Anchovy Beet-Green Pesto Pasta & Arneis
TuLangheRoero is currently hosting a food blogging/photography contest. The challenge runs a little like the “Chopped” cooking show in slow motion. Each Monday, they announce the secret ingredient, always a favorite in the Langhe and Roero districts of the Piedmont region in Italy. The contest is to create and photograph a dish using the secret … Continue reading
#NWTW: Touriga Nacional
New Wine This Week: Touriga Nacional This is week 6 in #NewWineThisWeek, a fun ongoing social media event open to all. All you need to do is find out what the wine of the week is, try it, and tweet or vote. Join up! The new wine this week is Touriga Nacional, a major grape … Continue reading
Winegrower’s Devotion
Every glass of wine we drink is the result of years of devotion by a winegrower. The next time you open a bottle, pause a moment to appreciate their dedication. Cheers! (click on any image to view the story in photos) This is my entry in the Monthly Wine Writing Challenge #7. This month’s theme … Continue reading
#NWTW: Torrontes
New Wine This Week Are you interested in expanding your wine choices this year? Join in with a group of wine lovers around the world (OK, it’s currently a small group) and participate in New Wine This Week (#NWTW on twitter). A blogger in England, Please Bring Me My Wine, started 2014 with a pledge … Continue reading
Under the Radar: Analemma Wines
The Columbia Gorge AVA was granted AVA status in 2004, but it still seems to be an “under the radar” vineyard area. The AVA includes land close to the Columbia River right at the spine of the Cascade mountains, including vineyards in both Oregon and Washington. Even within the Columbia Gorge AVA, Analemma is a … Continue reading
Fish in Parchment: Viognier or Sancerre?
Our final Viognier test will be with a light dish: fish in parchment. Medium bodied Viognier or light bodied Sancerre; which will pair the best? We’ve tried Viognier with heartier fare and spicy foods, now we’ll challenge it on the opposite side. Matello Deux Vert Viognier 2010 ($28 from the Winery) Eye: Nice rich yellow … Continue reading
Barolo Chinato: Dark Chocolate Partner
How would you feel about a dessert wine described as “traditionally drunk for medicinal purposes to guard against fevers and stomach upsets”? How about one described as bitter and sweet, infused with quinine bark and cardamom? Via twitter, Stefano Poggio (@Batasiolo_US) suggested the winter weather in Minnesota might be a perfect opportunity to try Barolo … Continue reading
Mystery: What Price for this Wine?
What would you pay for this wine? A common question posed by someone selling wine from a value geography or a grape or winery you haven’t heard of before. Of course, the wine does have a price, and after you taste and guess they will tell you the answer. But how would you put a … Continue reading















