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 […]
Only in France: Champagne with Romantic Happy Bubbles
Oscar Wilde said, “Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking champagne.” The production of Champagne dates back hundreds of years, and the accumulated know-how and substantial public relations have made France and French products one of the most emblematic “wine countries” on the planet. France is the only place in the […]
Spain Ups Its Wine Game: Much More than Sangria
In 2020, worldwide wine drinking dropped by 2.8 percent, although there had been optimistic reports of people stocking up on wines. This is the third year in a row that worldwide wine intake has declined. Despite general population growth, worldwide wine drinking is at its lowest level since 2002 (wine-searcher.com). Even in China, wine consumption […]
Loire Valley: Origin of Unique Malbec Wine
The Renaissance writer Rabelais was born in the Loire Valley; Joan of Arc led the French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire, and the area is noted as the Cradle of the French language (residents speak the purest French). The Loire Valley is located between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire. Cot is the local […]
French Consulate in NY Presents Now: Wines Val de Loire
This area in the Loire Valley is noted for the Cabernet Franc grape where it is used to produce fine wines in Bourgueil. The vineyards are cooled by the Atlantic winds (blowing west to east along the Loire River corridor) creating wines noted for their fruit with depth and character in a style usually attributed […]
Chinon Rose: Why Does it Remain a Mystery?
Chinon is hidden away in the Loire Valley, in-between Bordeaux and Burgundy. It is inconvenient to visit as it is not near a major highway. Chinon wines have been noted since the sixteenth century but continue to remain a secret. Why? The grape variety (Cabernet Franc), is under-appreciated, comes to life with food and may […]
Barolo Wine Auction: €600,000 for Barolo in a Barrel
Sometimes an event is just an event, and sometimes (when I am lucky) the event turns into a wonderful Saturday afternoon experience that is good by doing good. Recently, I was invited to the Barolo en primeur at Il Gattopardo (with a Zoom simulcast from Grinzane Cavor Castle in Piedmont, Italy). The event was also […]
Wines – Chenin Blanc Warning: From Yummy to Yucky
Chenin Blanc is a neglected grape. Why? Because it is more challenging than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to grow and make into wine. The grape demands an almost perfect combination of soil and weather, and it is a challenge for the winemaker to balance oak and other flavor-enhancing options. The grape is part of jug […]