I’m going for longshots today in the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby. But even if I don’t win at the racetrack, I know I have a clear standout with 14 Hands Kentucky Derby Limited Reserve red blend when I get home. Today is the day to crack it open with the Wine Goddess, grill […]
Events
Wine for the course: 14 Hands Kentucky Derby Red Blend
jcampanini@lowellsun.com The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby is 16 days away, and I’m excited. That’s because I already have a winner — not the winning horse — but the winning wine. Once again, I’ll be drinking 14 Hands Winery’s Limited Release Kentucky Derby Red Blend with grapes sourced from Washington State’s Columbia Valley. The […]
Brunello takes the sting out of Bella's curse
Someone asked me the other day if I remembered what I had received for Christmas gifts. I thought hard for a moment and said I couldn’t recall exactly. Was this a dementia test, I asked? No, said the friend, explaining that life seems to be a blur these days — everything’s going by so fast. […]
Five wines that command attention
It’s the end of March and I’ve had a good week tasting several red wines — two from the France — and a wonderful dry Riesling. Here are the reviews: • 2012 Inkblot Tannat, Lodi, $26.95 — Here’s a red grape varietal that is popular in southwest France where it’s used in blends. California’s Michael […]
Missing mom and her toast of Sauvignon Blanc
There’ll be one less one wine glass on the Easter dinner table this year. My mother, Dorothy May (Fuscellaro) Campanini, passed away during the final week of January. She would have turned 97 on March 15. The architect — and cook — of every family celebration and holiday meal for 70 consecutive years — mom’s […]
Easter wines? Experts make their selections
If you’re looking for Easter wine selections, here are 19 to consider from my team of local experts. Buy local and enjoy! Andrea DiFiore, Andover Classic Wines • Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne, $19.99 — The Tre Vigne Barbera has a gorgeous ruby-purple color with ripe red cherry aromas followed by hints of mineral and […]
Greek Vinsanto: Luscious sweet wines of paradise
You say Vin Santo, I say Vinsanto. What’s the difference? Vin Santo, from Tuscany is made from Italian white grapes trebbiano and malavasia bianca. Vinsanto, from the Greece, specifically the island of Santorini, is made with native white grapes Assyrtico and Aidan. Both are luscious dessert wines, served slightly chilled, that can be made dry […]
Four wines to jump-start the new year
OK, let’s all take a sip of Prosecco, refresh the palate and get ready for a great 2016 wine adventure. Seven days into the new year, I’ve already sampled two reds and two whites for my personal Wine Log. But first … looking back on the pages from 2015, I had the good fortune, along […]
Christmas gift special: Tickets to 2016 Boston Wine Expo
If you’re looking for a nice Christmas gift for the wine lover in the family, how about a trip to the Boston Wine Expo? This year’s event will be held February 13 and 14 at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center and represents the 25th year anniversary of this wonderful gathering. Doors open each […]
Ready for a new red wine? Try Mourvédre
Got the wine blahs? Need a different taste to pick up the palate? OK, it happens to all of us. If you’re looking for a breather from big, bold reds, why not try Mourvédre (More-VEH-dra)? That’s the French name for this black, thick-skinned grape which grows in the country’s southern regions where it benefits from […]
