Today is Mardi Gras, so make what’s known as the official cocktail of New Orleans! In the 1800s, apothecary owner Antoine Amedie Peychaud used to make his friends brandy toddies with his family’s bitters. (To measure the ingredients, he used a double-ended egg cup called a “coquetier,” which is where the word “cocktail” comes from!) … Continue reading
So much movie celebrating requires wine – and lots of it. Of course Hollywood’s covered on the bubbly front. All best actor and best actress nominees were given a bottle of Rare Le Secret which is produced in the very best vintages (only 9 have been made in the past 40 years) and only come … Continue reading
I don’t care if you’re in a relationship or not – pop these pinks and you’ll definitely be in love. The 2017 Oltrenero Cruasé, a Pinot Nero sparkling rosé from Lombardy, has some white strawberry and a hint of savoriness. An easy way to start the night. Trentodoc Cesarini Sforza 1673 Brut Riserva Rose’ 2011, 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Nero from the TrentoDoc area … Continue reading
I like to compare quarterbacks to Syrah – they’re brawny and have so many different styles. This year’s Super Bowl gives us old school vet Tom Brady vs first-time newbie Jared Goff. If you’re rooting for Goff and the Rams: go with a fruitier, spicier new world Syrah from Australia (where it’s called Shiraz). Try Patchworkwhich has … Continue reading
Whether it’s a token bottle of cheer or serious wine for the biggest grapefriend in your life, we’ve got your entire gift list covered. token of cheer Holiday season means lots of need to bring an affordable bottle to a host or a party. Crémant to the rescue! This is basically one of the best secrets … Continue reading
Avoid insane mall crowds at all costs and just go grapey for all your gifts! Now you either have plenty of time to go to a wine bar, or if you did have to hit the stores you’ll need wine. Set yourself up with this gorgeous Trousseau, a light red filled with currants and violets. It’s from … Continue reading
With a smorgasboard of dishes and flavors, there’s almost no wrong wine to serve at Thanksgiving. But of course you want to choose a red and a white that can please the whole table. For bread stuffing, veggies and sweet potatoes, I usually go with a crisp, apple-pear scented Pinot Gris. And for the dark … Continue reading
I’m all for an extra hour, especially if it’s Happy Hour! Pour out some great Cab Franc and serve it with ashy-rine cheese – my new favorite combo. Cab Francs from Chinon in France’s Loire Valley tend to be excellent. Here are three I liked when I was there in September: The Nicolas Bourgeuil Concerto pictured … Continue reading
Claire is quite the grapefriend, so you’ll be in good company when you binge the series’ last episodes which all launched today on Netflix. Pop open one of the wines that they’ve drunk on the show: In Season 1, Zoe Barnes drinks Lapostolle, a great biodynamic winery in Chile. I love their Carménère, and the Cuvée … Continue reading
Planning to binge The Romanoffs? Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner’s new show premiered on Amazon this month. Starring multiple MM alums, it’s 8 episodes about people who all think they’re descendants of Russian royalty. As for what to drink, most of the land in Russia isn’t suitable for grape growing but they actually do grow … Continue reading
