“You want it darker,” sang the late-great poet-singer Leonard Cohen in one of his final albums before he died in 2016. Too bad he wasn’t singing about wine. Yes, Mr. Cohen, I want it darker too – in the glass. After drinking pale pink rose` wines for what seems like an eternity this summer, my […]
General Wine
Thanks to Italian scientists, Leonardo da Vinci’s 16th-century wine lives again!
I’ve added a new destination to my Bucket List: Leonardo da Vinci’s long lost and now revived vineyard in Milan. Yes, the 16th century genius in art and science was also a vintner. He loved wine and ever the visionary wrote about its health benefits as the “divine juice of the grape.” In 1495, the […]
Eight cool Rieslings to revive the zing and zest of summer
Riesling is one of the world’s noble grapes and probably its most versatile white wines. It is made in all sweetness levels – dry, off-dry and sweet – and stands up well as a pairing partner to many cheeses and foods, especially spicy Asian, Thai, and Mexican dishes. As the summer rolls on and […]
Super wines for a super Fourth of July!
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 […]
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. […]