, jcampanini@lowellsun.com Janet Myers has built a reputation for crafting fine Cabernet Sauvignon at Napa Valley’s Franciscan Estate Winery, yet her white wines are also special. Myers has produced two beauties in the 2015 vintage: Equilibrium white blend and Sauvignon Blanc. Both exhibit intense floral aromas and exotic flavors, a welcome sign of fresh, ripe […]
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Rally your lobster roll with these summer wines
Click here to see wine photos If it’s summer in New England, one of the first thing that comes to mind is: Where can I get a good lobster roll? Well, after you find it, the next hunt should be for a delicious cool summer white or rose to accompany that sweet, succulent lobsta’ meat. […]
For under $20, Pike Road leads to wine value
For five generations the Campbell family of Gaston, Ore., have grown grapes and crafted wine, building a successful enterprise at Elk Cove Vineyards which was launched in 1974. Several years ago, Pat and Joe Campbell started a sister brand, Pike Road, hoping to deliver a quality Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris at affordable prices. Elk […]
Napa Valley's Purple Heart wine is in Lowell
Odd ’n ends … • Purple Heart Wine, distributed in Massachusetts by United Liquors, is now available locally at Tutto Bene Wine & Cheese Cellars in downtown Lowell on Prescott Street. I wrote about the Bordeaux-style blend (Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot) several weeks ago when it first hit the East Coast(http://blogs.lowellsun.com/winenovice/?p=3141). The Napa Valley wine is crafted by winemaker and […]
Zin-Phomaniac: Big, bold, sexy wine for the Fourth
Barbecue, fireworks and American-made red Zinfandel. What could be better on the Fourth of July? Since the black-skinned grape was introduced to America in the mid-19th century, Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) has become the closest thing to natural in California vineyards. It’s where some of the world’s most luscious Zinfandel wines are crafted. When I drink Zinfandel, I […]
Dark Horse comes out strong
There’s a new Dark Horse out of California that’s caught my eye — just in time for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. But instead of betting on it, you drink it. It’s the maiden vintage (2015) of Limited Reserve Dark Horse Rosé, produced by E&J Gallo Winery of Modesto. I tried it recently at dinner with the […]
Alto Adige, Chianti Classico wines make the mark
, jcampanini@lowellsun.com The first spring wine tasting of the Mill City Mass Media Oeniphiles Club was a study in contrast: three whites from Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region and three reds from Tuscany’s Chianti Classico zone. The seven tasters — five women, two men — showed a preference for the Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico bottlings. […]
Purple Heart Wines: Bold blend for the brave
For If you’re holding a Memorial Day cookout this weekend, consider making Napa Valley’s Purple Heart red wine the guest of honor. It’s not only good, it serves a worthy cause. The Bordeaux-style blend recognizes the sacrifice and service of U.S. military members and promotes the Purple Heart Foundation, a nonprofit which provides assistance to […]
Best wine buy: Santa Rita's $8 'Secret Reserve'
jcampanini@lowellsun.com Looking for a summer bargain? How about starting with a 12-bottle case of Chilean wine — six reds, six whites — for $96? Santa Rita’s Secret Reserve red blend is a barbecue bargain at $8 a bottle. If you act fast, there’s a good deal in Santa Rita Estate’s “SR” (Secret Reserve) red and […]
Red wines that capture the power of the paws
jcampanini@lowellsun.com Are you a pushover for wine labels featuring animal art? I am — especially when loyal dogs and graceful horses are pictured. I don’t go much for bear, cat, fish, cow, bull and bird labels. Recently, however, I bought a Tuscan rosé with a Rhinocerous on the bottle. They say marketing is everything, and […]
