Winter is all about fuller reds and summer claims rosé, but what about spring? There’s an in-between time where a few grapes really satisfy. Catarratto: White florals, lemon spritz and low acid — this might just be the most perfect spring wine. Prevalent in Sicily and a grapefriend fave for aperitivo, try the refreshing Donnafugata Anthìlia, $19.95. Viognier: This … Continue reading
OK, be brave, there are only a few weeks left of this bad winter. We’ve got the grapes that’ll keep you cozy if the temps drop again, and a few hopeful sips for those signs of life that are just starting to sprout. rioja cab franc Good Cab Franc is always interesting, a bit funky … Continue reading
We’re in the thick of the holidays now, and there are sips to be had for every moment! Plus a few gifts to give 🙂 for the happy hour This brings cheese and wine to a new level. Sandeman made a port-washed Harbison cheese with Jasper Hill Farm. It’s already sold out on their … Continue reading
I recently went to Sicily, not to follow the White Lotus life but to explore the wines of Etna, whose official DOC was formed in 1968. All the vineyards are situated in a half-ring at the foot of the volcano, whose eruptions have completely shaped the land and infused the soils, grapes, and wines with a bold, ashy … Continue reading
When you say Finger Lakes and wine in the same sentence, most people wince. But for grapefriends who know better, this region has really elevated their wines in recent years. I just sampled through a bunch of their 2023 rosés, which I’d never had before (the region is probably mostly known for Riesling). Also, they’re all screw caps … Continue reading
And for those of you who want to keep the party going all August long, here are a few rosés I loved lately: Chateau Peyrassol Rosé: Incredible how much flavor this has for such a pale pink. Tons of Mandarin orange and zesty pink grapefruit with a crazy long finish. Peyrassol isn’t your typical Provençal — this … Continue reading
As you enter summer’s pink zone, here are a few tips to expand your palate. 1: rebel against the rules Méditerranée IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) is the term for an area that covers Provence but also includes some of the Rhône Valley and Corsica (love their rosés). 75% of the region’s wines are rosé and … Continue reading
I was recently inducted into the Ordre des Compagnons du Beaujolais. Created in 1948, the organization celebrates wines from the Beaujolais region. The ceremony involved a lot of Beaujolais drinking and one moment of guzzling from a tastevin which then had to be held above your head to prove you finished it all. This year, they toasted the 100th anniversary … Continue reading
We’ve already had our first Heat Dome, and I immediately started popping frosty rosés. Here are a few favorites to kick off your summer and keep you cool: Want to be the first to get the monthly newsletter recommendations? Woo hoo, sign up here! Continue reading
Went to an interesting wait-staff education session the other day, where Catena taught the staff about the lighter bottles they’re using in their Vista Flores Malbec. Who knew the weight of a bottle contributes most to the energy suck in the winemaking process? But 60% of carbon emissions come from the weight of the bottle. The average bottle weighs 550 grams, … Continue reading
