When I hear “Bonanza”, I think instantly of the wildly popular 1960s action-packed western TV series starring actor Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright and his three disparate sons – “Hoss” (Dan Blocker), Adam (Pernell Roberts) and Little Joe (Michael Landon) – patrolling the Ponderosa ranch and defending it from unscrupulous bad guys. If only the […]
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Wilson Daniel Tour Italia wows Boston with wines of finesse, elegance and power
http://[URIS id=4831] It’s been a labor of love, and I’ve just completed my take on the 2019 Wilson Daniels Tour Italia that kicked off its four-city grand-tasting in Boston on June 3. The event featured wines from 13 producers – some familiar, others new – at SRV (Serene Republic of Venice) restaurant on Columbus Avenue. […]
Beat soaring wine prices with these under $10 over-achievers
Whether a wine costs $10 or $50, the best are those that over-deliver on quality and price. This equates to value. It is the same concept applied every day by millions of consumers hunting for bargains on clothes, cars, food, computers, etc. Sadly, many wine lovers overspend because they believe a higher price guarantees a […]
Memorable wine gifts to make Dad the toast of the town
Say Happy Father’s Day this Sunday with a gift of wine. Here are five extraordinary options for the Dad and/or grandad on your list. 1. If Dad is a golfer, plant a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir ($16.59 at Costco) in his cart. The California wine, which is America’s top-selling $15 and above label, recently […]
Wines that celebrate U.S. military veterans, their sacrifices
I’m not being flip when I say “Drink red wine and help a veteran.” As you may know, this week marks an historic day in American and world history. Thursday is the 75th anniversary of the allied forces’ D-Day invasion to liberate France – and later all of Europe – of Nazi Germany’s tyranny. Two […]
Weekend Wine Deals: Two California Cabernets for $20 or less
When I hear “Bonanza”, I think instantly of the wildly popular 1960s action-packed western TV series starring actor Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright and his three disparate sons – “Hoss” (Dan Blocker) was my favorite – corralling steer on the Ponderosa ranch and defending it from unscrupulous bad guys. If only the Cartwrights had planted […]
Giorgio Rivetti’s art is in La Spinetta’s gorgeous wines
A real-live rhinoceros has never set foot in Italy, yet Piemontese winemaker Giorgio Rivetti graces his La Spinetta winery bottles with an image of the magnificent animal. Does it have anything to do with the wines? “There’s no connection to the vineyards or Italy,” Rivetti replies with a mischievous grin. “I just love the art. […]
A super holiday wine deal: Il Bastardo and La Bastarda
Here’s my best buy of the Memorial Day weekend from Renzo Masi Winery in Tuscany: Il Bastardo Rosso (Sangiovese di Toscana) and La Bastarda Pinot Grigio (Sicily) – a red and white for holiday parties. Both are on sale through May 27 at New Hampshire State Liquor & Wine outlets for $6.99 and $8.99, respectively. […]
New summer rage: Getting ‘canned’ with sparkling wine
I’ve had a transformation. In February, I wrote a blog post on my frustration about drinking wine out of a can. I’m not a wine snob by any means but lifting a cold aluminum can to my lips only to have the wine rush out and up my nose was nearly debilitating. When I drink […]
‘Pink’ Pinot Grigio? Five wines that say summer all year long
The rain will stop at some point but even if it doesn’t, these summer wines will bring rainbows of delight to your table as they did mine. Attems Ramato Pinot Grigio 2017, Friuli, $9.95* – Note the star in the price. Ramato sells for $19.95 and is on sale in N.H. to make way for […]