As with all wines, the land the vines grow in is critical to how the wines turn out. So I recently went hiking with Austrian Wines in honor of the eight Styrian Wine Trails that lead hikers through the vineyards, hills and thermal spas in the region. Sadly, we were just in upstate New York instead … Continue reading
Tag Archives: sauvignon blanc
may values & splurges
We’re still spending more time at home, so still need our weekday affordable and our splurge wines to celebrate the bigger moments (even if that’s just now Saturday). values Achaval Ferrer Malbec: Muscular black plum and black pepper but with soft tannins as far as malbecs go. Great with homemade empanadas! $19.99 Ferzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: Can’t … Continue reading
spring for these refreshing whites!
Oh yes, my grapefriends, it’s finally here! Today is officially spring, so let’s get some lively, fresh wines in your glass to celebrate. Viña Bujanda Viura 2019: This may be one of the most enjoyable Spanish whites I’ve ever had. Super lovely white florals and honeydew with a smooth finish, I was completely shocked it … Continue reading
november values and splurges
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
august values and splurges
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
what they’re serving (get it?) at the us open
Reality: they named it the Open because you should be opening wine. Duh. The official wine of the US Open is Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand varieties are always super zesty, zingy, and punchy with grapefruit. Kind of like some people’s backhand I guess. They serve it all over the stadium but you can find it … Continue reading
grill grapes
Take these tips as you get your grill on today! Happy 4th! Hamburgers: A Tempranillo-based Riojahas just enough spice to handle whatever you load your burger with. Look for Crianza on the label, which is a more casual style meant to be drunk younger. Anything with BBQ sauce: A spicy, jammy Zinfandel pairs super well with richly sweet … Continue reading
stay green for st patrick’s day!
St. Patrick’s Day might be over but you can stay green, grapefriends. Now that all that green beer is out of the way, pick organic wines which are basically made without the use of chemicals. Here are two faves to get your green on every day! Sattlerhof Südsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc 2017: Zesty lemon, white peach and herbs … Continue reading
what to drink with the vma nominees
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
tour de france de wine
We all know Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne, but as cyclists are pedaling all over the country in July why not explore some French wine regions you might not know? alsace Ugh, they make just fantastic Pinot Blanc here which is incredibly refreshing on hot summer days. It’s very light with just enough yellow apple. And this Hugel … Continue reading