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
Tag Archives: cabernet franc
finger pinks
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
thirsty under $30
Usually I like to educate people about styles and grapes you can then go find on your own, since finding a specific bottle can be an issue depending on what your local wine store happens to have. But lately I had a bunch of good reds under $30, which can be hard to find. And … Continue reading
summer travel — through your glass
Hitting the road this summer? You can also just sit in your backyard and travel through your glass. Here are some wines from less-travelled US wine paths. VirginiaMountain & Vine Screaming Hawk 2021 Meritage: With the grapes (50% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec) you’d think would be really heavy but it’s not. Just … Continue reading
summer whites
Drinking outdoors yet! Of course you are! Don your summer whites and pour one of these great glasses to match. Mira Franc Blanc: One of the great things about wine is how vast a subject it is and how many grapes and winemaking styles there are. I love Cab Franc but had never had a white … Continue reading
4 fantastic wines for women’s day
I researched stats of how many female winemakers there were and didn’t unearth anything specific. The number has historically been very low but by all counts is now rising. Anecdotally, people say that female winemakers tend to produce more elegant and perhaps even more balanced wines. On March 6-8, see what you think with these: Las Moradas de San … Continue reading
perfect pairing: chips and wine
Made with real cheese, Wine Chips are really cheesy. It’s almost like eating a slice of cheese on a potato chip – so basically, better than eating cheese! They’re specifically created to pair with wine, so great fun for happy hour. Here’s what they recommend to go with each variety: Asiago: They say this pairs well … Continue reading
winter wine and tv bingeing
Not only is it a pandemic but it’s cold and storming out, so perfect time to dive into some great TV! Here’s what I’ve been bingeing and the best bottles to match their vibe. Ted Lasso: There is not one show that will make you happier. Sip a great winter white like Ferzo’s yellow apple … Continue reading
the #grapefriendchallenge: march
Have you been exploring along? Here are this month’s grape and region suggestions, and if you’ve had them before then pick your own adventure! Grape: Cab Franc This is one of the five grapes found in a Bordeaux blend, but all on its own you get plum and green pepper. Bernard Baudry is one my favorite … Continue reading
classic pairing for easter lamb
Lamb is a classic main for Easter dinner, and for me the best pairing is a Bordeaux. Bordeaux wine is a blend of five grapes, usually with Merlot or Cabernet being the most predominant. You can find “Bordeaux-style blends” from anywhere in the world and they’ll be made from the same five grapes, but to … Continue reading