Mourvedre – New World and Old

Our French Winophiles group visited (virtually) Provence last weekend.  I love Provençal rosé, but I knew I had to pair a meal with a favorite wine of mine from Bandol, Domaine Tempier. When I open a classic from the “old world”, I always enjoy drinking it alongside a respectful version from the “new world”.  By … Continue reading

Viognier Exploration: Curry Chicken, Sweet Potato & Cauliflower

Getting to Know Viognier It’s time to explore a varietal that is surprisingly easy to find, but a little less known: Viognier.  Wines made from the Viognier grape tend to have a bigger body: perfect for colder weather.  I purchased wines from a variety of different places:  California, Washington, Oregon, Australia and France. The samples I … Continue reading

Mourvèdre: Unpronounceable

So you want to buy some Mourvèdre, but how in the world do you pronounce it? “Move Over Dear?”  You’re in luck, just click here.  It’s kind of fun!  Of course, the French ones will be Bandol, which is easier but less fun to pronounce. Today we’re trying another Bandol classic with an American Mourvèdre … Continue reading

Evening in Spain with Eight Open Bottles : Tempranillo & Paella Wine Dinner

We regularly get together for a wine dinner with four couples.  Dinners are both educational and entertaining; who wouldn’t have fun with eight open bottles of wine?  The hosts choose either a wine theme or a food theme, I pick the wines, and the other courses are split up.  We have enjoyed the opportunity to … Continue reading

“Our Grand Meander” Walla Walla – Gramercy Cellars

This was our second visit to Gramercy Cellars and they hold a special place in our heart.  Last year, when our son turned twenty-one in Walla Walla, we called Gramercy and had their L’idiot du Village (modeled after a Cotes du Rhone) delivered to Peter.  Funny…he hasn’t had it yet as he’s saving it for … Continue reading