The first mention of Txakoli (pronounced cha-ko-lee) wines dates back to 1520. The wine was locally consumed and rarely enjoyed beyond Basque Country borders. Historically, home-made in baserris (Basque farm houses), it was considered low-quality wine, and frequently used as barter between neighbors. It was fermented in old oak barrels and carried with it a […]
Drink like a New Yorker
NY drinks NY wines: History and hybrids
New York Wines: Disaster in the Beginning Historians have documented the fact that grapes were first introduced to New York by the Dutch (1647-1664); sadly, the crops failed. A few years later, the French Huguenot settlers in Ulster County tried to plant European varietals (1667) and they too were unsuccessful. William Robert Prince (1795—1869) Finally, […]
It is wine time: Meet the new competition
The Association for the Promotion of Wines and Spirits in North America (APVSA), headquartered in Montreal, Canada, provides assistance to European wine and spirits producers who want to export their products – especially to North America. To reach this objective, the association schedules 6 tours per year primarily in the USA, Canadian and European markets. […]
The correct answer is Bordeaux 2016
Do you know the best French wine and the 2nd best destination in France? If you said Bordeaux – you would be correct! Not only are the wines of Bordeaux among the best on the planet, the city is the second most popular destination in France (Paris takes first place). At this time, there are approximately […]
Red or White? Left or Right Bank? Answer: Bordeaux
Oakville winegrowers present at Carnegie Hall
Scores of wine growers, buyers, sellers, and writers shared my enthusiasm for the Oakville wines and Oakville winegrowers. The weather forecast was horrific! Threats of snow and sleet and other atrocities (that can bring Manhattan to a standstill) dominated the news. Did I really want to go outside, schlep to the westside and Carnegie Hall […]
Biodynamic Bordeaux
Elementary The Bordeaux wine region in southwestern France produces some of the most desired wines and vintages in the world. Once considered a center for traditional viticulture, Bordeaux is quietly, but effectively, changing its farming procedures and embracing organic and/or biodynamic agricultural practices. Yes, the challenges continue (humid climate, sizeable estates, risk-averse owners); however, these […]
Maison Joseph Drouhin: Biodynamic wines at their best
Maison Joseph Drouhin: Biodynamic wines at their best The Difference Between Decent and OMG There are wines that are OK, wines that are good (at the price), and then there are wines that are so delicious, so sophisticated, so remarkable – that your eyes, nose and palate know that you are experiencing the difference between […]
Wines of Puglia, Italy. Presented in New York
An invitation from the Italian Tourism Office is always welcome and the opportunity to enjoy the wines of Italy is irresistible. In addition to anticipating the wines of Puglia, the location was intriguing- The Domenico Vacco Club on West 55th Street, NYC. This is very private and exclusive space is found above the trendy Italian […]