Learning by Sipping What I did not know about Nizza DOCG before I attended the Master Class in Manhattan would fill at least one book (more likely two). First of all – where is it? Nizza Monferrato is located in the Asti territory between the hills of Asti, Alba, Alessandria and Acqui Terme, and recognized as part […]
Hundreds of Wines Showcased at Lincoln Center
Winebow named the event the Vintners’ Harvest, but it really was an opportunity for wine makers in the Winebow portfolio to audition their collections at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, a venue noted for showcasing stars. This year, buyers, sellers, journalists, educators, and other wine trade professionals had the opportunity to taste 500 […]
Wine Discoveries
At a recent event announcing the acquisition of The Robert Parker Wine Guide by Michelin Guides, wine reviewers introduced a few of the wines they personally enjoyed throughout 2019 and shared as a prelude to a “Matter of Taste,” event. While 10 wines were available, my favorites included: La Dama is owned by Enrique Basarte and Elisa […]
Exactly Where Do Women Belong? In Champagne!
Champagne belongs to women, from the ground and the grape, to the fermentation, bottling and drinking. Marie Antoinette noted that champagne made women beautiful and Empress Josephine enjoyed her Ruinart, although her supply was cut when she refused to pay her bills after her divorce. Odette Pol-Roger, a BFF with the late Sir Winston Churchill, […]
Sardinia: Experience the wines for a taste adventure
What is Old is New Again There are many reasons to visit Sardinia, an island that has become a go-to destination thanks to the PR efforts of the rich and famous Aga Khan and his friends. Today it is populated by global celebrities who spend the warm days and cool nights on their yachts, in their […]
Israel Captured in a Delicious Bottle of Wine: Pair with a Side of Politics
Israel is a small country (in the Eastern Mediterranean), with an ancient wine culture (Chalcolithic Era, 4000 BCE) that successfully meets the 21st century wine demands of sommeliers, consumers as well as food and beverage managers. What is Old is New Again Wine making in Israel is not a new skill. Ellen Walsh (Viticulture in Ancient Israel) writes, “Viticulture […]
Volcanic Wines: Delicious Results of a Volcano
Volcanos: Bad News When a volcano eruption is the featured story on television news and headlines online weather apps – it is usually bad news…unless you’re a future volcanic wine. People abandon their homes and holiday adventures to seek shelter from the lava and the huge crevice’s that open the ground. On average, somewhere on Earth, there […]
Champagne: Describes a Lifestyle
It may be politically incorrect, but judgements are made by wines selected, shoes worn, and hotels selected. And So It is With Wine Kylie Jenner is likely to be found sipping a glass of Pinot Grigio, for the Justin Timberlake – Jessica Biel wedding cuvee, Jesse Katz blended Alexander Valley Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet […]
Wines from Cotes du Rhone: When Bigger is Better
Cotes du Rhone is the second largest appellation in France, exceeded only by Bordeaux. This massive wine producing region has over 44,000 hectares and 140,000 acres under vine. This adds up to over $100 million worth of wine production, every year. The largest buyers are from the UK, with France a close second. The Beginning of […]
Bordeaux wines meet up @ Bagatelle in Manhattan
For those who need to be seen, the go-to French Mediterranean restaurant in the Meatpacking district of Manhattan is Bagatelle. Gentlemen take note: The name means the “light courtship of a woman.” Designed and managed by French Aymeric Clemente & Remi Laba, this restaurant creates an atmosphere and menu that suggests the flavors of the […]