Wine consumption in the United States declined slightly in 2019 for the first time in 25 years. Two categories, however, showed increased sales: sparkling wine and rose`. Americans love their bubblies and for good reason. We party. We celebrate. We romance. And we spend money on premium sparkling wines. Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) offers the […]
Champagne
No one wins in a wine war between U.S. and EU
When wine and cheese become part of a U.S.-European Union trade war, you know world leaders on both sides of the dispute have a corkscrew loose. This is not a political opinion column so I will refrain from positing blame. However, there are facts you should know as a wine consumer. If the Office of […]
‘Tis the season for tiny bubbles and elegant French Champagne
Is it Champagne or sparkling wine? It’s a common question I get from wine drinkers this time of year. Karen MacNeil provides the simplest answer in her classic book, The Wine Bible: “Champagne is aromatically, texturally, and in terms of flavor, one of the most distinct wines in the world. It comes from only one […]
Need a wine for Thanksgiving dinner? Here are 30 outstanding values to feast on
The 2019 Thanksgiving Wine List, based on the selections of five industry experts and educators, is a fabulous guide to plan your holiday meal. It matches the textures and tastes of quality, affordable wines with the flavorful food of a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. food. Here are 30 great buys for your […]
Shake summer doldrums with Trentino’s ‘mountain’ bubblies
Is your summer half empty or half full? Recently, I overheard several people lament that, following the Fourth of July, the summer season “is all but over.” Blasphemy! Don’t be a summer-doldrums type person. If things need perking up, do what I do: Turn to Trentino (generally called Trento), a high-altitude autonomous province in northeast […]
Wines to keep the sparkle going all year long
Rise and wine! There’s nothing like an effervescent sparkle in a champagne glass to inspire thoughts of warmer, sunny days ahead. So, let’s break out the Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco, American sparkling wines and French champagne. To me, every day is a good day for bubbly – not just Valentine’s Day or other festive occasions. […]
Wining and dining to Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot
, IWS If you’re thinking of doing something new and exciting in a the new year, why not go on an adventurous food and wine tour – and from home. Sound interesting? It’s fabulous. It’s also less expensive than going on a wine cruise. Books, bottles and a Belgian feast. Those were three ingredients […]
Champagne venture is a layup for NBA legend Thomas
Is that former NBA Hall of Fame great Isiah Thomas now wearing the Cheurlin Champagne polo jersey? Yes, it is. And why not? Thomas, 57, is no stranger to the French bubbly – even if in an odd way. For years during his illustrious career with the Detroit Pistons (1981-94), Thomas said he enjoyed his […]
Star-studded match: Isiah Thomas and Cheurlin Champagne
Is that former NBA Hall of Fame great Isiah Thomas now wearing the Cheurlin Champagne polo jersey? Yes, it is. And why not? Thomas, 57, is no stranger to the French bubbly – even if in an odd way. For years during his illustrious career with the Detroit Pistons (1981-94), Thomas said he enjoyed his […]