Last month we made mom merry with wine, this month we delight the dads. One of my dad’s favorites (and now mine) is Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a southern Rhône blend. The primary grapes are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre although there are 13 that are officially allowed. Although the name means the new house of the pope, “pape” is … Continue reading
Let the games begin. Rosé sales rose 53% last year and there doesn’t seem to be signs of a slow down. Why? It’s light, refreshing, uncomplicated and perfect for summer sipping. I’ll be recommending my favorite rosés every month this summer, so here’s the first batch for National Rosé Day on June 9, from the OG … Continue reading
This week’s fave rosé comes from Corsica, that French island near Italy I’ve always wanted to go to. Yves Leccia’s wines are apparently referred to as the Rolls Royce of Corsican wines. I haven’t had any of his others, but the rosé is on point! It’s made up of 20% Grenache, a common rosé grape, … Continue reading
Looking for a go-to summer rosé? This is a contender. With the usual Provençal grapes (50% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault, and 25% Grenache), you get that refreshing, easy-drinking, perfect accompaniment to light summer meals. We downed it with grilled shrimp on the deck and not one person was unhappy. That likely comes from the easy vibe … Continue reading
The #RoséWeek day you’ve all been waiting for! I’ve been sampling away since May – over 100 bottles. It’s been ROUGH. But finally we have our top 10 rosés of 2016! I organized them by region based on my previous post about grapes they use to make rosé in different regions. It’s always helpful to … Continue reading
We’ve detailed how rosé is made in past Rosé Weeks (if you need a refresh, it’s right here). But obviously, you need red grapes to make rosé since those varying shades of pink all come from the color in the skin of red grapes. But rosé regions all around the world make rosé from different … Continue reading
IT’S FINALLY BACK!!! Let us re-commence the deviousness, the machinations, the goblets of wine, and the torturous moment every Sunday night when Game of Thrones ends, usually on a can-NOT-wait-a-week cliffhanger. So obsessed with this show and all the wine drinking they do, especially by the show’s biggest grapefriends, Tyrion and Cersei (the Lannisters clearly win … Continue reading
People might associate Spring Break with body shots and beer, but grapefriends know the real meaning: awesome spring wines to break open! So many good ones to sip on while we transition from vile winter to blissful summer. white pinot noir Oh yes, this exists and it’s so cool! And you’ve actually had it before … Continue reading
Roses are nice, but I’d be way more in love with anyone who gave me a bouquet of rosés instead. And these three all cheaper than a dozen roses! Win win win. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Crémant is one of my favorite Champagne alternatives: just as good, more than half the cost. This all-Pinot Noir … Continue reading
It’s the holidays, so of course no one at all is over-indulging. Especially not with drinks or sweets. Yep, me neither. So I went to a dinner for Luberon wines, where we only had 7 wines and 13 desserts. Luberon is a small region in the southern Rhone valley in France. Southern Rhone wines (like … Continue reading
