French wines

Champagne, Events, Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Italian, Must Try, Red wines, Spanish wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

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 […]

Events, Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Italian, Red wines, Spanish wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

What’s a Tussock Jumper? Global wines that leap in taste and value

The Tussock Jumper “winery” doesn’t own a vineyard or a production facility, yet the French-based company has built a portfolio of 24 wines from 11 wine-growing regions to become a seemingly overnight sensation. Basically, Tussock Jumper can provide a global portfolio under one roof, making it an attractive consumer option to purchase diverse terroir-driven wines […]

Events, Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Italian, Must Try, Red wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

Best wine bargains for fall begin with Rhone Valley’s “Les Abeilles”

This week’s column begins with a Double Deal of the Week Special and for good reason. There are still some bottles around of winemaker Jean Luc-Colombo’s 2016 Cotes du Rhone “Les Abeilles” Rouge ($12.99) and “Les Abeilles” Blanc ($12.99) and they’re worth snapping up for autumn/fall entertaining. Both are outstanding French wines for the listed […]

Events, Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Must Try, Red wines, Uncategorized

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 […]

Events, Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Italian, Must Try, Red wines, Spanish wines, Uncategorized

Kentucky Derby weekend: Run for the (pink) Rose`s

We’re “Running for the Rose`s” this week in honor of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, America’s greatest horserace. My party drink won’t be a mint julep, however. Instead I’ll be sipping a light, refreshing, delicious pink-colored rose` and pairing it with shrimp cocktail, spring rolls, crab Rangoon and a green saladtopped with fresh strawberries. While Provence put […]

Events, Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Italian, Must Try, Red wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

Toast Mother Earth at The Groton Inn’s organic wine event

Now here’s a novel way to celebrate Earth Day on Monday, April 22. Head down to The Groton Inn’s Forge & Vine restaurant for its special promotion on biodynamic varietals and organic wines. That’s right: plant a tree in the morning and then drink some very unique wines from sustainable farming wineries located in Italy, France […]

Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Must Try, Red wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

Expert presentation: A feast of 24 Easter wine suggestions

This blog’s sixth annual Easter wine list is diverse and vivacious, thanks to a knowledgeable and passionate group of experts who’ve forwarded 24 recommendations for your holiday table. All listed wines are available locally or online. (See Jim Campanini’s selections at: https://thewinenovice.com/jims-easter-picks-six-wines-for-the-senses/) A bottle of wine turns a simple meal into a feast, so pairing a […]

Events, Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Italian, Red wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

I tried drinking wine out of a can. I failed. But taste’s not bad.

It was only a matter of time before I tried drinking wine out of an aluminum can and, quite frankly, I survived. That doesn’t mean I enjoyed the experience. I didn’t. Lifting the cold can to my lips to get a sip of wine was frustrating. The liquid rushed out as I tilted the can. […]

Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Red wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

Seeking a lavish wine experience? Try the Biltmore Estate

What is the largest and most visited winery in the United States? It’s the Biltmore Estate Winery in Asheville, N.C. Surprised? I was. Then I visited the Biltmore Estate, toured its impressive 450-room “house”, ate lunch in the Stable Café, and tasted the locally made wines. The 8,000-acre estate is an architectural and environmental shrine […]

Champagne, Flavor of the day, French wines, Italian, Uncategorized, White Wines

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. […]