Ken Forrester likes Chenin Blanc. Just don’t call it Steen. His Stellenbosch vineyards, four miles from the ocean, are planted 50% to Chenin Blanc, also known as Steen locally to people other than Ken (he finds the local name too confusing.) In his opinion, the best Chenin needs cool and sunshine, which may sound like a paradox. MORE >>

This afternoon, as the microwave clock turned one and the bell rang, I left a roomful of eighth graders and their fictional constructs, booked it down the stairs, and caught a gypsy cab to the subway at 149th and 3rd Avenue, in the Bronx. From there I hopped the 5 to the 6 to Eleven [.]. MORE >>

Ribera del Duero!?? In Manhattan, this Spanish Denominacion de Origen (DO) sounded so glamorous and exotic, especially as it is home to the world’s most famous and expensive wines (Vega Sicilia, anyone?)?? Terroir of the Duero?? Meet Winemaker Javier Aladro?? Grapes of Ribera del Duero?? Making the Wine. Pair with lamb or porterhouse steak. MORE >>

Castello Banfi in Tuscany produces this beautiful Moscadello that is made with late harvest grapes gently pressed at low temperatures over the course of a few months. then stored in stainless steel. 85% of this batch is then blended with 15% from the previous vintage, and stored in oak for a year. excellent for dunking biscotti or on it's own. MORE >>

Ken Wright of Ken Wright Cellars has a video interview on the tech blog Gizmodo. Why would this graybeard of the Oregon wine industry and godfather to the biggest little wine town in Oregon (Carlton) be talking to a tech blog? Depending on desired ripeness, picking before the rains may or may not be another option for avoiding bloated grapes.) MORE >>