With shark sightings and some tragic accidents on the northeast coast this summer, stay inside and just watch Shark Week starting August 9 on the Discovery Channel. Pair your binge with this Fessina Erse Etna Bianco from a vineyard with lava deposits from Etna that go back centuries. The volcanic soils give it lots of gritty minerality with … 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
Taylor Swift dropped her surprise album folklore last month. Our only note of dismay was found in this promotional photo, featuring a wine glass death grip. No, girl, no. I get that we’re in quarantine and we’re all homegrowning our art. But the benefit of being home alone is that you can hold a wine glass properly by … 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
Rosé is needed now more than ever. No, not because of Covid. Because we’re getting into the warm July and August deck days. Here are my top 3 for the month: Balletto: Pinot Noir-based rosés are basically my favorites – the best balance of elegance and decent fruit. This has lots of watermelon and lovely … Continue reading
In the states, we get lots of Chardonnay from California. But on Chardonnay Day (May 21), let’s explore the grape’s options from all around the world. Oregon: What I love about Chardonnays from Oregon is that they change your mind about what Chardonnay can be. This one from Yamhill Valley Vineyards was surprisingly light and crisp, much … Continue reading
Anyone home schooling their kids during quarantine (or just hosting them, like my mom) deserves some bubbly. Be sure to pop something good for them. Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve: So rich – deep yellow apple, honeyed hazelnuts, and crispy bubbles. And in homage to matriarchs, this is a royal family favorite. ($45) Bouvet Rose … Continue reading
As everyone’s in lockdown and perhaps starting to tighten belts, here are this month’s monthly value recommendations so you’re saving money but not flavor. I’m sharing a mix of specific bottles you might be able to find, more general regions and grapes that should be at your local shop (hopefully it’s open or will be … Continue reading
I was listening to my friend Anne Krebiehl on an old Wine Enthusiast podcast the other day and she was raving about Blaufrankisch. It’s an Austrian grape I’d had maybe once or twice, but Anne has the ability to make you crave whatever she’s talking about so I went home that night and opened one. … Continue reading
