Hailing from Madrid, La Pivón Vermouth was inspired by the daily 11-12pm Spanish ritual of La Hora del Vermut (“Vermouth Hour” for those who need that translation). La Pivón is made with local herbs and botanicals like cardamom, wormwood, cinnamon, clove, orange peel, lemon peel, gentian, as well as oranges from Valencia, Spain. The perfect cocktail for Vermouth Day on May 15, serve it … Continue reading
Category Archives: free run juice
mother’s day bubbles
Anyone home schooling their kids during quarantine (or just hosting them, like my mom) deserves some bubbly. Be sure to pop something good for them. Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve: So rich – deep yellow apple, honeyed hazelnuts, and crispy bubbles. And in homage to matriarchs, this is a royal family favorite. ($45) Bouvet Rose … Continue reading
lockdown values and splurges
As everyone’s in lockdown and perhaps starting to tighten belts, here are this month’s monthly value recommendations so you’re saving money but not flavor. I’m sharing a mix of specific bottles you might be able to find, more general regions and grapes that should be at your local shop (hopefully it’s open or will be … Continue reading
great transition-to-spring wine
I was listening to my friend Anne Krebiehl on an old Wine Enthusiast podcast the other day and she was raving about Blaufrankisch. It’s an Austrian grape I’d had maybe once or twice, but Anne has the ability to make you crave whatever she’s talking about so I went home that night and opened one. … Continue reading
the corona drinking guide
level of panic: 1-2 what to pour: white You’re in the initial stages of pandemic panic. We’ll get through it. Pour a glass of Sylvaner, a nice light white with notes of lemon and white florals. Meant to be drunk young when it’s racy, it will go well with your racing heart. It’s mostly from Alsace or Germany, … Continue reading
the #grapefriendchallenge: march
Have you been exploring along? Here are this month’s grape and region suggestions, and if you’ve had them before then pick your own adventure! Grape: Cab Franc This is one of the five grapes found in a Bordeaux blend, but all on its own you get plum and green pepper. Bernard Baudry is one my favorite … Continue reading
international women in wine day!
Back in the day it was rare to have a female winemaker. Luckily that’s all changed now, and today on International Women’s Day you have a ton of women-made wines to choose from. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed all over the world, often with the winemakers themselves. Caroline Diel at Schlossgut Diel in Nahe, … Continue reading
cozy winter reds
Have already been clocking some serious fireside time this winter. If I can’t have Happy Hour on the deck, I’ll take it with a crackling fire and a glass of red to go with my grilled steak or amazing boeuf bourguignon. Try some Tuscans like Rocca delle Macie’s Riserva di Fizzano ($30) a silky Chianti Classico that … Continue reading
3 excellent pinks to pop for valentine’s day
I love popping some pink bubbles pretty much any day, but I’ll take Valentine’s as an excuse. Sparkling rosé adds such a rich, decadent Marie Antoinette feel to your glass. And it just looks pretty too. Try these: Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire, $18. By now you all probably know how I feel about crémant: … Continue reading
the #grapefriendchallenge: february
Dry January is over so let’s get into the #grapefriendchallenge full force. Here are this month’s grape and region suggestions, and if you’ve had them before then pick your own adventure! Grape: Grenache SO much cherry and black cherry, and a great medium-bodied pick. I’m talking about the red Grenache, but I actually also … Continue reading