Languedoc-Roussillon Wines Today, Languedoc wines are considered to be among the most interesting and dynamic wines in the world and are noted for subtlety and complexity. The area produces lots of wine, exceeding production of Bordeaux, Australia, South Africa and Chile combined, representing about one-third of the French volume output that equals approximately three billion […]
From Farmers to Protesters to Winemakers
Bordeaux and Its Wines Change… Slowly
Tradition, tradition, tradition… For decades, Bordeaux winemakers have dug in their heels, hanging steadfastly onto customs and habits that date back centuries. In France, the reputation for a wine has been based on custom (i.e., know-how, terroir, appellation d’origine controlee/AOC – protected designation of origin). It was “believed” that consumers purchased French wine based on […]
Bordeaux Wine: Pivot from People to the Soil
Wine has been made in the Bordeaux wine region since the Romans settled in the area (60 BC). The Romans were the first to plant vineyards (possible obtained from Rioja, Spain) and produce wine in the area. Even at the beginning in the 1st century AD, the regional wines were appreciated and distributed to Roman […]
Bordeaux Wines: Started with Slavery
When I visited Bordeaux, I wondered about the magnificent 18th century architecture complete with mansions and public buildings that make this a very beautiful and architectural city. What was the source of the money that built this city – certainly it did not come from the early stages of the wine industry. Lurking behind these […]
Chianti Classico or Chianti: Does it Really Matter?
The Difference(s) Whether your glass holds Chianti Classico or Chianti, the wines are made from Sangiovese grapes; however, the source of the grapes will vary. The black rooster (gallo nero) is the logo for Chianti Classico and harkens back to a legend about the use of roosters to settle a border dispute between the provinces […]
Navigating Spanish Wines, Including the Important Label
Frequently, when I enter a neighborhood wine shop in Manhattan, I am stopped from browsing by aggressive salespeople which is counterproductive if the store owner is interested in increasing bottom line profitability. When I walk into a shoe store, I am given lots of time to look at each shoe on display, turn it over […]
Sparkling Wines from Spain Challenge “The Other Guys”
The French have spent many marketing dollars conditioning us to equate Champagne with good times, simultaneously encouraging us to believe that all sparkling wines are French. Results? Champagne has become a word that is ubiquitous. If we have an urge for a glass of sparkling wine our brain immediately latches onto the word Champagne, and […]
Older is Better. Moscato d’Asti Sparkles in Italy
Moscato d’Asti (DOCG) is part of the Moscato family…a close member of the Moscato family, but not a twin. Moscato d’Asti is made from the Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains strain of grapes, a petite berry varietal that ripens early, producing a wide range of wine styles from light, dry, slightly sweet and sparkling to […]
Wines of Spain: Taste the Difference Now
I recently had the opportunity to be introduced to a selection of the unique and delicious wines from Spain. The Master Class was directed by Alexander LaPratt who has been a Sommelier at Le Bernardin, DB Bistro Moderne, and the French Laundry as well as the head Sommelier for Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten. In 2010 […]