Barbera, a variety native to Italy, can vary in flavor depending on where it’s grown; be it warm or cool climate, and how it is produced. Wines from cool climes tend to display brighter tart red fruits and warmer climes show deeper berry fruit flavors. Typically Barbera is delightfully spicy with good acidity, and tends […]
Is Syrah the Red Wine Supernova? Very possibly, yes! Yet for many years Syrah, a medium bodied to full-bodied dry red Rhône varietal, was ignored by consumers and it struggled to find a place at the table. Today, winemakers embrace the inherent wild nature of the grape and coax it to its full natural expression […]
Zinfandel is know as the All American grape and has been grown in California since the 1800’s. Yet the grapes true roots are in Croatia where it’s known as Tribidrag. In Italy Zinfandel is called Primitivo. Although the majority of California producers label their wine as Zinfandel, you may see a few Tribidrag’s and Primitivo’s […]
Sauvignon Blanc is well known for it’s spiky, lively acidity. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy, to creamy notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. When it comes to food pairing—Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate flex, versatile and […]
MAY 2024 —Wine Style of the Month Rosé OVERVIEW: It’s that time of year again. Time for the new releases of Rosé—the summer favorite and year round delight. Light and lively, with flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and spice—Rosé is the crisp and refreshing choice for picnics and barbecues but also easy to pair with a […]
Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to fame is its use as one of the fundamental grapes in the highly regarded French Rhone blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range […]
Merlot—It’s hard to believe this is the first time we have reviewed Merlot for the Varietal of the Month! Merlot practically needs no introduction; it’s one of the Noble grapes, and one of the most planted grapes in the world. Perhaps you heard of Merlot in a movie that made the grape fall out of […]
This month we offer reviews of two cool climate varietals—Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Winter is a great time to try these aromatic white wines and add a bit of tropical sparkle to your day with the crisp fresh flavors of these delicious food friendly wines. Check out the Winter Whites below that you may find along […]
Viognier, originally from the Northern Rhone Valley in France, is a full-bodied white wine with a rich, unctuous texture. Intensely aromatic, Viognier has good acidity, tannin structure, and relatively high alcohol. Viognier from cool climates tend towards bright citrus notes, while warm climate wines exhibit deeper floral notes and ripe stone fruit flavors. Pronounced [Vee-ohn-yay] Here are capsule reviews […]
Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. From fried chicken to lobster bisque, the range of food pairings are endless, but nothing beats oysters, potato chips or truffle fries for flavor match made in heaven. Sparkling […]