It’s time again for that mishmash of holiday foods all on one table. I always drink American, so here are some basic styles that will be able to flex across all your flavors. Starting with bubbles, try Domaine Carneros Late Disgorged Brut ($58). Aged for six years on the lees in the bottle, it has a bit more complexity and … Continue reading
Category Archives: free run juice
the young vino vote
Pundits are curious about how the younger generation votes, and grapefriend is curious about how they drink. Someone was telling me the other day that younger people are drinking more (or even only) weird, funky wines. It’s interesting to think about how they might be nurturing their palate on newer styles and bolder tastes versus, say, a Sauvignon Blanc. One … Continue reading
sherry week cheese parings
This year, Sherry Week is November 7-13, and to celebrate González Byass sent a sampling of sherries and Jasper Hill Farms cheeses. My favorite pairing was the hard Whitney with either the fino or the amontillado. The fino was the suggested pairing and I liked the mild oxidation in the Tio Pepe with the cheese, but there was a nuttiness to it … Continue reading
bubbles from unusual places
I’ve been drinking a lot of bubbly lately. Not only is it refreshing in hot weather, but it tends to be a little lower in alcohol. We all know Champagne from France and Prosecco from Italy, but given how much sparkling wine I’ve been popping I decided to try some from lesser-known places—and was quite … Continue reading
wine for shark sightings
Given how many shark sightings and bitings there were this summer, I bring you three great whites (get it?). Want to be the first to get the monthly recommendations right in your inbox? Woo hoo, sign up here! Continue reading
turkey time
No, it’s not Thanksgiving. I recently went to Turkey—the southern region is where the wineries are, and I did my fair share of drinking. Quick takeaways: The rosé (roze) was generally really refreshing, so if you’re experimenting I’d start here. They’re usually made with native grape Kalecik Karasi, and Urla Wineryadds Pinot Noir to it for some refinement. The whites were very aromatic. Moscato … Continue reading
don’t be too jealous
don’t be too jealous Been saving this puppy for a long time. We popped it open on a cousins reunion weekend, threw down some filet mignon, and the party was on. Normally I’d just drink this all on its own and think about it without getting distracted by food, but you also have to open bottles like this with … Continue reading
hot days, cold wines
And they all happen to be incredible values. Treveri Blanc de Blancs: I thought these bubbles from Washington State were going to be expensive, but much to my surprise they’re only $16. Medium bubbles and nice green apple notes. Gai’a Monograph: What a fantastic floral aperitif wine. This Moschofilero from the Peloponnese region in Greece was a perfect palate … Continue reading
just two more rosés
Our last pink recommendations for the last official month of summer. (Though of course, you can keep drinking pink all year round.) By.Ott: Great watermelon, perfect with a summer afternoon caprese lunch! Mathilde Chapoutier Grande Ferrage: I’ve recommended this one a few times before but it’s worth repeating since it’s really one of my favorites. Light peach and … Continue reading
5 pinks to pop
It’s now full-on summer and I’m sure you’re ready for major rosé time. I’ve already clocked a decent amount, so let the recommendations begin! 1 Made from Grenache, Consult and Syrah, Berne Inspiration ($21) is really light and a perfect Provençal-style rosé. They’re even running a contest to win a trip for 2 to Provence (enter here and bring me if … Continue reading