How do you choose a wine? Do you tend to think of a specific variety, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot? Or do you think about blends? In my opinion, blends are too often overlooked in the United States — although their popularity is growing. While varietal wines certainly have their place, blends have […]
Reviews
Review: PassioneSentimento Rosso
In Italy, as well as in Europe in general, wine is heavily regulated. In order to sell a wine with a specific designation, winemakers must follow specific guidelines related where the grapes are grown, types of grapes used in a wine, ageing of the wines, winemaking processes, etc. In many ways, I think this regulation […]
Review: Ameal Loureiro
Loureiro is an unknown grape variety to many American wine consumers, but it’s one you may have unknowingly tasted before as it’s found in some Vinho Verde blends. And it’s a variety you may want to become more familiar with, because, well… it’s good! Perhaps I should say, it’s good when it’s done well. Loureiro […]
Review: Domaine Bousquet, Virgen, Cabernet Sauvignon
Domaine Bousquet, in the high altitude Tupungato region of Mendoza, Argentina is known for their commitment to sustainable and organic wine production. They have also caught my attention over the past few years for being a producer with good wines at reasonable prices. The wine I’m highlighting today is the debut vintage of their Virgen […]
Review: Herdade dos Grous, Red
The Alentejo wine region in Portugal produces over 250 grape varieties. Think about that… over 250 varieties in just one region of Portugal! How many different grape varieties have you even tasted, via wine, in your lifetime? I’d guess, in most cases, it’s a lot less. A friend of mine created something call the Wine […]
Review: Natural Origins Malbec
Over the years, I’ve reviewed a number of wines from Argentine producer Domaine Bousquet. I like what they’re doing — not only producing good wine at reasonable prices, but doing so sustainably. Economic, social and environmental factors are all part of sustainability. When it comes to environmental sustainability, Domaine Bousquet farms organically. Their vineyards in […]
Review: Casa Relvas, Sao Miguel Do Sul Red Wine
If you’re a red wine lover and you haven’t tried Portuguese red wine, you’re missing out. I mean, what’s not to love about it? Big, bold flavors, intense and exotic aromatics, incredibly reasonable prices and quite often sustainably produced. Such is the case with this wine from Casa Relvas. Casa Relvas is located in the […]
Review: Ruffino, Lumina Pinot Grigio
A couple weeks ago I posted a review of the Corte Giara Pinot Grigio, highlighting the delle Venezie DOC designation on the wine. The wine I’m reviewing today, the Lumina Pinot Grigio from Ruffino, is another wine with the delle Venezie designation. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend reading the background about delle […]
Review: Corte Giara, Pinot Grigio
Have you ever sat down in a restaurant, looked at the wine list and realized you don’t know most of the wines on the list? I know, with Covid-19 you might not be visiting a lot of restaurants lately, so imagine the same scenario at the shelves of a wine shop or scrolling through the […]
Review: Pasqua Romeo & Juliet Prosecco
The locals in Veneto, Italy, where Prosecco is produced, refer to Prosecco as, “Welcome wine.” I like that. I’m a huge advocate for sparkling wines and believe all celebrations and get togethers should include sparkling wine. I know would welcome a glass of Prosecco when someone welcomes me to an event. One of the things […]