turkey time
free run juice

turkey time

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

lovely lillet
cocktailfriend

lovely lillet

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

hot days, cold wines
free run juice

hot days, cold wines

And they all happen to be incredible values. Treveri Blanc de Blancs: I thought these bubbles from Washington State were going to be expensive, but much to my surprise they’re only $16. Medium bubbles and nice green apple notes. Gai’a Monograph: What a fantastic floral aperitif wine. This Moschofilero from the Peloponnese region in Greece was a perfect palate … Continue reading

just two more rosés
free run juice

just two more rosés

Our last pink recommendations for the last official month of summer. (Though of course, you can keep drinking pink all year round.) By.Ott: Great watermelon, perfect with a summer afternoon caprese lunch! Mathilde Chapoutier Grande Ferrage: I’ve recommended this one a few times before but it’s worth repeating since it’s really one of my favorites. Light peach and … Continue reading

5 pinks to pop
free run juice

5 pinks to pop

It’s now full-on summer and I’m sure you’re ready for major rosé time. I’ve already clocked a decent amount, so let the recommendations begin! 1 Made from Grenache, Consult and Syrah, Berne Inspiration ($21) is really light and a perfect Provençal-style rosé. They’re even running a contest to win a trip for 2 to Provence (enter here and bring me if … Continue reading

the spicy cocktail trend of the summer
cocktailfriend

the spicy cocktail trend of the summer

New summer/TikTok trend alert: spicy rosé.  It’s simply throwing some jalapeño slices and some ice into your rosé. Usually I’m not into putting stuff in my wine, but with a non-fussy rosé there isn’t much harm. Grapefriend tip: I definitely wouldn’t use a light, Provençal-style rosé which would get completely overwhelmed by the spice. A good Tempranillo-based Spanish rosato holds … Continue reading

a succulent cava
free run juice

a succulent cava

Earth Day might be over, but that doesn’t mean wineries stop being sustainably-minded of course. Segura Viudas, cava from Penedes Spain, is part of Wineries for Climate Protection, which certifies Spanish wineries for meeting sustainable criteria. One of the key areas they concentrate on is water management, which sets limits on the amount of watering they do in the vineyards. … Continue reading