First of all, I think this whole asparagus are impossible to pair with wine thing is exaggerated. They require a bit more consideration than say, roast chicken, but they're just asparagus, and they're so delicious this time of year. But asparagus have developed this reputation as impossible to enjoy with wine, and I think it's not so. MORE >>

E & J Gallo, the enormous, privately held wine company, is well-known (notorious?) for protecting their brand. Ernest and Julio sued their own brother Joseph in 1986 to prevent him from marketing his cheese as “Joseph Gallo.&# They also sued unrelated East Bay company, Gallo Salume Inc., We want it all.”. The Year of the Rooster. France. MORE >>

One of the confusing and intriguing things about Jura wines is the distinction between technique and terroir. By technique I mean sous-voile , or under-the-veil wine making, a style in which wine is intentionally oxidized. The barrels are not entirely filled to begin with, and then are not topped up as the wine evaporates and seeps into the wood. MORE >>

Fred Franzia, creator of Two Buck Chuck and founder of Bronco Wine Co, has a somewhat laudable if self-serving goal: no wine should sell for over ten dollars a bottle. While tasty wine under $10 is something wine consumers could certainly rally behind in the best of times, the recession certainly makes it have greater appeal now. Swirl. Discuss. MORE >>

NV Champagne Raymond Boulard Mailly Grand Cru Brut Nature , $42, Imported by Selected Estates of Europe. This wine is an outstanding example of a Brut Nature , a Champagne with no sugar or other sweetener added to the dosage. But it is not easy to make a good non-dosé Champagne. And this bottling is particularly exceptional. MORE >>