There couldn’t be a better time for National Rosé Day – let’s try to lift our spirits with these five good ones. I’ll be bringing recommendations all summer long. Gehricke Carneros: Loved this, and not just because it was one of my first rosé happy hours outside on the deck. I just love Pinot Noir …
As everyone’s in lockdown and perhaps starting to tighten belts, here are this month’s monthly value recommendations so you’re saving money but not flavor. I’m sharing a mix of specific bottles you might be able to find, more general regions and grapes that should be at your local shop (hopefully it’s open or will be …
When it comes to New Zealand wine, you probably think about the punchy, tropical, zesty Sauvignon Blancs. Fair enough, since that’s 72% of their production. People there sometimes call it Savvy B which I thought was sort of funny, but then a winemaker told me to never cheapen it like that. I’d rather have my …
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 …
Rosé is needed now more than ever. No, not because of Covid. Because we’re getting into the warm July and August deck days. Here are my top 3 for the month: Balletto: Pinot Noir-based rosés are basically my favorites – the best balance of elegance and decent fruit. This has lots of watermelon and lovely … Continue reading
In the states, we get lots of Chardonnay from California. But on Chardonnay Day (May 21), let’s explore the grape’s options from all around the world. Oregon: What I love about Chardonnays from Oregon is that they change your mind about what Chardonnay can be. This one from Yamhill Valley Vineyards was surprisingly light and crisp, much … Continue reading
Hailing from Madrid, La Pivón Vermouth was inspired by the daily 11-12pm Spanish ritual of La Hora del Vermut (“Vermouth Hour” for those who need that translation). La Pivón is made with local herbs and botanicals like cardamom, wormwood, cinnamon, clove, orange peel, lemon peel, gentian, as well as oranges from Valencia, Spain. The perfect cocktail for Vermouth Day on May 15, serve it … Continue reading
Anyone home schooling their kids during quarantine (or just hosting them, like my mom) deserves some bubbly. Be sure to pop something good for them. Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve: So rich – deep yellow apple, honeyed hazelnuts, and crispy bubbles. And in homage to matriarchs, this is a royal family favorite. ($45) Bouvet Rose … Continue reading
I was listening to my friend Anne Krebiehl on an old Wine Enthusiast podcast the other day and she was raving about Blaufrankisch. It’s an Austrian grape I’d had maybe once or twice, but Anne has the ability to make you crave whatever she’s talking about so I went home that night and opened one. … Continue reading
level of panic: 1-2 what to pour: white You’re in the initial stages of pandemic panic. We’ll get through it. Pour a glass of Sylvaner, a nice light white with notes of lemon and white florals. Meant to be drunk young when it’s racy, it will go well with your racing heart. It’s mostly from Alsace or Germany, … Continue reading
Have you been exploring along? Here are this month’s grape and region suggestions, and if you’ve had them before then pick your own adventure! Grape: Cab Franc This is one of the five grapes found in a Bordeaux blend, but all on its own you get plum and green pepper. Bernard Baudry is one my favorite … Continue reading
Back in the day it was rare to have a female winemaker. Luckily that’s all changed now, and today on International Women’s Day you have a ton of women-made wines to choose from. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed all over the world, often with the winemakers themselves. Caroline Diel at Schlossgut Diel in Nahe, … Continue reading
Have already been clocking some serious fireside time this winter. If I can’t have Happy Hour on the deck, I’ll take it with a crackling fire and a glass of red to go with my grilled steak or amazing boeuf bourguignon. Try some Tuscans like Rocca delle Macie’s Riserva di Fizzano ($30) a silky Chianti Classico that … Continue reading
I love popping some pink bubbles pretty much any day, but I’ll take Valentine’s as an excuse. Sparkling rosé adds such a rich, decadent Marie Antoinette feel to your glass. And it just looks pretty too. Try these: Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire, $18. By now you all probably know how I feel about crémant: … Continue reading
