Having been ruled throughout history by the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Muslims, Spanish, Piedmontese, and even a few others, Sicily’s an island with a total mix of cultures. All those cultures had various levels of interest in and production of wine, so Sicily’s indigenous grapes have fluctuated in popularity against international varities. For most of the … Continue reading
Forget about rosé of the week – this is a contender for rosé of the summer! Pratsch has been in the family for 8 generations in Hohenruppersdorf, Austria (population: 912!). Well, those 912 local people are very lucky. Made from Zweigelt grapes, which are native to Austria, this rosé has gorgeous brightness and perfect tart … Continue reading
As far as California wine goes, Napa and Sonoma get most of the attention. The wines from those hot areas can get really saturated with fruit, so I actually always try to seek out California’s lesser known areas that have cooler climates. I love Pinots from Mendocino and white Rhône varietals from Paso Robles, but … Continue reading
Ok, this is the exact opposite of the Provençal ones you’ve likely been mainlining all summer. Bold and full-bodied, this Lagrein-based rosato is perfect for food, especially something like these grilled peaches wrapped in prosciutto (a summer happy hour favorite). Cool fact: it’s made in a Benedictine monastery in the Italian Alps! I LOVE the … Continue reading
For our inaugural 2017 #RoséoftheWeek, we explore a lesser-used rosé grape and we’re rewarded. Nero d’Avola is pretty common in Sicily, so it’s not surprising Planeta gives it lots of space here. Their bright, savory rosé (about $15) is 50% Syrah, 50% Nero d’Avola and 100% great with sushi. Continue reading
It’s spring – finally!!! The grass is growing, and the Grüner is flowing! Or at least it should be. The grassy, white peppery white wine from Austria is my spring go-to. Here are three good bottles to grab! fred loimer lois 2015 Freshly cut, yo! This is where you can really get a handle on … Continue reading
I love these Phenomenal Femmes wine dinners I go to a few times a year. Run by sommelier Marika Vida, she brings women winemakers and winery owners to Auden, the restaurant she works at in the Ritz, for them to walk us through their wines paired with a few different courses. Such a treat to … Continue reading
We hear about a lot of breast cancer awareness campaigns in October, but this one is by far my favorite. For the second time, Mionetto has launched Pink Cork for the Cause, a campaign that supports breast cancer research and treatment. The fun part is that if you find one of the 125 pink corks in Mionetto Prestige … Continue reading
I’m always surprised when people don’t know that Oregon makes wine. And not only does it just make wine, it makes some of my favorite wine in the US. The Pinot Noirs are a balance between elegant, earthy Burgundies and heavily-fruity ones from Sonoma. But you also have delicious Pinot Noir-based rosés, lush and pear-flavored Pinot … Continue reading
I’m sure you heard about the earthquake that hit the small town of Amatrice in Italy. I’ve never been, but I’ve had their signature dish, pasta all’amatriciana. I’d never cooked it before, but there’s a movement for people to either cook it at home to raise awareness and funds for relief in the town, or … Continue reading
