Grills are lit all across the summering world. Although we pop so much refreshing rosé and white when it’s hot, we also need some good reds for all of our meaty BBQs. Get your tongs in one hand and a glass of one of these grilling greats in the other: malbec I actually never liked … Continue reading
Author Archives: grapefriend
tour de france de wine
We all know Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne, but as cyclists are pedaling all over the country in July why not explore some French wine regions you might not know? alsace Ugh, they make just fantastic Pinot Blanc here which is incredibly refreshing on hot summer days. It’s very light with just enough yellow apple. And this Hugel … Continue reading
american sparklers for the 4th!
As an American holiday that involves fireworks, there’s only one thing to drink: American sparkling wine! A few domestic wineries use the same grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and winemaking method as Champagne. Here are a few I like: Iron Horse: Often served at White House dinners, they well represent domestic sparkling wine. $38.99 BUY HERE … Continue reading
let’s delight the dads
Last month we made mom merry with wine, this month we delight the dads. One of my dad’s favorites (and now mine) is Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a southern Rhône blend. The primary grapes are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre although there are 13 that are officially allowed. Although the name means the new house of the pope, “pape” is … Continue reading
rose day and season and life is here!
Let the games begin. Rosé sales rose 53% last year and there doesn’t seem to be signs of a slow down. Why? It’s light, refreshing, uncomplicated and perfect for summer sipping. I’ll be recommending my favorite rosés every month this summer, so here’s the first batch for National Rosé Day on June 9, from the OG … Continue reading
sex & the city turns 20!
When Sex and the City premiered on June 6, 1998, cosmos were all the rage. But if it premiered now, they’d definitely be drinking wine. Carrie: Fun and hyper-stylish, she’d be wearing some cool Pat Fields-created rosé-all-day outfit and drinking the very trendy, very light strawberry Whispering Angel. $21.99 BUY HERE Charlotte: Elegant, classy, and low … Continue reading
perfect pairing: chablis and oysters
Nothing transports you to sitting on the water like Chablis. It’s made from Chardonnay grapes (Chablis is the area) but it’s very crisp, minerally, and absolute perfection with oysters. Steely, dry, high-acid white wines are the typical oyster pairing, but Chablis is one of the most excellent for them. The Kimmeridgian soil in the area, … Continue reading
royal reception bubbles revealed
OK, we’ve got our first Royal Wedding wine! Kensington Palace said Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV is getting popped at the reception. Pol Roger is a blend of 30-35 base wines across at least three vintages, and is made with the three traditional Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. It’s $49, buy it … Continue reading
royal wedding bubbles
Rumor has it that Harry and Meghan are going to be cheers-ing with Chapel Down, bubbles from England. Never had any? English sparkling wine is actually getting more popular as a warmer climate is helping to ripen the grapes a bit more and create some higher-quality wines, drawing comparisons to Champagne. I find it hard to … Continue reading
make mom merry
As we all toast moms today, a great celebration of women is Merry Edwards wine. First, it’s made by Merry who’s a pioneer woman winemaker (in 1973, she was one of only three women who graduated from UC Davis). Second, her absolutely delicious Sauvignon Blanc is packed with zesty pineapple but balanced with a round body, … Continue reading