Although label laws have been relaxed in recent years, trying to figure out what’s inside many bottles of French wine can still be a daunting task. That’s because most bottles are labeled by region (known as an appellation in France)…
Blog Archives
French Wines to Try: Let the Label Be Your Friend
Tagged with: Alsace, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy, champagne, French wine, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, Provence, Rhone Valley
Posted in Wine Buzz
Posted in Wine Buzz
Grape Growers and Their Timely Harvest
Whether it’s peace and tranquility that you seek, or total immersion in the winemaking process, there is a season in wine country that will fit your demeanor and desires. California wine country, from Temecula in the south to Lake County…
Tagged with: 2018 Napa harvest, seasons in the vineyard, when to visit wine country
Posted in Our Wine Travel Log, Wine Buzz
Posted in Our Wine Travel Log, Wine Buzz
What Does It Take to Become a Sommelier?
It’s one of those wine words, not unlike Gewurztraminer, that is difficult to pronounce. For some, this adds allure to the pursuit of wine wisdom. For others, it’s just another source of frustration. But just as learning how to pronounce…
Which Glass? Why the Shape Matters
If you’ve paid a visit to your local Costco store lately, you may have come face to face with a giant wine glass that stands nearly 4 feet tall. That is NOT the size or shape of wine glasses we’re…
Tagged with: Bordeaux glasses, Burgundy glasses, Champagne flutes, Chardonnay glasses, wine glass shapes
Posted in Wine Buzz
Posted in Wine Buzz
The 10 Most Important Terms for Wine Lovers
Wine has a language all its own, and learning it can be like learning a foreign language — even when the terms are 100% English. Becoming familiar with the 10 terms that follow can go a long way toward increasing…
The Secrets to Reading a Wine Label
When you’re buying a can of corn, there’s usually not much mystery involved. True, there are variations such as “cream style” and “no salt added,” but other than that, determining what’s inside the can is a pretty straightforward exercise. Oh,…
The 411 on Storing Wine: Does It Ever Expire?
When you’re shopping for milk, what’s the first thing you check on the container? The expiration date — right? Same thing with a container of yogurt, or a loaf of bread, or a package of meat, or a can of…
Know Your Cheeses — Why It Matters When It Comes to Wine
People have been serving wine and cheese together for generations. But are they getting the most out of the experience? We can probably all agree that not every cheese pairs well with every wine — just as you wouldn’t serve…
Tagged with: bleu cheese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, cheddar, feta, gouda, jack, Malbec, manchego, Merlot, mozarella, parmesan, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, port, Prosecco, ricotta, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, wine and cheese, wine-and-cheese pairing
Posted in Food and Wine Pairings/Recipes, Wine Buzz, Wine in the Glass
Posted in Food and Wine Pairings/Recipes, Wine Buzz, Wine in the Glass
The Best Wine Books to Read
Summer is the season for reading. In addition to novels and biographies, wine books can make excellent choices for drifting away with the written word — especially with a glass of your favorite wine at hand. Here are five wine books…
Tagged with: ANDREW DORNENBURG, GEORGE ROSE, JANCIS ROBINSON, JUSTIN HAMMACK, KAREN MACNEIL, Sonoma County, THE WINE BIBLE, wine books, WINE FOLLY, wine lover, WINE READING
Posted in Editor's Journal, Wine Buzz
Posted in Editor's Journal, Wine Buzz
The World’s Best Restaurant Wine Lists
Wine Spectator magazine has done much to promote fine wine through the years, and one of its greatest contributions involves compiling an annual list of the world’s finest restaurant wine lists. You can find links to its list of 3,700…
