As with all wines, the land the vines grow in is critical to how the wines turn out. So I recently went hiking with Austrian Wines in honor of the eight Styrian Wine Trails that lead hikers through the vineyards, hills and thermal spas in the region. Sadly, we were just in upstate New York instead …
I hope you’re watching Succession! Roman’s constant barbs are as delicious as wine. One thing I notice a lot is that no matter how rich people might be (and ok, granted they’re actors but even on reality shows) they don’t ever seem to hold wine glasses properly by the stem. The Roy family are all …
With COP26 underway, it’s a great time to take a look at some of the cool sustainability initiatives happening in the wine industry all over the world. Regional Regulations: In the Médoc, producers are working to make sustainability and biodiversity practices mandatory in their AOC regulations which would involve practices like reducing pesticides, preserving biodiversity, and managing the region’s carbon footprint. Sustainable farming helps …
Have as much fun learning about wine as you do when you’re drinking it! We share what wines you should drink for each month’s biggest events, whether it’s for the Super Bowl or the super moon, the premiere of Stranger Things or the finale of Succession, Tuesday night values or Saturday night splurges. So sign …
Yum to the rum. Just got back from Negril, and when you’re in Jamaica that’s what you drink. My favorite rum cocktail was the Dirty Banana – super refreshing and you’ll never feel guilty if you have it very early in the morning because it’s basically a nutritious shake! So here’s the recipe for 2 cocktails: …
The grapefriend wine totes have arrived!!! They’re totes amazing (get it?), and not just because they hold wine. I lug a lot of wine around. A lot. To friends, to dinners, to events, away for the weekend. I was tired of trying to find bubble wrap or random pieces of cardboard (liquor store style) to stuff in …
It’s time again for that mishmash of holiday foods all on one table. I always drink American, so here are some basic styles that will be able to flex across all your flavors. Starting with bubbles, try Domaine Carneros Late Disgorged Brut ($58). Aged for six years on the lees in the bottle, it has a bit more complexity and … Continue reading
Pundits are curious about how the younger generation votes, and grapefriend is curious about how they drink. Someone was telling me the other day that younger people are drinking more (or even only) weird, funky wines. It’s interesting to think about how they might be nurturing their palate on newer styles and bolder tastes versus, say, a Sauvignon Blanc. One … Continue reading
This year, Sherry Week is November 7-13, and to celebrate González Byass sent a sampling of sherries and Jasper Hill Farms cheeses. My favorite pairing was the hard Whitney with either the fino or the amontillado. The fino was the suggested pairing and I liked the mild oxidation in the Tio Pepe with the cheese, but there was a nuttiness to it … Continue reading
I’ve been drinking a lot of bubbly lately. Not only is it refreshing in hot weather, but it tends to be a little lower in alcohol. We all know Champagne from France and Prosecco from Italy, but given how much sparkling wine I’ve been popping I decided to try some from lesser-known places—and was quite … Continue reading
Given how many shark sightings and bitings there were this summer, I bring you three great whites (get it?). Want to be the first to get the monthly recommendations right in your inbox? Woo hoo, sign up here! Continue reading
In honor of Gallo striking a partnership with the NFL which furthers my ongoing crusade to get wine and football watching happening, let’s compare some QB styles to different styles of Pinot Noir. Tom Brady: Burgundy. The king of Pinot regions—ultra refined, silky and often mind blowing. Sounds like the GOAT to me. Start with 2019 Domaine Joseph Roty Gevrey-Chambertin 1er … Continue reading
I made up a cocktail. Basically, it was end-of-summer bounty but when you throw it all together and it’s so good! And it’s perfect timing for National Port Wine Day on September 10. Most people think ruby or tawny when they think of port, but white port is excellent for cocktails. Like this one, which I … Continue reading
No, it’s not Thanksgiving. I recently went to Turkey—the southern region is where the wineries are, and I did my fair share of drinking. Quick takeaways: The rosé (roze) was generally really refreshing, so if you’re experimenting I’d start here. They’re usually made with native grape Kalecik Karasi, and Urla Wineryadds Pinot Noir to it for some refinement. The whites were very aromatic. Moscato … Continue reading
New fave cocktail: Lillet rosé with a splash of soda. Lillet is an aperitif from Bordeaux, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Muscatel grapes flavored with herbs, spices, and citrus and fortified with citrus liqueur. It’s light and bright with notes of raspberries and white florals. Fantastic summer sipper. Want to be the first to get the monthly newsletter … Continue reading
don’t be too jealous Been saving this puppy for a long time. We popped it open on a cousins reunion weekend, threw down some filet mignon, and the party was on. Normally I’d just drink this all on its own and think about it without getting distracted by food, but you also have to open bottles like this with … Continue reading
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