Wines

SerenataWines.com, a leading online retail merchant, has clinched a single deal to introduce a range of America's finest wines to the UK. Serenata will be the first British house to sell the taunting tipples of Evening Land Vineyards, which was started by the previous movie director, Mark Tarlov. Tarlov's mission was to grow wines to match those of Burgundy's best and Evening Land has been winning a developing reputation for making the outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnays outside the Côte d'Or. He set up the venture after managing to gain two of America's most important vineyards – the fantastic Seven Springs in Oregon, and ... Read Full Story

(Download the Thanksgiving Wine List as a PDF) Yes, it’s an obvious topic for this week. But given the feedback received thus far, it seemed like a worthy one as I can actually make some recommendations to you. And anyway, being by far the most important eating holiday in the American calendar I had to offer my wine take on this festive feast! That, and because it’s another topic that has been over-complicated over the years. Now, a perfect match or recommendation is impossible. For one, everyone’s tastes are different. And two, the sheer permutations for what will be on the table are incalculable. ... Read Full Story

With the Copenhagen climate change summit looming, the world of wine convened on Spain's Rioja region for a conference in which global warming emerged as the industry's top concern. "All over the world, alcohol levels are going up," said British wine critic Jancis Robinson at the WineFuture conference, citing just one problem producers are facing as a result of rising temperatures. "Champagne alcohol levels are becoming embarrassingly high," she added, meaning that the heat which is raising the alcohol content changes both the texture and personality of a wine. Robinson said there were some "benevolent effects" of climate change -- the slight increases in ... Read Full Story

Here is a gorgeous single vineyard Zinfandel from Rosenblum. The Harris Kratka Vineyard in Alexander Valley is planted with half-century-old head-pruned vines of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignan. Seeing the potential, Rosenblum blends 78% Zin with 12% Petite Sirah and 10% Carignan for this lush but elegant wine. The extremely low yield fruit brings concentration and complexity while the relatively cool climate keeps the acidity lively for beautiful balance. Aged in French and American oak barrels in a cutting edge program that incorporates 55 different coopers this wine is remarkably soft and supple with black cherry, blackberry and brown spice. Wine Spectator gave it ... Read Full Story

Don't worry I did not pick this wine because one of the vignerons is named Serge. Up to this day I had not had the chance to taste any wines from Serge and Thierry Baret . Their Chateau Virgile, Costieres de Nimes Red 2007 , a classic Rhone blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, does not die on you like a cheap perfume, it has staying power but in a subtle way. Since I recently reflected in Wine Reviews...Are we Hyped, Framed or Looking at a Mirage on the list of adjectives that wine reviews throw at us (fruit, stone, tobacco, you name it), ... Read Full Story

Another wine from Weygandt Wines , the new wine store in DC featuring importer Peter Weygandt’s portfolio. One of the great things about the store is that they taste wines every day. They usually taste the same half dozen or so wines for the week, but last Saturday they tweeted that they tasting some different wines than earlier in the week. The Morgon from Bouland caught my eye and so I decided to stop by given that it was Saturday and Peter Weygandt might also be at the store (which he was). I tasted the wine at the store and picked up a couple ... Read Full Story

Depending on your Thanksgiving menu, you'll need to eventually come up with a drink list--preferably a wine list. It's the next best thing to all of the food you will be devouring! Wine allows you to savor your meal and enhances the taste of your food when paired correctly. It's enjoyed by most and the selection is endless; no matter what pleases your palate, you and your guests will be covered! In lieu of the happy holiday cheer, we've gathered a list of wines that will cover all of the flavors; from salty, sweet, earthy, or creamy to acidic! Whites: Riesling - Pair it ... Read Full Story