Less than 4% of Champagne’s vineyards are certified organic, but Leonardo DiCaprio became in investor in one of the houses that’s going to up that number. Champagne Telmont is on track to convert all estate-owned vineyards to organic agriculture by 2025 and their partner wingrowers’ by 2031. Currently their Réserve de la Terre is already all organic. In addition, they’re going green in many other ways: … Continue reading
As we finally start getting some signs of spring, one of my favorite things to pop is a light red you can chill. Here are two great ones: Argiolas Perdera 2019: a super pretty wine from Sardinia made from 100% Monica grapes, $15 Jean-Baptiste Adam Pinot Noir: I think we all know how I feel about Alsatian Pinot … Continue reading
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
