Hotel California might not have had wine since 1969, but they have rosé Champagne. These sparkling pinks from the Champagne region get their color from the skins of the red grapes, which in Champagnes are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. They also usually cost more than their non-rosé counterparts (starting around $50/60 and heading up to … Continue reading
Now that we’ve gone through what wines to give everyone, we’ve got some other gifts to cover. If you know the person in your life has plenty of wine but still wants to celebrate how great it is being a grapefriend, these are the gifts for them. Blue Quail wreaths: The McFadden family grows herbs to … Continue reading
It’s that time of year when everyone hits me up to ask what they should get people as gifts. Here are my go-to categories. Champagne In the $50 price range, you can’t go wrong with Champagne. I love G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon for its Christmas-y green and red-ribbon bottle. Cabernet Always a safe choice, and people will love … Continue reading
You might see a lot of people recommending Riesling for Thanksgiving, and here’s why: it’s incredibly versatile. The sugar balances out acid, but if you don’t prefer the sweeter styles try ones from Alsace which tend to be on the dry side. Try a very typical style, Amélie & Charles Sparr Sentiment Riesling ($25) is very zesty and crisp. The label on the Laurent … Continue reading
We actually have all Values this month, because even though one of the recommendations is over $40 it’s such a great red that it’s really a steal. Villa Wolf Sekt: Absolutely delightful light-strawberry Pinot Noir sekt from the Pfalz region in Germany. (Sekt is what they call sparkling wine in Germany and Austria). $17 Erbaluce: Had … Continue reading
With COP26 underway, it’s a great time to take a look at some of the cool sustainability initiatives happening in the wine industry all over the world. Regional Regulations: In the Médoc, producers are working to make sustainability and biodiversity practices mandatory in their AOC regulations which would involve practices like reducing pesticides, preserving biodiversity, and managing the region’s carbon footprint. Sustainable farming helps … Continue reading
In the non-stop flow of pink, here are five faves for the month! 1 Olga Raffault: Stunning rosé from Chinon, full of minerality, strawberry, and the slightest touch of funk to give it complexity. Had this at Clay, or you can also get here for $16.99 2 Gerard Bertrand Cote Des Roses: Light and refreshing, reminded me of a … Continue reading
So many good ones this month. values Tussock Jumper Chenin Blanc: I go back and forth on Chenin and I think it’s just a matter of finding a good one. This one has great waxy white melon, piquant lemon and unripe pineapple and is only $11.99! Saget La Perriere “Marie de Beauregard” Cab Franc: Such a great … Continue reading
Summer nights are perfect for a quick-grilled white fish with just a spritz of fresh lemon, Italian parsley and capers. These crisp, light Italian whites are perfect pairings. Gavi: Digging the acacia and lemon spritz notes in Riva Leone Gavi ($14.99) and a fleshier apple Michele Chiarlo Rovereto ($16.99). Falanghina: This is more of a deep yellow wine, with a hint of herbs … Continue reading
The only thing that’ll save you during these heat waves is rosé. Here are this month’s fave five. 1 Lamberti Prosecco: Prosecco is now officially allowed to make a rosé style using Pinot Nero. This one isn’t only elegant, it’s a killer value at only $14. 2 Donum: At $50, this isn’t going to be your everyday deck quaffer … Continue reading
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