Friends often ask me how they can become more knowledgeable about wine. Most often, they’re interested in becoming more confident with picking a wine from a wine list or at a wine shop. My advice typically includes a suggestion to pick a wine region they like and focus on learning more about that region. Otherwise […]
Red Wines
Review: Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Malbec
If there’s a signature wine grape of Argentina, it has to be malbec. When wine lovers think of Argentina, they think of malbec… and when wine lovers think of malbec, they think of Argentina. But malbec isn’t just an Argentine grape. It’s one of the six grapes allowed to be used in Bordeaux reds. Cahors, […]
Review: Renzo Masi Chianti
Have you had those moments when you go to a restaurant, look at the wine list and realize that you don’t know any of the specific wine brands listed? With thousands and thousands of wines on the market, it’s not that uncommon of an occurrence — even for experienced wine lovers with a fairly broad […]
Review: Cline Family Cellars, Sonoma Coast – Estate Grown Syrah
Admittedly, I haven’t been writing about a lot of red wines lately. But I know many of you are red wine fans. You like those rich, bold, dark, spicy red wines. Well, this one is for you. Sometimes it seems impossible to find a great deal on a big, bold California red wine. And by […]
Review: Bila-Haut Côtes Du Roussillon Villages
This isn’t the first time I’ve reviewed Les Vignes de Bila-Haut, Côtes Du Roussillon Villages from winemaker Michel Chapoutier. This is the fourth vintage of the wine I’ve reviewed and one thing I’ve found is that it is consistently good. In fact, the Bila-Haut portfolio of wines tends to be a bargain-hunters dream — which […]
Review: Quinta dos Murças, Minas
For years, Portuguese wines have been something I’ve sought out, due to the tremendous price-to-quality ratio I’ve found in them. But I’ve done a lot more seeking than finding due to limited availability in my region. In many stores I’d be lucky to find one or two Portuguese wines and they were often placed on […]
Review: Domaine Bousquet, Virgen Red Blend
I often come across wines that are produced using organically-grown grapes, but I don’t often find wines that are USDA certified organic. This is because sulfites are often added to wines as a preservative, which makes it easier for producers by lowering the risk of flaws developing. The Virgen Red Blend from Domaine Bousquet, however, […]
Herdade de São Miguel, Alicante Bouschet
The last couple reviews I posted, here and here, were of alicante bouschet wines from the Alentejo region of Portugal. I have one more of these wines to share with you all, and this is the best one yet! Herdade de São Miguel is based in Redondo, which is pretty much in the center of […]
Herdade dos Grous, Moon Harvested, Alicante Bouschet
Last week I posted my first ever review of an alicante bouschet, and it’s already time to post a second. This one comes from Herdade dos Grous, located in the Lower Alentejo, in Albernôa. They are not only a wine producer but they also have olive groves, vegetable crops, horse breeding and more on their […]
Review: Herdade do Rocim, Alicante Bouschet
I’ve long been a fan of Portuguese wine. In my opinion, it’s one of the best regions for finding exceptional quality for reasonable prices. Unfortunately, I don’t see very much Portuguese wine in the wine shops where I live, Cincinnati, but when I do see it I scoop it up! This week I have the […]