Lots of gifts are given to the president. I mean hell, I get gifts and I’m just grapefriend so you can surmise that the leader of the free world gets some killer swag. Let’s just concentrate on the wine-related ones though, and see which country is the biggest grapefriend: portugal Professor Anıbal Cavaco Silva, president of Portugal: W&J … Continue reading
I love love love port cocktails. I had a ton of great ones at the Yeatman last September, and they seem especially inspired for a Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re celebrating with an actual Valentine or you’re just in love with yourself, one of these will add to your day. the saint valentine 1 1/2 oz. … Continue reading
The gluttony is over. And when you’re a grapefriend, that means gluttony of grapes! Looks like everyone drank very well on Thanksgiving – nicely done, grapefriends! We did our Fiacre grower champagne, Breggo Pinot Gris and this Wolffer Meritage (2007, decanted but still felt young). Abby and Lauren in New York rocked some Sauvignon Blanc … Continue reading
A little scared of the SEO on this one, but it’s worth it. First, it’s pronounced CO-burn’s. I found this out the hard way on my first night in Portugal, and was politely corrected. Still, it’s not like everyone there doesn’t know what they’re dealing with. And many of them do have a wicked sense … Continue reading
Wine has been made for 1000’s of years, and the grapes all used to be crushed by foot. Very few port houses still do this though since it’s so expensive and time consuming. But to get the best quality out of the grapes, foot treading is the way to roll: it’s gentle, random, and can drag … Continue reading
OK, so I’ve been posting a lot about port but figured I should do one that just walks you through the some basics. First, to make port you add brandy to stop the fermentation process and “fortify” it (this makes it higher in alcohol and keeps it sweet). There are a bunch of different styles … Continue reading
Boating on the Douro for cocktail hour – some YUM cocktails with Chip’s Dry white port, tonic and fresh mint. You can’t get the Chip’s Dry in the states, will have to get some before I leave! Having it with some roasted almonds from their tree and homemade potato chips. Salt/sweet perfection. A baron died … Continue reading
Had one of the best tasting experiences! We got to try 21 ports from Croft, Taylor’s and Fonseca – 21! And it was 11am! Was amazing to try all of these and compare the different house styles. Croft is kind of spicy and chocolatey, Taylor’s is elegant and complex and phenomenal, and Fonseca is more … Continue reading
I could spend every morning learning about port grapes from Croft’s insanely knowledgeable and sweet winemaker! We taste each berry – all different but very ripe. I loved the Tinta Roriz. They’re getting picked next week! Continue reading
Just landed in Portugal this morning and staying at the Yeatman, aka awesomest place ever. It’s a “wine hotel”: every room is named after a wine producer, they have 82 wines by the glass, and the pool is shaped like a decanter!!! Grapefriends: I am home. Continue reading
