Pale amber color; almonds, hazelnut, apricot, saline, yeast on the nose; almonds, minerality, orange peel, saline and hints a slight bitterness on the palate. Continue reading “González Byass Viña AB Amontillado Sherry”
Category: Facts About Wine
Paso Robles 11-23-2022
When you think quality California wine, Napa and Sonoma leap to mind. Today, a sound argument can be made to include Paso Robles in the conversation. Continue reading “Paso Robles 11-23-2022”
Cheap and sweet 11-2-2022
The recent death of Fred “Two Buck Chuck” Franzia, gave me pause to think about what the average, non-wine-geek enjoys in an occasional glass. Continue reading “Cheap and sweet 11-2-2022”
Decanting 10-12-2022
Decanting wine is a strategy you often find recommended. Here are some of the whys and whens. Continue reading “Decanting 10-12-2022”
Wine metaphysics 10-5-2022
Are wines made in the vineyard or the winery? The answer is both, but today more wine professionals say soil, grapes, and the skill of grape growers to deliver the personality of their acres is the essential component. Continue reading “Wine metaphysics 10-5-2022”
What does chewy mean in wine? 9-28-2022
What the heck do wine writers mean when they describe wine with adjectives like “chewy” or “crunchy” or “meaty”? Aren’t those words descriptive of chocolate brownies, raw carrots, and T-bone steaks, not an alcoholic liquid? Continue reading “What does chewy mean in wine? 9-28-2022”
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”