So what’s the difference between Prosecco DOC and Prosecco Superiore DOCG sparkling wines? Location, location, location. And a few more production details. The Prosecco DOC classification zone is broader, covering about 44,000 acres under vine in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions around Treviso. Prosecco Superiore DOCG zone is much smaller — only 17,000 […]
Flavor of the day
For a road trip, bring a six-pack — of vino
It’s party pack time, a six-bottle sampler for a weekend getaway or an extended trip to the beach. In my mind, the key to any good summer road trip includes a rosé, a crisp white wine, and a punchier red varietal or blend. Andiamo! (Let’s go!) THE ROSATTOS: There are simple, good rosés, and then […]
Wilson Creek's Peach Bellini: A unique holiday sparkler
So what will I be drinking with the Wine Goddess, Bella the cat, and the rest of the family on Thanksgiving Day? <a href=”http://blogs.lowellsun.com/winenovice/files/2016/11/Bellini.jpg”><img class=”size-medium wp-image-3531″ src=”http://blogs.lowellsun.com/winenovice/files/2016/11/Bellini-225×300.jpg” alt=”Wilson Creek Winery’s Peach Bellini is fine holiday starter.” width=”225″ height=”300″ /></a> Wilson Creek Winery’s Peach Bellini is fine holiday starter. There’s one definite on my list, and […]
These four 2011 Brunellos are gifts to the early birds
Brunello di Montalcino is one of my favorite wines in the world. It’s a gorgeous wine of great complexity and character that relies on Mother Nature and incredible patience to produce. Under Italian law, regular Brunello must be aged for five years before it can be released for sale; the riservas must wait six years. From a drinking […]
Two wines that clear up the confusion on Montepulciano
What’s the difference between Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Montepulciano D’Abruzzo? The answer is simple: Both are wines made entirely from different grapes grown in different regions. Vino nobile di Montepulciano is named for the town/region in Tuscany where ancient Etruscans first planted vineyards. The wine is made from a clone of the Sangiovese grape; […]
Tenuta Sette Ponti's Crognolo: A consistently elegant Super Tuscan
The 2014 viintage of Tenuta Sette Ponti’s “Crognolo” — a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot — was released several months ago and is now available in Massachusetts and New Hampshire wine outlets. If you like full-bodied, dry Italian red wines with a lot of character and smoothness, this one is worth a […]
Say 'Ole!' to Jorge Ordonez' Spanish wines
If you know little about Spanish wines, today’s your lucky day. Craig Gandolf, a Lowell resident, is the USA Wine Director for one ofthe biggest and most respected production and importing houses in Spain — Jorge Ordoñez Selections. Ordoñez, who has strong roots in Massachusetts, including a home and office on Cape Cod, has helped to liberate and […]
Going coast-to-coast with race Rieslings
I like my Riesling well-chilled, racy, overflowing with tropical flavor, and dry. Match them with spicy Asian or Thai cuisine, and Riesling’s crisp acidity and citrus flavors produce a delightful sensation. Riesling is also a refreshing, stand-a-lone beverage on hot, hazy summer days. Two of the best I’ve tasted for the price are actually coastal […]
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 […]
