grape: Chardonnay producer: Inman. Known more for their Pinot Noir (which is also great) although I’m also a huge fan of their rosé (sadly sold out), but was floored by this Chardonnay. country: USA region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma. This isn’t a region known for restrained Chardonnay – they tend to be big bombs of butter and cream. year: 2011 yum factors: Many … Continue reading
It’s the second annual Albarino Day! And if you want an Albariño, this is one of the best I’ve seen, yo. grape: Albariño producer: Zarate – they make amaaazing Albariño’s country: Spain region: Rías Baixas, reigning king of Albariño making year: 2009 yum factors: This has the crispy yellow apple and citrus that’s typical Albariño but this cool touch of almond … Continue reading
Straight up I’m going to tell you it’s over $400 so just know that going into this post. That said, it’s one of those wines that’s so EFFING good you’d feel like it was worth it. grape: Cabernet producer: Dana (pronounced “dahna”). It’s the owner’s nickname, which means “generosity” in Sanskrit. And the lotus flower on their labels represents … Continue reading
grape: Carmenere – usually super inky and thick, but this one’s lightened up with 30% Merlot producer: Inama country: Italy region: Colli Berici DOC zone, east of the Soave area year: 2009 yum factors: This has that cocoa and a touch of black pepper that Carmenere usually has, but it’s so much lighter and softer with the dark plum from the … Continue reading
In addition to all of the amazing biodynamic wines I tried for Green Week, here are just plain old organic ones to try. Organic basically means the grapes were grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides or herbicides, and that they also didn’t use any preservatives in the winemaking process. I didn’t do a massive, all-encompassing sampling so there are a ton … Continue reading
grape: Syrah. Most Australian Syrah is called Shiraz – it’s the same exact grape but usually made in a way bolder style Down Under. Not this one – hooray! producer: Luke Lambert – also makes a more refined Syrah, but this one’s the wild younger brother. His others Syrahs are really worth checking out though too – … Continue reading
It’s Thursday, and here’s what I’m throwing back: There are so many well-known and well-marketed Champagnes in the 40-buck range. So when I find one that’s the same price but so gorgeous and unknown, I gotta tell grapefriends about it. Gorgeous nutty brioche! You could smell it for hours (ok, minutes, because you’ll want to … Continue reading
Confession: I don’t love Malbec. I find it gritty, rustic, and can usually find something else on a wine list or in the store that I’d rather have. But I know a lot of people drink it and today is Malbec Day, so in anticipation I went on a quest to see if I could find … Continue reading
grape: Viognier. If you don’t love Viognier, start drinking it now. Spring is the absolute perfect time for this grape, since your glass basically turns into a bouquet of fresh flowers. Most are from the Rhone in France, but the US is making a little now too, and hooray for that. producer: Vina Robles country: USA region: Paso Robles, … Continue reading
grape: Riesling producer: Trust Cellars country: USA region: Walla Walla, Washington – newly obsessed with wines from here. Had dinner with three winemakers from there and not only do they have good wine they are hilarious. year: 2011 yum factors: I got Gonzaga going all the way in my March Madness bracket. Yeah, that’s right, I said Gonzaga. I go bold … Continue reading
