Winter is all about fuller reds and summer claims rosé, but what about spring? There’s an in-between time where a few grapes really satisfy. Catarratto: White florals, lemon spritz and low acid — this might just be the most perfect spring wine. Prevalent in Sicily and a grapefriend fave for aperitivo, try the refreshing Donnafugata Anthìlia, $19.95. Viognier: This … Continue reading
Normally by this time of the year I’m settling into a nice groove of light reds. But this fall we’ve seen a wild swing of temperatures, with some days a crisp 50 and other days hitting 80 (even in the end of October). And it always seems to be raining too. So, I’ve been reaching … Continue reading
Given how many shark sightings and bitings there were this summer, I bring you three great whites (get it?). Want to be the first to get the monthly recommendations right in your inbox? Woo hoo, sign up here! Continue reading
There may be fewer people at your table this year, but that doesn’t mean you need to limit your wine choices! Either way, let’s support American winemakers with whatever type of wine you choose. Bubbly: Domaine Carneros winemaker Eileen Crane is leaving after 33 years. I recently tasted through a few of her wines, including … Continue reading
It’ll be a month. You need quick, affordable wine. We also need to remember to celebrate. Grapefriend’s got it all. values Ritual Sauvignon Blanc 2018: Chile is a fantastic source of value wines – packed with flavor and so affordable. Love the piquant lemon on this organic Ritual (and btw, this pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe recipe was … Continue reading
Suddenly it’s not hot any more. This better not be the end of our warm days, but I’m happy to be done with the humidity. Outside all day and not sweating calls for a glass of wine and I have just the bottles, in all Lockdown price ranges. Values Riondo Prosecco: The lighter side of Prosecco … Continue reading
The promise of rosé recommendations has not been broken. Here are five more good ones to keep the rosé rolling: Willakenzie: Strawberry and a tiny note of raspberry, with red rose on the nose. Very nicely balanced with with a lift of lemon. $28 Gran Moraine: This Pinot Noir-based rosé from Willamette Valley is light … Continue reading
TONS of good ones around the $20 range this month! We’ll start with a bubbly, as you always should, and then get into lots of great whites. Montinore Vivace – This is a sparkling blend of Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris and Riesling. That’s a lot of flavor, but it blends together harmoniously and is a fun … Continue reading
With the economy still figuring itself out, everyone is looking for values. I have quite a few, although I was sharing some with people in my apartment building and someone said they thought even $20 was too high. Always good to get these reality checks. The good news: one of my favorites wines this month … Continue reading
Thanksgiving is a smorgasbord of events. Cooking. Company. And confusion, if you don’t know what wine to pour. So if pairing wine for the holiday has you feeling like this: Just stick with grapefriend and you’ll soon be feeling like this: My one rule: drink American, for obvious reasons. OK, let’s get started and take this course … Continue reading
