The best part of exploring wines are the simple surprises you find along the way. My most recent discovery is “Muscadet” — a French white grape that originated in Bourgogne, was destroyed by harsh winters in the early 18th century, and revived in later years in the lower Loire Valley as “Melon de Bourgogne.” Interestingly, […]
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The secret of Capezzana — sangiovese blends
The rich history and superb wines of Carmignano — and the family-owned and operated Tenuta di Capezzana winery — are no secret to Italians. So why is it that Americans know very little about this small, hidden Tuscan gem located 14 miles east of Florence? “We don’t want to be too famous,” says Emanuele Gastel, […]
Lenten wines that are worth the sacrifice
Lent is always a reflective time for Roman Catholics. Most look at the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter as a time to feel guilty about something — like eating candy or drinking soda — and they give it up for the duration. Some manage to keep the pledge for a day or two […]
Don't miss out: Super 90+ tasting at Wine Connextion
The Wine Connextion in North Andover will be hosting an exciting 90+ tasting of more than a dozen wines from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. This complimentary tasting features all wines that have been rated 90 points or better by various experts. Plus, Sam and Tina Messina, the store’s co-owners, are discounting prices even […]
Lessons of French wines are invigorating
Four weeks ago I went back to school in Boston. I haven’t been in a classroom since the mid-1980s when I attended a weeklong program at the University of Missouri’s National Institute of Investigative Reporting. So there was a bit of trepidation about buying books, studying, attending night school, watching online class components, taking two […]
Six French Burgundies that live off the land
The mysteries of wine are truly fascinating and a reason I enjoy learning about what’s in the bottle as well as where the wine was made. French winemakers place a great deal of emphasis on terroir — the environment in which the planted vine does its work. Something magical occurs below the soil and above […]
Wine storage woes? Here's a 24-bottle end table
A big concern for casual wine drinkers — and collectors — is how to store their bottles. Collectors usually can afford to invest in a wine cellar or a customized storage area in their home. But to the casual buyer, who may have anywhere from 20 to 60 bottles, and limited space, there’s now a […]
Bledsoe's 2011 Doubleback is ready for action
Drew Bledsoe’s 2011 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon ($89) is now being shipped to select liquor outlets across the country and can be found in limited supply in several Massachusetts stores. Individual allocation list members will receive their shipments (6 bottles minimum) in mid-April direct from the Doubleback Winery located n Walla Walla, Washington. I picked up […]
Italian Night Out at Centro: Vino and Cibo
How many grapes does it take to produce a six-ounce glass of wine? If you drank one bottle of wine a day, how many days would it take to drink all the different wines produced in Italy? Ah. Those were the weighty questions we pondered as we feasted like Julius Caesar and Cleopatra at a […]
Wine values for Valentine's Day and beyond
Here are some recent tastings which should be considered for Valentine’s Day purchases. • Segura Viudas Brut Cava, $7.95 — Here’s a sparkling Spanish party wine that also goes well with all kinds of food. Guests will thrill at the dry, crisp citrus tastes and aromas. Why spend more for champagne when this cava is […]
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