheen Plaza. Manager Andrea DiFiore always has a nice selection of the newest and fascinating wines from California, France and Italy, so you don’t want to miss […]
Catching the wave of wines from Puglia
When it comes to wine, Giuseppe Sportelli describes Puglia as a “philosophy, a landscape, a testing place, an experience.” Located in southeastern Italy, Puglia is a hot, sun-swept region which forms the famous high-heel on the “boot of Italy”. Its landscape is mostly flat terrain. Sea breezes blow over the land from three sides — […]
Wines add zest to summer Tapas parties
The Wine Goddess put on a Tapas party this past weekend, which coincided with my 62nd birthday. She insisted it wasn’t a birthday party, since it had been planned weeks ago with neighborhood friends and yet I was extremely satisfied: a birthday cake glowing with lit candles mysteriously appeared along with other luscious desserts. I […]
Author Frances Mayes's new hit: Tuscan wines
Under the Tuscan Sun author Frances Mayes is now endorsing a line of seven Italian wines under her own label. While I haven’t tasted the wines, the classy artistic bottle designs (what marketing!) are sure to make these big sellers. Mayes will be signing books and bottles on Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 3 […]
Capturing wine and soul of Portugal, Spain
Portugal and Spain have a lot more in common than the Iberian Peninsula: they’re turning out quality wines at affordable prices. At a recent wine tasting, I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness of recent vintages and the dramatic consumer-friendly pricing. Portugal is famous for its port wines from the Douro River valley in the […]
The hunt for red Barolo (cheap and good)
The April issue of Wine Spectator magazine touts the 2010 Barolo produced in Italy’s dynamic Piedmont region as a “classic, elegant” vintage. Also, I recently received in the mail a newspaper article written by British wine expert Jancis Robinson titled “Barolo Steps Up.” (Thank you George B. for sending it to me.) Robinson writes how […]
Run for the Rosés on Kentucky Derby Day
Saturday is Kentucky Derby Day and while many horse-racing fans will be sipping mint juleps, wine lovers shouldn’t feel left out. It’s a great day to break out the pink- and salmon-colored rosés, tune into the race and hold a spring party. I have a new appreciation for rosé, especially the dry and semi-dry versions […]
Little known grapes, elegant wines
If you’re looking for low-cost elegant wines produced from unfamiliar red grapes, here are a few selections I’ve tasted recently. • Tascante “Ghiaia Nera” Nerello Macalese 2010, Sicily, $19.95 — Andrea DiFiore at Andover Liquors recommended this beautiful garnet-colored and accented red wine grown in the volcanic rich soils of northeastern Mount Etna-area vineyards. I […]
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