The passion and energy of wine
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Most American wine drinkers are unfamiliar with Falanghina, Coda di Volpe Bianca, Aglianico and Nero D’Avola, but in southern Italy these red and white grapes are revered for their historical and viticultural significance. What also makes these grapes special is their exclusive ability to grow in volcanic, mineral-rich soils. A sip of Falanghina ( FAH-lan-ghee-na) […]
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 […]
The Wine Goddess, my wife Mary Lee, handed me a challenge: Select a white wine she had never tasted before to pair with her special dish of mussels, shrimp and linguini in a white clam sauce (no garlic). I smacked my lips and headed to the wine laboratory – better known as my basement fridge […]
Crispy, ‘Fry-Baked’ Eggplant Recipe by Mary Lee Harrington I select firm, but ripe large eggplant to make this dish. The secret is not so much in the sauce, but in frying the eggplant first in a flour and egg mixture and then baking it. I only use Parmesan cheese, no other type of cheese. You […]
What makes the volcanic wines of southern Italy so exciting? That will be the focus of my April 11 adult education seminar at Middlesex Community College’s Nesmith House in Lowell, from 7-9 p.m. Participants will taste up to seven wines – white and red – and pair them with regional cuisine. They’ll be able […]
