OK, be brave, there are only a few weeks left of this bad winter. We’ve got the grapes that’ll keep you cozy if the temps drop again, and a few hopeful sips for those signs of life that are just starting to sprout. rioja cab franc Good Cab Franc is always interesting, a bit funky … Continue reading
I often go to these great wine dinners at the Ritz called Phenomenal Femmes. They always feature a few wines made by a female winemaker, who comes to the dinner to talk about each of the wines we drink with incredible courses. Last week’s winery was Quintessa, an established winery in Napa whose winemaker is … Continue reading
I totally thought last night was the winter finale – but now I realize we have one episode left for grapey goodness. I hand you over to Abby who knows much more about B-613 than I do (I’m all wine, not warring). Buckle up, grapefriends! This is the episode before the much-promoted winter finale which … Continue reading
Dîner en Blanc happened this week in NYC, and is totally something you should know about if you like wine, the color white, and having a blast. It’s a massive invite-only dinner party, but for over 4,000 people. An hour before the dinner begins, the organizers send everyone invited an email with the address – … Continue reading
For our final Fizzmas fizz, we have some amazing vintage rosé Champagne. Super delicate bubbles and delicious dried, minerally strawberry. For our dinner we have the Italian feast of the seven fishes. We had the amazing Sanct Valentin Sauvignon from St Michael Eppan (obsessed with the crisp whites from Alto Adige) for the first course. … Continue reading
Bordeaux’s main white grapes are Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, so obv that’s what most of their sparkling is made from. Jaillance Crémant is made in the same method as champagne, and their “Cuvée de l’Abbaye” is made with Semillon and Cab Franc grapes. It’s dry, delicious, and awesome with savory foods (like gougères, aka cheese puffs). The … Continue reading
Even though a ton of wines are served at any Downton dinner, “they don’t drink much of any of it” as Anna (horrifyingly) notes. Nonetheless, Wines That Rock is making a Downton Abbey wine line with Dulong Grands Vins de Bordeaux. Two blends, a Bordeaux Claret and a Bordeaux Blanc, will be reminiscent of the Bordeaux wines imported … Continue reading
Went to a great little Washington state wine tasting this week. Way lesser known than California and even Oregon, but great values and worth seeking out if you get recommendations. Here were my standouts! Delille Cellars – Chaleur Estate Blanc grape: 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon AVA: Yakima Valley yum factor: peach, perfumed, with a … Continue reading
Let’s make one thing clear: Carson is going to be the savior of Downton this season. He already paved the way in the first two seasons with his impeccable butlering skills. He always kept the kitchen running smoothly, Mary happy, and – most importantly – the wine properly chosen, stored, and decanted. After a hard … Continue reading
I’ve been having some really good Greek wines lately, and not just because it’s Olympic time. Made from the popular Greek grape Assyrtiko, they’re perfect for summer – light, crisp, refreshing. Think: white cliffs on Santorini, fresh fish, cool wine on a warm beachy night… So let’s get to it! argyros Olympian comparison: Ryan Lochte, my … Continue reading
