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... Read Full Story
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... 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... 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... 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... 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... Read Full Story
Today, the numbers -- how many of you visit, what your favorite posts are, and the like. Tomorrow, why we're here and how well it has turned out, despite the misgivings of a fellow who started in this business when we used typewriters and carbon paper .
In the past 12 months, the number of visitors who stop by each month has increased 49 percent (and the agency that supplies the ads deposited $50 in my business account this summer). Since we started in November 2007, the monthly visitor... 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... Read Full Story
DORKING, England (Reuters) - The pickers working their way along the hillside, clipping bunches of small, dark purple grapes from the rows of vines and dropping them into plastic buckets are harbingers of a warmer planet. In recent years, aided by milder springs and autumns, a few British wineries have revived a red winemaking tradition which died around 600 years ago. Wine aficionados are mixed about the results so far, but say the finest red wines may in future come from north of the... Read Full Story
DORKING, England (Reuters) - The pickers working their way along the hillside, clipping bunches of small, dark purple grapes from the rows of vines and dropping them into plastic buckets are harbingers of a warmer planet. In recent years, aided by milder springs and autumns, a few British wineries have revived a red winemaking tradition which died around 600 years ago. Wine aficionados are mixed about the results so far, but say the finest red wines may in future come from north of the... Read Full Story
