I’ve made a new year’s resolution to drink more Pinot Noir in 2022. Why? It’s a fabulous wine that, when crafted deliciously, is a joy to the senses and tugs at the heartstrings – especially on Valentine’s Day. If Virginia is for lovers, Pinot Noir is for romantics. There are two states where the difficult-to-grow […]
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A tasting of six essential wines from Gerard Bertrand, “Lord Green of the Languedoc”
I’ve never tasted a Gerard Bertrand wine that I didn’t like, whether it cost $10 or more than $100. The French winemaker, producer, entrepreneur, etc., is one of the most energetic and creative viticulturalists in the world. He is greatly respected for his passion and commitment to preserving the land, especially in the Languedoc-Roussillon region […]
Zin lovers will salivate over Saldo, a new brand from The Prisoner Wine Co.
The Prisoner Wine Company (PWC) of Napa Valley has done it again. It’s created a new wine brand – Saldo – and all I can say is “Salute”! Saldo hit the market in late September with two California red wines – a Saldo Zinfandel (red label) and a Saldo Red Blend (blue label) – and […]
A Cremant D’Alsace holiday? Lucien Albrecht sparkling wines deliver a classic elegance
Looking to add a spectacular sparkling wine to your holiday festivities? Here are two from longtime French producer Lucien Albrecht: Cremant d’Alsace Brut and Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose`. Both wines retail for $23 a bottle, but savvy shoppers can find discounted deals at several major outlets. In fact, the Brut Rose` is selling for $18.99 […]
Enjoy a taste of Argentina in Mascota’s sleek, silky Unanime Merlot
Mascota Vineyards, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza’s Uco Valley, is well regarded for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and sparkling wines yet one of the winery’s “secret” gems is Unanime Merlot. When veteran winemaker Rodolfo “Opi” Sadler launched the Unanime brand nearly seven years ago, a 100 percent Merlot was […]
Just in time for the holidays: Italy’s sparkling new Prosecco DOC Rose`
What is the best-selling new wine produced in Italy? The answer is simple: Prosecco DOC Rose`. More than 50 million bottles are in circulation worldwide since Italian wine regulators approved the new production zone and denomination for the Glera-Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) rose` blend in May 2020. According to the Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione […]
Italy unleashes native pink power with ‘Rosautoctono’ wine campaign
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 […]
Mouton Cadet’s Bordeaux Blanc and Rose`: A two-pack of exciting tastes for under $25
Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Blanc and Mouton Cadet Rose`, from the house of Baron Phillippe de Rothschild, represent one of the best couplets since Cher and Sonny Bono. Ok, I might be exaggerating just a bit. But here are two inexpensive and quality wines from a famous estate that will surely extend good summer times into […]
Five Foley Family Wines that speak to character and Sonoma County’s sustainability efforts
With California suffering through its fourth driest year on record, grape growers and wine producers are doubling down on becoming more efficient and preserving natural resources. In early August, the situation intensified when the state ordered 1,500 ranchers and farmers to stop taking water from the Russian River, one of Sonoma County’s major water sources. […]
Three Douro Valley wines that overachieve for quality and price
For centuries, the fortunes of Portugal’s remarkable Douro Valley rested with making ageworthy, fortified port wines that were shipped all over the globe. And while porto still reigns in the world’s oldest demarcated wine district, the Douro’s still wines – red and white – no longer sit idly by in the shadow of greatness. In […]