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
Tasting the Winemaking Consultant’s “Home” Wine
What Kind of Wine Do Consultants Make at Home? In the world of wine, there are winemakers whose expertise is respected to the point that they are searched out for advice, and often end up building a business around their approach. Each has a unique approach. For some, rich, ripe, smooth polished international style of … 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
Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Port: Formal to Cowboy
Tawny Port For Every Occasion Port comes in such a variety of styles and price points, there is sure to be a port for your every occasion from daily treats to special celebrations. Tawny port may be for you if you appreciate the nutty, caramel notes amidst the deep fruit and lively acidity. The color … Continue reading
Port to warm a winter evening
A Glass of Port by the Fire For those of us who choose to live in the northern, snowy regions of the earth, the idea of a nice rich, deep sweet finish to an evening sounds great. To my friends in Florida, central and southern California, I say, you must occasionally have a rainy, cool … Continue reading
Aged Riesling is the Real Deal
Guilty of Riesling Shunning Sommeliers famously love German Riesling. Mouthwatering acidity, refreshing, ageworthy, and the grape loves to reflect where it was grown. Regular wine drinkers, at least in the US, are not so fond. We write it off as sweet, and what’s up with that stinky petrol nose? Aged Riesling is the Real Deal … 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
Cancer Fundraiser Raffle – Buy a Chance at a Piedmont Treasure!
My blogging buddy and real-life friend, Valerie, has close friend who has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. Val has started a fund to help with the overwhelming expenses for her friend going through cancer treatment. You might think, “pretty far removed from my life”, but you should read on! You see, Val and her … Continue reading
When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Sauternes #Winophiles
Sauternes (and Bordeaux) in the 21st Century Like it or not, fine wineries have become investments and not just the wines themselves. Bordeaux presents the best example of this change; over the last 30 years, top Bordeaux wineries have been increasingly purchased by large corporations. Property values rise and French inheritance laws make it difficult … Continue reading
Holiday Wine Gift Ideas: Not Just Any Champagne #WinePW
Wine Pairing Weekend Holiday Gift Wine Ideas Our monthly Wine Pairing Weekend group is convening this month to offer some excellent ideas for wine as a holiday gift. Take a look further down in this post for some creative thoughts to help you knock off that holiday gift list! Click Here for a Convenient Wine … Continue reading
