Did You Know………. Wine Fact #14
That the best way to preserve an open bottle of champagne, or sparkling, is with a “bouchon”. Bouchon, which is French for stopper, is a metal cap, that when clamped down on the bottle neck, will not let gas escape any further, helping to preserve your favorite bubbly for...
Castello di Gabbiano
The vineyards, the olive trees, the wide open vistas of the Tuscan countryside and more can be had at this historic property in the heart of Italy’s Chianti Classico district. But it’s all about the wine and Gabbiano has a reputation of producing some of the finest wines in...
2014 Corley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Like a classic movie that has numerous plot twists and scenery changes, so perfectly describes this Napa Valley Cabernet to a tee. Over time, this wine exhibits so many role changes, that by its conclusion, all nuances point towards an award winning performance. Act 1: Upon opening, you immediately...
How many grape varieties are permitted in the blending of the French Rhone wine Chateauneuf du Pape?
As of 2020, the lucky number is 18. They include red grapes Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Muscardin, Piquepoul Noir, Syrah, Terret Noir, and Vaccarèse (Brun Argenté). White and pink varieties include Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Clairette Rose, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Picardan, Piquepoul Blanc, Piquepoul Gris, and Roussanne. In 1923, French regulators declared that 10 different varietals could be used in the making of Chatauneuf du Pape. That...
2018 Andronicus Red Blend
Attention! Your attention please! If you are a lover of those big bold Napa Reds with a price tag in the hundreds of $$$, but unfortunately, are out of your price range, please listen. (Do I have your attention now?) This latest vintage from Titus Vineyards has all that...
2019 Russell B Gregory Winery Pinot Grigio
This is not your Grandma’s typical semi-sweet to fruity Pinot Grigio. Sourced from biodynamic grapes grown in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this dry white throws a serious punch and kick of fresh clean pear, Macintosh apple, Meyer lemon and green melon fruit. Layered with a slight nuttiness and a polished...
Purple Hands Winery
When traveling through the Willamette Valley wine country in Oregon, be sure to make a stop at the Purple Hands facility for some of the best and most affordable Pinot Noir on the planet. Always highly rated, their tasting room is low key and unpretentious....
What do wine and marriage have in common?
In ancient Babylon, the bride’s father would supply his son-in-law with all the Mead, a honey fermented wine, he could drink for a month after the wedding ceremony. Because of the lunar or moon based calendar, this period of free mead was known as “honey month”, or more commonly...
2018 Kongsgaard Chardonnay
Without a doubt, the best Chardonnay that has ever passed through my lips, be it classic French or New World California. I have always been a fan of this Napa Valley white for many years but only recently have I had the opportunity to sample it once again. The...
2017 Gibbs Cabernet Franc
Majority of the wine world knows anything and everything about Cabernet Sauvignon. But why are they so uninformed and naïve to the great wonders of Cabernet Franc? If they would only research and try one, they would be quite surprised, even converted if you ask me. This example, hailing...