Fermentation vessels 9-21-2022

Winemakers have a choice of fermentation vessels—wood, stainless steel, and concrete. What is the difference between them? Continue reading “Fermentation vessels 9-21-2022”

Wine’s glass bottle blues 9-14-2022

Winemakers are among the most conscientious stewards of the environment. When vineyards pass down for generations and some of your creations will not be consumed for decades, thinking long term and big picture becomes part of your DNA. Continue reading “Wine’s glass bottle blues 9-14-2022”

Pinot noir, chardonnay blends 8-31-2022

Many great wines are blends. Red Bordeaux is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and a smattering of other reds. Southern Rhône GSM wines are grenache, syrah, mourvèdre blends. In whites, sauvignon blanc and semillon enjoy a classic marriage. Continue reading “Pinot noir, chardonnay blends 8-31-2022”

Italian classification system 8-24-2022

Buying wine can be intimidating. How do you know if the wine is any good without buying a bottle and tasting it? Wine critics may help, but not all wines have a current score and you may find descriptors are just gobbledygook. Continue reading “Italian classification system 8-24-2022”

Sparkling stemware 8-17-2022

The proper Champagne or sparkling wine vessel is a pain in the glass. Wine professionals largely agree on what glass best presents the wine for tasting, but that is not the whole story.

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Most searched Napa wines 8-10-2022

Napa is universally recognized as one of the world’s premier wine regions, and you pay to enjoy its exalted pours. How much and which wines get the most attention? Continue reading “Most searched Napa wines 8-10-2022”

Wine capsules 7-27-2022

What’s with the foil or plastic capsule at the top of a wine bottle covering the cork? More pointedly, what is the point of it in the 21st century? Continue reading “Wine capsules 7-27-2022”

Smaller wine containers 7-13-2022

You demanded wine options. Winemakers heard you and new options—some might call them marketing gimmicks—are being created as fast as they can be dreamed up. Continue reading “Smaller wine containers 7-13-2022”

Mendoza Argentina 6-29-2022

If you drink Argentinean wine—who doesn’t, given its high quality and excellent QPR (quality-to-price ratio)—you likely have seen Mendoza on the label. Continue reading “Mendoza Argentina 6-29-2022”

Clos De Nit Red, Montsant DOC 2018

Deep garnet color; strawberry, plum on the nose; red and black fruits, cherry, strawberry, grilled plum, blackberry, raspberry, nuanced oak on the palate. Continue reading “Clos De Nit Red, Montsant DOC 2018”