#AlsaceRocks? Yes, and You Must Visit!
Alsace, #Winophiles and #AlsaceRocks June brings our French Winophiles group to Alsace. Thanks to Teuwen Communications and the #AlsaceRocks promotion, we will be highlighting wines from this region. I had the opportunity to visit in the fall, and I fell in love. Maybe you will, too! Schedule Your Visit to Alsace Alsace is under-appreciated by … Continue reading
Drinking Tuesday Night Bordeaux #Winophiles
100 Problems with Bordeaux Bordeaux is stuffy Bordeaux is expensive Bordeaux needs to be aged for 20 years before you drink it I love Bordeaux, but it’s really only for very special occasions Bordeaux is what grandfathers drink, no one under 50 will touch the stuff These are the opinions in a typical American wine … Continue reading
M is for Marselan #WinePW
Wine Pairing Weekend Plays with “M” Wines Our monthly Wine Pairing Weekend blogging group takes on just about any challenge. This month, our host Lori from Dracaena Wines is hosting and we are joining her in her monthly “Winephabet” posts. So, we’ll all pick a wine that begins with the letter “M” and explore the … Continue reading
Hunting for Chinese Wine in Shanghai
Shanghai is a City of Lights I have a project in my “real job” that takes me to China regularly, most often to Shenzhen, Beijing, or Shanghai. (click on any photo to view a full size slide show, hit “escape” to return) Hunting for Chinese Wine in Shanghai Forbes online lists China as the #6 … Continue reading
Castelli Vineyards – Going Their Own Way in Green Valley
Hiding in Plain Sight in Green Valley When I rolled into the driveway at Castelli Vineyards, I saw Emilio in his rubber boots, hose in hand. After greeting me, he asked how in the world I found Castelli Vineyards. Tiny production, no advertising, no media coverage. I explained I’m a Nebbiolo fan and I found … Continue reading
Morey-Saint-Denis and Domaine Pierre Amiot & Fils
There is no bad time to visit Burgundy. Even late October after harvest can be magic. The grapes have been picked, the vines are shutting down and the crowds are few. As long as you have rainwear and an adventurous attitude, you are all set. If you’re thinking about a visit to the region, I … Continue reading
Biodynamic Bordeaux – Château Fonroque
Biodynamic Bordeaux To quote Kermit the Frog, “It’s not easy being green”. If your vineyard is located in a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and warm, dry breezes, you have few worries. Organic viticulture is pretty easy, as you have few challenges with mildew, rot, pests, disease. If, on the other hand, your vineyard is … Continue reading
Visual Tour of Biodynamics at Littorai Wines
Integrated Agriculture Thinking at Littorai Wines Do you associate organic and biodynamic viticulture with manure filled cow horns, voodoo, and musty smelling wines? Better think again, some of the top wineries around the world have embraced these approaches. Not because they believe in voodoo, because they have tested the approach and liked the results. A … Continue reading
Biodynamic Beaujolais – Domaine de la Bonne Tonne
Domaine de la Bonne Tonne In August, we had the opportunity to spend a day in Beaujolais. In my visits, I especially enjoy digging a little and finding less famous domaines, hard working family operations who nevertheless are making authentic, delicious wines. When I can find a grower using less chemicals, organic or biodynamic viticulture, … Continue reading
Dry Farmed, Organic, Biodynamic, Oh My!
Why Pay Attention to the Dirt? I’ve recently become more interested in the farming aspects of the wines I drink. In the coming weeks, I’ll be writing about winery and vineyard visits with an eye to how the dirt is managed. Consider this a preview and to answer the question: “Who Cares?” The Wine is … Continue reading
