Most people think of party wines and spritzes when they think of Prosecco. But Prosecco took on a different hue on a recent trip to explore Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG wines, which make up about 20% of all Prosecco production and have stricter production rules. It’s a mouthful to say, but rather than lots of Italian … Continue reading
I was expecting the hyper-colorful doors, bountiful flowers pouring over balconies, and rustic beaches. But I was not expecting the incredible cocktail scene in Cartagena! In general, Cartagena had an impressive design aesthetic, with bold interiors and amazing attention to detail in shops, hotels, and restaurants. Given that, it made sense that would travel into … Continue reading
For a beautiful bubble, sip no further than Eric Taillet. These wines are total gems. Rarely is Champagne all Pinot Meunier (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir usually dominate the three-grape Champagne blend), but Pinot Meunier gives such a delicacy and beautiful pink rose notes. I’d honestly drink all-Meunier all the time if I could find it more. Before 1992, … Continue reading
Winter is all about fuller reds and summer claims rosé, but what about spring? There’s an in-between time where a few grapes really satisfy. Catarratto: White florals, lemon spritz and low acid — this might just be the most perfect spring wine. Prevalent in Sicily and a grapefriend fave for aperitivo, try the refreshing Donnafugata Anthìlia, $19.95. Viognier: This … Continue reading
OK, be brave, there are only a few weeks left of this bad winter. We’ve got the grapes that’ll keep you cozy if the temps drop again, and a few hopeful sips for those signs of life that are just starting to sprout. rioja cab franc Good Cab Franc is always interesting, a bit funky … Continue reading
We’re in the thick of the holidays now, and there are sips to be had for every moment! Plus a few gifts to give 🙂 for the happy hour This brings cheese and wine to a new level. Sandeman made a port-washed Harbison cheese with Jasper Hill Farm. It’s already sold out on their … Continue reading
In Etna, they produce spumante that has notes of lime pith than volcanic minerality. Sales have increased with the rise of the spritz—they currently make up 33% of all Etna sales in the US. I think I helped the domestic sales while I was there, as I drank Campari spritzes every day at aperitivo. Given spumante … Continue reading
I recently went to Sicily, not to follow the White Lotus life but to explore the wines of Etna, whose official DOC was formed in 1968. All the vineyards are situated in a half-ring at the foot of the volcano, whose eruptions have completely shaped the land and infused the soils, grapes, and wines with a bold, ashy … Continue reading
When you say Finger Lakes and wine in the same sentence, most people wince. But for grapefriends who know better, this region has really elevated their wines in recent years. I just sampled through a bunch of their 2023 rosés, which I’d never had before (the region is probably mostly known for Riesling). Also, they’re all screw caps … Continue reading
In other sport GOAT news, David Beckham gave Lionel Messi a Methuselah (equal to 8 bottles) of 2008 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino for his 37th birthday. Voted the World’s Best Winery of 2023, Catena makes some truly incredible wines. Made from the best vines on the estate, the Zapata grapes are hand-picked and the production is low. According … Continue reading
