Don’t be surprised if you start seeing more Italian “rosato” (rose`) at your favorite wine shop in the near future. Italian producers from Lombardy to Sicily are banding together to promote a rosato renaissance. The unifying movement, called “Rosautoctono”, is somewhat historic: In a country where people are extremely proud and protective of local and […]
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Part II: Gary Farrell Winery’s “cru” Pinot Noirs capture Russian River Valley’s sense of place
(The second of two parts on Gary Farrell Winery’s “cru” wines focuses on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.) When it comes to crafting wines for Gary Farrell Winery, Theresa Heredia has a simple philosophy: Let the vineyard and fruit do the talking. Heredia, Gary Farrell’s winemaker since 2012, knows Sonoma County as if she sprung […]
Part 1: Gary Farrell Winery’s “cru” Chardonnays showcase Russian River Valley’s diversity
(This first of two articles on Gary Farrell Winery’s “cru” wines focuses on three premium Chardonnay bottlings made in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. The second explores Pinot Noir.) The point about single-vineyard wines is to express the unique terroir – mesoclimates, soils, landscape, etc. – in which the vines are planted and the influence it […]
Portuguese Mateus: An iconic, best-selling rose` that’s now better than ever
Here is my tasting review on Mateus Dry Rose`, followed by a story on the history of Mateus and my own family experiences with this great Portuguese wine. Mateus Dry Rose` 2020, Portugal (abv. 12%), SRP $12.99 – An impressive dry rose` for the price packing Portugal’s top quality native Baga grapes and homegrown Shiraz […]
Tussock Jumper fills in the “blancs” with these two splendid 2020 white wines
When I open a bottle of Tussock Jumper wine, I anticipate big flavor and a lasting finish. So I was overjoyed with my first tasting of TJ’s 2020 vintage of Chenin Blanc from South Africa and the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Call it “blanc” season at Tussock Jumper, a wine company based in France […]
Fetzer’s ‘gutsy’ Gewurztraminer grabs the white wine spotlight
When it comes to pairing a cool wine with spicy Asian or Indian takeout, I always grab for the “gutsy” Gewurztraminer (geh-VURTZ-tra-MEEN-er). Alsatian versions of the grape are preferably the best, but I’m not fussy especially when I can get a racy, quality white that fits my retirement pocketbook. That’s why I can’t get enough […]
EnRoute ‘Les Pommiers’ is a Pinot Noir for pleasure
For the past five years I’ve written a column suggesting my top wine recommendations for the Easter and Passover holiday celebrations. Traditionally, the column is released a week before the holiday, which this year falls on Sunday, April 4. Well, recently I tasted a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that is just too good to […]
Craving something savory and special? Try Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah
Looking for a new wine to add to your spring beverage list? Stags’ Leap Winery’s Petite Sirah (SRP $47, abv. 14.1%) is the right choice, especially with Easter celebrations on the horizon. Petite Sirah is NOT Syrah, It is a distinct varietal that was created by a botanist – Francois Durif – in Montpelier, France […]
Waterkloof’s ‘honest’ Circumstance wines rooted in the earth, wind and chemical-free vines
All across the globe the talk is about clean and renewable energy in order to save the planet. What about clean and renewable vineyards that produce no-chemical, all-organic wines from sustainable farming methods? They are sweeping the globe much to the delight of like-minded consumers. Like screwcaps on bottles, wine drinkers are very adaptable. Quality, […]
Three delicious ways to enjoy terrific Spanish Tempranillo
Tempranillo is one of Spain’s noble red grapes – like Cabernet Sauvignon is to California – and famous for its great versatility with all kinds of food whether used in a blend or as a 100 percent varietal. And since Spanish wines represent great value for quality and price, Tempranillo is worth getting to know. […]