When I open a bottle of Tussock Jumper wine, I anticipate big flavor and a lasting finish. So I was overjoyed with my first tasting of TJ’s 2020 vintage of Chenin Blanc from South Africa and the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Call it “blanc” season at Tussock Jumper, a wine company based in France […]
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Fetzer’s ‘gutsy’ Gewurztraminer grabs the white wine spotlight
When it comes to pairing a cool wine with spicy Asian or Indian takeout, I always grab for the “gutsy” Gewurztraminer (geh-VURTZ-tra-MEEN-er). Alsatian versions of the grape are preferably the best, but I’m not fussy especially when I can get a racy, quality white that fits my retirement pocketbook. That’s why I can’t get enough […]
EnRoute ‘Les Pommiers’ is a Pinot Noir for pleasure
For the past five years I’ve written a column suggesting my top wine recommendations for the Easter and Passover holiday celebrations. Traditionally, the column is released a week before the holiday, which this year falls on Sunday, April 4. Well, recently I tasted a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that is just too good to […]
Craving something savory and special? Try Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah
Looking for a new wine to add to your spring beverage list? Stags’ Leap Winery’s Petite Sirah (SRP $47, abv. 14.1%) is the right choice, especially with Easter celebrations on the horizon. Petite Sirah is NOT Syrah, It is a distinct varietal that was created by a botanist – Francois Durif – in Montpelier, France […]
Waterkloof’s ‘honest’ Circumstance wines rooted in the earth, wind and chemical-free vines
All across the globe the talk is about clean and renewable energy in order to save the planet. What about clean and renewable vineyards that produce no-chemical, all-organic wines from sustainable farming methods? They are sweeping the globe much to the delight of like-minded consumers. Like screwcaps on bottles, wine drinkers are very adaptable. Quality, […]
Italy’s ancient white wines are rockin’ and rollin’ in 2021
I’ve made a good start on the new year stocking up on some rare and ancient white wines from southern Italy. Several are from exotic places where grapes grow in volcanic soils or t by the sea shore. The wines are local sensations and in most cases have very limited production. Still, the alert wine […]
Argentina Ascending: Grupo Colome`s high-elevation Malbecs
High-elevation Malbec? I never knew it made a difference – that is until I tasted several wines from Bodega Colome` located in the Salata region, high in the Calchaqui Valley mountains of northwestern Argentina. The winery’s four estate, sustainably farmed vineyards start at 5,700 feet above sea level and rise at different levels to nearly […]
Three delicious ways to enjoy terrific Spanish Tempranillo
Tempranillo is one of Spain’s noble red grapes – like Cabernet Sauvignon is to California – and famous for its great versatility with all kinds of food whether used in a blend or as a 100 percent varietal. And since Spanish wines represent great value for quality and price, Tempranillo is worth getting to know. […]
Bousquet’s Virgen organic red wines take a natural approach to reduce sulfites, preserve freshness (and maybe even help eliminate headaches!)
Worried about sulfites in wines? An Argentinian winery with a long history of organic farming is trying to put those fears to rest. Domaine Bousquet of Mendoza is producing three all-organic red wines under its Virgen label that contain “no added sulfites” – except for those sulfites that are “naturally occurring.” The 2019 vintage wines […]
‘Garagistes’ rule the day at Big River Winery’s 2020 Grape Crush
The 10th annual Big River Winery Grape Crush was another exuberant event, hosted once again by Big River Lodge owners and veteran vintners Jason and Lynn Arabian at their sprawling grounds in West Greenwich, R.I. “Garagistes” (a French term referring to a group of winemakers who made wine out of their garage) and friends began […]
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