Champagne today is what it is because of women. Continue reading “Champagne women”
Category: Recent Columns
Chill red wine
You can enjoy red wine at room temperature, but you will get more out of your experience if you sip it five-to-ten degrees cooler. Continue reading “Chill red wine”
Labor Day
In this year of COVID, it is a cliché to note Labor Day 2020 will be like no other Labor Day. Continue reading “Labor Day”
Socialization benefits of wine
Wine drinkers adore scientific studies showing moderate wine consumption promotes good health. Moderate consumption may increase longevity, lower risk of Alzheimer’s, decrease pulmonary disease in men, decrease risk of dementia. Continue reading “Socialization benefits of wine”
High alcohol wine
Alcohol makes wine wine. Take away yeast converting sugar into alcohol, you have grape juice. Nothing wrong with grape juice, but no sage asserts “in grape juice there is truth.” Continue reading “High alcohol wine”
Egg-shape fermenters
In the wine world, something dramatically new and innovative—“concrete eggs”—actually is as old as winemaking. Continue reading “Egg-shape fermenters”
Alcohol in cans
Alcohol containers evoke opinions. Beer aficionados debate bottle, can, keg. Wine cognoscenti reflect on nuances of bottles, bags, and cans. You can even deliberate if spirits in glass, plastic, and metals make a difference. Continue reading “Alcohol in cans”
Grape vine cycle
Grape vines were around long before human beings domesticated them. Today, we bend them to our will with trellis systems, pruning, and propagation through cuttings. But their life cycle remains unchanged. Continue reading “Grape vine cycle”
The amazing grape vine
Grape vines are amazing plants. They are gritty survivors. They grow on every continent except Antarctica. They are the highest and best use of agricultural land, especially when planted in wine grapes. Continue reading “The amazing grape vine”
Dirty glasses
Sparkling clean stemware. Vital to vino enjoyment or artifact of wine snobbery? I argue a desire for a clean glass is not a character flaw. Continue reading “Dirty glasses”