Getting super into Merlot again. Now that it’s come back from its Sideways bashing (Myles was all about the Pinot, but does actually drink a Merlot-heavy Cheval Blanc in the fast food place towards the end), people are rediscovering the velvety, plummy grape. A bunch of wineries even declared October Merlot Month because it’s nice and … Continue reading
Author Archives: grapefriend
bubbly for the emmys
Luckily, Game of Thrones leads the Emmy nominations since the clips we’ll see are all we’re getting of this show for over a year! It’s killing me. For tonight’s awards, I’ll get through the pain with my personally-etched 70th anniversary bottle of Ferrari. Hailing from the Trentino area in Italy, the metodo classico Ferrari Brut has been the official … Continue reading
perfect your picnic
Most people think picnic and think casual wines. I say, rock the high-low and elevate your basket. The 166th edition is the latest Krug Grande Cuvée ($159 here). Full of deep brioche, light hazelnuts and fine bubbles, it’s a gorgeous bottle of Champagne. Champagne is always a blend of wines from three grapes, and this one is made … Continue reading
what to drink with the vma nominees
I worked at MTV for many years and totally miss being involved in the production of the show. But now I get to sit back with a glass and watch it all go down without working! Wooooot. Here are this year’s nominees for Video of the Year along with what you should drink for each … Continue reading
animal house turns 40!
“Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life.” – Dean Wormer Well, you grab that wine in a can and see what you can do. I feel like the Delta house would be drinking Underwood Pinot Gris, which is only $7.99. PARTY HERE Sign up for all monthly pop culture pairings and recommendations here … Continue reading
the other P rosé: pinot noir
Last month we delved into Provence, but this month let’s talk about the other great P in pink wines: Pinot Noir. Now, this is a grape not a region like Provence, but it’s a grape that makes some of my most favorite rosés ever (especially from the Willamette Valley in Oregon). Try these: Sanford: very dry … Continue reading
grilling, no spilling: best bbq wines
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
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