As with all wines, the land the vines grow in is critical to how the wines turn out. So I recently went hiking with Austrian Wines in honor of the eight Styrian Wine Trails that lead hikers through the vineyards, hills and thermal spas in the region. Sadly, we were just in upstate New York instead …
I hope you’re watching Succession! Roman’s constant barbs are as delicious as wine. One thing I notice a lot is that no matter how rich people might be (and ok, granted they’re actors but even on reality shows) they don’t ever seem to hold wine glasses properly by the stem. The Roy family are all …
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 …
Have as much fun learning about wine as you do when you’re drinking it! We share what wines you should drink for each month’s biggest events, whether it’s for the Super Bowl or the super moon, the premiere of Stranger Things or the finale of Succession, Tuesday night values or Saturday night splurges. So sign …
Yum to the rum. Just got back from Negril, and when you’re in Jamaica that’s what you drink. My favorite rum cocktail was the Dirty Banana – super refreshing and you’ll never feel guilty if you have it very early in the morning because it’s basically a nutritious shake! So here’s the recipe for 2 cocktails: …
The grapefriend wine totes have arrived!!! They’re totes amazing (get it?), and not just because they hold wine. I lug a lot of wine around. A lot. To friends, to dinners, to events, away for the weekend. I was tired of trying to find bubble wrap or random pieces of cardboard (liquor store style) to stuff in …
New fave cocktail: Lillet rosé with a splash of soda. Lillet is an aperitif from Bordeaux, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Muscatel grapes flavored with herbs, spices, and citrus and fortified with citrus liqueur. It’s light and bright with notes of raspberries and white florals. Fantastic summer sipper. Want to be the first to get the monthly newsletter … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
New summer/TikTok trend alert: spicy rosé. It’s simply throwing some jalapeño slices and some ice into your rosé. Usually I’m not into putting stuff in my wine, but with a non-fussy rosé there isn’t much harm. Grapefriend tip: I definitely wouldn’t use a light, Provençal-style rosé which would get completely overwhelmed by the spice. A good Tempranillo-based Spanish rosato holds … Continue reading
Summer is juuuust around the corner and we’re all getting ready for some major rosé time, right? Start with this absolutely delicious crémant (sparkling wine’s best value ever). Gratien & Meyer’s has deep wild strawberry notes form the 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Chenin Blanc blend and is only $19 here. Want to … Continue reading
Earth Day might be over, but that doesn’t mean wineries stop being sustainably-minded of course. Segura Viudas, cava from Penedes Spain, is part of Wineries for Climate Protection, which certifies Spanish wineries for meeting sustainable criteria. One of the key areas they concentrate on is water management, which sets limits on the amount of watering they do in the vineyards. … Continue reading
Chardonnay Day is May 26 this year, and I’ve got the perfect recipe for it. This Hamilton Russell Chardonnay is really restrained and almost citrusy. I’ve had a few great Chardonnays from South Africa now — not as oaky and lush as California ones. ($43 here) Perfect pairing: This savory mustard chicken – something piquant in the wine that went great … Continue reading
We all love Prosecco for its easy, fruity fizz. You can basically get Riondo Prosecco anywhere, but now it has a new style. They recently created this full spumante instead of its usual frizzante. What’s the difference? Spumante has more effervescence, while frizzante has just a slight fizz. I love getting granular about bubbles. I use Prosecco for … Continue reading
grapefriend 