What is Sustainability in Wine? A Conversation with Michele Manelli of Cantina Salcheto
Last September, I was invited to visit Cantina Salcheto in the village of Montepulciano in Tuscany. I knew that Cantina Salcheto was a leader in sustainability in the wine business within Italy, but there is so much more to their story. I had the opportunity to interview Michele Manelli, partner and winemaker at Salcheto. Disclosure: … Continue reading
Caves Jean Bourdy and Comté Cheese: Jura Classics #Winophiles
February Takes the Winophiles to the JuraIn February, our Winophiles are virtually visiting the Jura region, located east of Bourgogne in the foothills of the Jura mountains. Take a look further down in this post for a list of links to fellow Winophiles’ discoveries. Unique Wines of the JuraNearly half of the vignerons in the … Continue reading
Backroads Bourgogne in Autumn: Bistro des Falaises #Winophiles
French Winophiles Explore France in AutumnThis month, our French Winophiles will be exploring backroads, dishes and wines to celebrate fall in France. There’s plenty to choose from: are you looking forward to those hearty fall and winter dishes begging for a rich red wine or do you want to celebrate one last Indian Summer day … Continue reading
“Malbec mon amour”: A Love Letter and Much More
“Malbec mon amour”: Grape and Family HistoryAre you a Malbec fan? If so, you’ll want to search out the new “Malbec mon amour“, authored by Laura Catena and Alejandro Vigil. Laura is well known as the managing director at Bodega Catena Zapata and Alejandro is the long-time director of winemaking there. This book will surprise … Continue reading
Organic and Carbon Neutral at Champagne Drappier
Champagne Drappier with Ties to Cistercian MonksChampagne Drappier is a moderate size Champagne House located in the Côte des Bar in the village of Urville. The winery is located on the site of a winery and cellar dating back to the 12th century. Early in the 12th century, Saint Bernard of the Abbey at Citeaux … Continue reading
Champagne Fleury – Biodynamic in Champagne Since 1989
Champagne’s Southern Section – the Côte des BarOur Champagne tour took us next to the southern reaches of the region, the Côte des Bar. The Côte des Bar is a 90 minute drive south from Reims and Epernay, it’s physically closer to the Chablis region than it is to the northern section of Champagne. While … Continue reading
Organic Challenges in Champagne at Moussé Fils
Our third visit in our sustainability focused tour of Champagne led us into the Marne River Valley to visit Champagne Moussé Fils in the village of Cuisles. At Moussé Fils, where we saw for ourselves the challenges involved with organic viticulture in Champagne. Disclosure: Comité Champagne sponsored our press visits for two days in the northern … Continue reading
Ron Rubin Winery – A Winery with a Heart: TRUE!
Ron Rubin Winery – More than Meets the EyeAt first glance, Ron Rubin Winery looks like many others in the Russian River Valley. Neat winery and visitor center, well manicured vines. A deeper look shows much more going on, I had the opportunity to visit and see for myself in May. (click on photos in … Continue reading
A Moldova Phoenix Story – Castel Mimi
In 1893, Constantin Mimi founded his Castel Mimi winery and vineyards near the village of Bulboaca in what is today Moldova. He completed his viticulture and oenology studies in Montpellier, France. By the early 1900’s his wines were recognized internationally and especially loved in the Russian Empire. Turbulent 20th century in Moldova As a small … Continue reading
The “New” Huîtrerie Régis
Paris for a Day On some trips, we end up with a free day in Paris prior to returning to the states, and we never complain! It’s a chance to see what’s new and to visit some favorite spots. (click on any photo for a full size slideshow) Huîtrerie Régis – One of Our Favorites … Continue reading