Most people think picnic and think casual wines. I say, rock the high-low and elevate your basket. The 166th edition is the latest Krug Grande Cuvée ($159 here). Full of deep brioche, light hazelnuts and fine bubbles, it’s a gorgeous bottle of Champagne. Champagne is always a blend of wines from three grapes, and this one is made … Continue reading
I worked at MTV for many years and totally miss being involved in the production of the show. But now I get to sit back with a glass and watch it all go down without working! Wooooot. Here are this year’s nominees for Video of the Year along with what you should drink for each … Continue reading
As an American holiday that involves fireworks, there’s only one thing to drink: American sparkling wine! A few domestic wineries use the same grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and winemaking method as Champagne. Here are a few I like: Iron Horse: Often served at White House dinners, they well represent domestic sparkling wine. $38.99 BUY HERE … Continue reading
OK, we’ve got our first Royal Wedding wine! Kensington Palace said Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV is getting popped at the reception. Pol Roger is a blend of 30-35 base wines across at least three vintages, and is made with the three traditional Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. It’s $49, buy it … Continue reading
Rumor has it that Harry and Meghan are going to be cheers-ing with Chapel Down, bubbles from England. Never had any? English sparkling wine is actually getting more popular as a warmer climate is helping to ripen the grapes a bit more and create some higher-quality wines, drawing comparisons to Champagne. I find it hard to … Continue reading
Hopefully you’ve had your fair share of fizz this holiday season. But if you haven’t, you’ve got one more night to unleash those corks from their cages and into your glass (and then continue for the next 364 days…) The conundrum of New Year’s Eve is always what to pop. Hanging with a small group? Definitely … Continue reading
For most people, Christmas is the big day and that’s when you have your feast. I don’t really know what they eat on Christmas Eve, but in our Italian family that’s our big night and we have the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. In the past we didn’t always have seven, but in recent years we’ve revived … Continue reading
Holidays always seem to involve a lot of time spent wrapping, the finishing touch on any gift. For wine and Champagne, it can be easy as people tend to just hand over their present in a silver wrapping with a red bow. But don’t miss an opp to get your grape on even at this final stage! I … Continue reading
My tree’s up!!! Fizzmas has officially begun! Posts will be coming with Fizzmas fun, but for now I’m enjoying the sight of so many non-popped bubblies of all kinds – Champagne, sparkling, Crémant, Prosecco… What’s your favorite? Continue reading
Who knew the 70s were so grapey? Well, at least they are for our Official Mad Men Grapefriend, Megan. She starts off the episode in California, with a glass poured out from a big ol’ jug of Almaden. Jugs of wine were huge in the 70s. I remember growing up as a kid that my … Continue reading
