| | | France + Picks | 125 articles | -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012 Thirstday: vin de soif, Christian Ducroux, “Prologue” ” Although it’s labeled as a mere vin de France, Ducroux works Biodynamic vineyards by horse in Beaujolais. French wine wine picksVin de soif. The term captures a wine style–thirst-quenching, gulpable–that delights in the pleasures of drinking wine, not worshipping it. -
A WINE STORY | TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2012 En Primeur: Tasting Sauternes Vintage 2011 Among sophisticated people in France, you can often find Sauternes served from an ice-filled glass container. And this exercise does not even include all the bending one has to perform to pick the botrytized grapes! "Gorgeous weather for tasting Sauternes!". the delicious golden sweet wine of Bordeaux. -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 Domaine de Ferrand, La Ferrande, 2009 We had a quick tour de France I was looking for an example of a Rhone that would fit within our budget. wine picksTo poll at 90 percent is unheard of in a democracy. So it’s a good thing this wine isn’t running for office since all but three out of 30 or so in my NYU class liked it when I poured it this week. -
A WINE STORY | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012 Blending at Mas Belles Eaux So Monday morning, myself and another MW student were picked up at the hotel AXA so generously secured for us by the very handsome and charming technical manager, Cedric Loiseau. The Languedoc, located in the south of France, borders the Mediterranean between the Pyrenees and the Rhone Valley. you can see it here. The Winery. -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012 Energy in the wines at the Return to Terroir Interestingly, labeled as “vin de France”–will have to explore these more, but, sadly, the NY importer is out of stock of all but the rosé… The 2009s from Pierre & Catherine Breton were pretty serious and the 2010s showed well, if tight. wine picksComte Abbatucci: My new favorite wines from Corsica!
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A WINE STORY | TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012 Review: Wine Aroma Kits You would pick up the book, look up Pinot Noir (found on page 32), and read the following: Pinot Noir. Outside Burgundy, Pinot Noir can be found in Alsace, where it is one of the few red varieties grown, and in certain vineyards in the centre of France. Picking up a glass, she attempted to note its characteristics. Quick! -
A WINE STORY | THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012 Tasting Notes Week of January 5, 2011 Pommery Champagne POP Earth (France, Champagne). Juicy orchard fruit flavors become drier in the middle palate and pick up a hint of white pepper. Pommery Champagne POP Earth (France V. bubbles: gorgeous, fast moving, tiny. beautiful to behold. nose: med+ intensity, brioche, toasty, very delicious. palate: dry. By Josh Raynolds. -
WHY WINE BLOG | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012 E. Guigal Gigondas 2007 For 'old world' wines I have always enjoyed those from Italy and Spain and paid little attention to wines from France. So, on my last wine shopping spree I picked up a bottle of E.Guigal Gigondas 2007 ( $24 ) Gigondas is situated right under the rugged, rocky range of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Aromas were awesome. Gigondas French -
WHY WINE BLOG | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2011 Year in Review Now I get to pick my favorites from 2011. delightful blend of Merlot and Cab Franc. There were also some very nice Cabernet Francs from the Finger Lakes and surprisingly my pick for Best Red Wine is from the Finger Lakes. I guess saying that 2011 was not as eventful as 2010 would be understating it a little. -
BROOKLYN GUY LOVES WINE | MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011 Memorable Pairings of 2011 Peter generously brought a bottle of Selosse Champagne from France for my birthday in the fall. would never have picked that wine, and wow, was it a great pairing. Well, of the last few months anyway. There have been a few truly memorable drinks and eatsin the past months that I never found a way to write about here. And more Sherry. -
A WINE STORY | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Visiting Biodynamic Francis Boulard near Reims To combat these problems, he revitalized key vineyards with organic dirt buried in a cow horn he bought from a professor of biodynamics in France. Les Rachans is based on chardonnay grown on limestone silliceux - we taste the '06 and picked on "fruit day " and bottled on "fruit day. Finally, the tasting. Palate is concentrated quince. -
A WINE STORY | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011 Visiting Producers of the Hermanus Wine Route in South Africa Africa instead of having them delivered from France. The reception, lunch, and tasting was held at the very elegant winery of Bouchard Finlayson, which is described as “a boutique winery” yet looks like a Bel-Air mansion or a 5-star hotel in Beverly Hills – take your pick. Hamilton Russell is just one of the two S. link]. link]. link]. -
A WINE STORY | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2011 Visiting Waterkloof in South Africa Natural yeasts are used, the grapes are very gently picked and whole-bunched pressed, and though I am not in the field working the harvest, I can very easily imagine how gently these grapes are treated. “Dazzling!”. The slopes of Schaapenberg boast a myriad of different aspects but south-facing ones predominate. Waterkloof. News S. -
DR. VINO | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2011 A tasting of hipster wines Cabernet franc usually shows well for the uninitiated in warmer vintages and this one convinced most people while others found it to be green. wine picksI recently tweeted that I’d be leading a tasting of hipster wines. “Will you wear a wool hat?,” ” someone asked in response. What can you do? -
A WINE STORY | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2011 Discovering the Wine Properties of AXA Millesimes Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” -
VIGNA UVA VINO | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011 More Wines for Thanksgiving I'd like to thank Kristen and her good friends for helping me taste this flight of wine picks for Thanksgiving. The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. While semi-dry in flavor, this wines slightly higher acidity balances the residual sugar for a refreshing, lighter style of wine. Great deal at $10. SRP $40. -
A WINE STORY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 Chateau Suduiraut: Seeking ‘younger’ Consumers with Les Lions de Suiduiraut You can read about my exciting week partly spent at Chateau Suiduiraut (picking grapes and pressing them too) with winemaker Pierre Montegut as part of an AXA scholarship from the Master of Wine program here. Bordeaux France News axa chateau suiduiraut les lions de suduiraut les lions de suiduiraut pierre montegut -
SLAKED | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Harvest After picking we brought the fruit back to the winery and covered it with a little SO2 and a little dry ice to keep it cool. France Crosby Roamann napa Bordeaux 2006 2011 3 starsOur sauvignon blanc is coming along nicely! The fruit was transfered to a 2-ton basket press, pictured below, for a gentle pressing. 2006 Ch. -
WHY WINE BLOG | FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2011 A Day In the Finger Lakes 6 - Keuka Lake My second visit here and Mark's first, but I was stopping to pick up a limited release 2009 Cuvee d' Amour along with tasting some of what may be considered the most famous of all Finger Lakes wines. Two years ago, I fell in love with their 2007 Cabernet Franc. Our first stop was at Hunt Country Vineyards. at least for now). -
VIGNA UVA VINO | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2011 Macari Rose 2010 luscious ripe strawberries picked this morning. Cabernet Franc, 9.2% To me, sometimes fruit is a better thirst quencher than a simple glass of water. And the Macari Rose 2010 from Long Island's North Fork is a case in point. The wonderful wet aromas of a freshly cut watermelon. And ending happily with a smooth and long finish. alcohol. -
A WINE STORY | FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2011 A Wine Story - Untitled Article With enthusiasm, Feiring hand picks the grapes, drives the forklift that takes the grapes to the de-stemming machine, and begins to stomp the grapes with her bare feet over several days to start the fermentation process. First she travels to France to meet with pioneer Nicolas Joly, whom she calls the ‘Deepak Chopra” of wine dynamics. -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2011 Beaulieu Vineyard, Georges de Latour, 1958 With the end of the Prohibition profits, de Latour decided to embark on the quality route and went to France to find the best Frenchman for the job. American wine wine picksI always relish the rare opportunity to taste a California wine from the 1970s, the era before rising temperatures and fruit bombs. -
DR. VINO | TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011 Memorial Day kicks off summer drinking season [rosé] My wine highlight of the weekend was uncorking a Domaine Baudry 2010 rosé, made from cabernet franc in the Loire appellation of Chinon. wine picksAh, Memorial Day. Grilling. Veterans. And politicians pandering to motorcycle groups. What did you uncork? Or what are you looking forward to enjoying (outdoors) this summer? -
WHY WINE BLOG | MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 A Day in the Finger Lakes 5 - Cayuga Lake She couldn't wait to get over to the tasting room to pick up her own bottle of the Limoncello. My first Finger Lakes wine review was a ' 06 Buttonwood Grove Riesling which I picked up on my last visit. could not go by without picking up their new releases and a new T-shirt. But, today, well let me tell you about today. -
DR. VINO | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2011 The other Spain, as imported by Andre Tamers He imports a range of exciting wines from Spain (and France) exclusively from small, family-owned properties that include some of the best white wines from Spain. wine picksA couple of weeks ago, Robert Parker went to Spain to collect a medal for his contributions to Spanish wine. He told me at their recent portfolio tasting (at T. -
A WINE STORY | TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011 Gerard Bertrand Portfolio Tasting: Premium Languedoc Rousillon Producer Now in U.S. Market Does the above picture effectively showcase the "dream" of Southern France? The top pick of the three was the Chateau L'Hospitalet Reserve Rouge, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape 2009. That blue sky, with the white puffs of clouds, is real. Today at a Per Se launch of his 2010 Gris Blanc Rosé in the U.S. almost dainty. -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 Which reds would you cellar beyond Bordeaux? Cabernet franc grown on limestone from a top grower in Chinon. American wine Bordeaux wine picksWith all the hype about the Bordeaux campaign to pre-selling their 2010 wines, it made me think: surely there are more affordable, just as age-worthy alternatives out there. And around $30 a bottle? It sells for under $30. Under $30. Roda I. -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 Did social media save a winery from bankruptcy? case study is unfolding in France. Then a local paper, La Provence, picked up his story. The media tsunami continued with TV channel Canal+ and radio stations from France, Belgium and Switzerland running stories. Facebook and Twitter may contribute to toppling regimes these days. The French blogosphere then turned Olivier B. -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 How does cabernet franc age? A visit to Domaine Baudry How does cabernet franc age? The Domaine makes only wines from cabernet franc, with the exception of a white wine from chenin blanc at the Croix Boisée vineyard. The 2002 Grezeaux still had plenty of freshness and a bit of that herbal–but good herbal–character of cab franc. French wine wine picks -
BROOKLYN GUY LOVES WINE | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2011 A Conversation with Jean-Marie Fourrier - Part 3 JMF: During harvest I look at the forecast and I decide where to pick based on the weather. export 99% of my wine because I'm unknown in France - I don't submit bottles. BG: Wait a minute - no one buys your wine in France? This is the final post about my conversation with Jean-Marie Fourrier. BG: I want to ask you about farming. -
WHY WINE BLOG | THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011 Finger Lakes Wine and Cheese just need to open a nice wine and sitting on the table was a 2007 Cabernet Franc I picked up yesterday at a local Mom and Pop liquor store. Cabernet Franc Keuka Wine Trail Finger LakesI am beginning to think that the widening of my wine palate is beginning to affect my taste for other foods that were always on my avoidance list. -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2011 Clos Ouvert Loncomilla: Chilean for savory carmenere In his article, Mike encouraged Chilean producers to pick up a bottle of it in his article, and, even though I’m not a producer, I did so, buying a bottle at Grapes the Wine Company in White Plains, NY ( about $26). wine picksIn a recent column on Slate.com , Mike Steinberger threw most Chilean carmenere under the oak bus. -
A WINE STORY | SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2011 Making Icewine 101 at Inniskillin Winery in Canada so if you have seen a picture of me picking botrytized grapes in Tokaji (Hungary) and Sauternes (France) you now can imagine how different it its to pick frozen grapes in the middle of winter, in the midst of a blizzard! The grapes have a net around them to protect them from birds. As you can see I am wearing very thick gloves. -
A WINE STORY | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 Visit to Terrazas de los Andes In 1959 Poirier and Moet & Chandon founded Bodegas Chandon Argentina, the first branch of the company outside France. Terraazas de los Andes is a beautiful property in Lujan de Cuyo with an amazing history. Poirier proved the region of Lujan de Cuyo is the best place to obtain wines of quality, due to the high grade vineyard. -
VIGNA UVA VINO | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010 6 Rosé Wines for Thanksgiving Picking a wine that will work with a turkey dinner can be tricky, here are six Rosés that will do the job without overpowering the dish: Carpineto Rosato 2007 Bouquet: floral characteristics, particularly rose, acacia and grape flowers; fruity fragrances like apple, currant and sour cherry are evident. -
BROOKLYN GUY LOVES WINE | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010 Thanksgiving Wines How do I pick wines to bring for Thanksgiving, Brooklynguy? What should I do, Brooklynguy, because I have to pick the wines this year? Here's how I pick wines for Thanksgiving - I remember that in my family, the only person who cares even a little bit about the wines is me. What should I buy? No one wants to discuss the wine. -
A WINE STORY | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010 Visiting Mas Belles Eaux So Monday morning, myself and another MW student were picked up at the hotel AXA so generously secured for us by the very handsome and charming technical manager, Cedric Loiseau. The Languedoc, located in the south of France, borders the Mediterranean between the Pyrenees and the Rhone Valley. Visiting Mas Belles Eaux. The Winery. -
A WINE STORY | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010 Chateau Pichon Longueville Julian, one of the friendly AXA staff people, picked myself and another student up from our station in a shimmering black car, and as if to highlight the drama of our destination, swirled the car into the impressive lengthy driveway of Chateau Pichon Longueville, where we would stay during our visit and dine tonight. That was my room). -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010 St. Jean de la Gineste – a value vielles vignes carignan But even in the Languedoc, in the south of France where the grape proliferates, where reasonable people like Jancis Robinson dump on the grape for tasting like battery acid (or something ). Now if only I could rustle up some cassoulet… Tags: French wine wine picks Carignan. The family-run St. -
A WINE STORY | MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2010 Discovering the Wine Properties of AXA Millesimes Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. The Lunch. -
DR. VINO | MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010 Wineberry, the box wine in a wood crate The lineup includes about six wines, red, white and rosé, all from France. Other notable wines in the lineup are Chateau les Maines, a 2009 rosé from Bordeaux that I wish I had discovered at the beginning of the summer, and the 2007 Chateau Moulin de la Roquille, with right-bank Bordeaux that has a nice note of cabernet franc. -
DR. VINO | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010 The $12 natural gamay showdown: Lapierre vs Puzelat Turning to the master first, (whose son Mathieu does a lot in the cellar these days), the Raisins Gaulois from the Lapierres is labeled as a mere “Vin de France, rather than a Beaujolais (since they already make a Beaujolais). Tags: French wine wine picks And Thierry Puzelat in the Loire is a leading, young naturalista. -
A WINE STORY | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 Wines of Catena, Argentina The color would be familar to most Malbec drinkers -- in France, it is often called the "black wine" and this wine shows an opaque, dark violet color. It is curious how such care can go into a wine, with workers hand picking the grapes for a careful selection, and have the price be only $13 dollars -- but there you go. -
WHY WINE BLOG | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 2010 Harvest Begins in Champagne All in all, it is looking to be a promising harvest this year, once again creating a marvelous wine that can only be produced in one place – Champagne, France.” Each year, grape-pickers come to Champagne to pick grapes by hand, as machines are not allowed for harvesting. Champagne is a founding signatory and is joined by seven U.S. -
VIGNA UVA VINO | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 The New Amsterdam Market Now I surely needed some vino, so I stopped at Benmarl Winery (America's oldest vineyard) to sample their Cabernet Franc (my favorite) and Merlot. The stalls are set up under the FDR Drive so it's semi-protected from the elements. headed to the market having had a light breakfast, so I would have room for as many samples as possible. -
DR. VINO | MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010 Wherefore art thou, rosé in a box? Fridges across France are stocked with box rosé in the summer; it’s almost a summer rite to come in from a warm day and squeeze off a nice cold one (rosé, that is). Tags: eco wine wine picks A couple of years ago, I had an op-ed in the NYT arguing for wine in a box. But I couldn’t find one. -
WHY WINE BLOG | SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010 Zugibe semi-dry Riesling 2008 This past Saturday I was able stop by Vinomania and pick up the Rieslings mentioned in the New Times article. This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. The first one I opened was the Zugibe semi-dry 2008( $14 ). -
Lamb Kabobs and Syrah It would be very difficult to go wrong here, picking a wine. Certainly a light-bodied Loire Cabernet Franc would be beautiful (I was thinking specifically of the lightly chilled and delicious 2007 Filliatreau Saumur-Champigny , $15, Louis/Dressner Selections, but I didn't have any in the house because I am a fool). It would be amazing. -
BROOKLYN GUY LOVES WINE | THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2010 A Guest Sommelier We was supposed to have flown from New Orleans to France, but he said something about a Volcano and he couldn't fly. When you ask a guest to pick the music, you have to listen to whatever they choose, even if it's that crappy Freddy Hubbard greatest hits disc. The other night my friend Peter came over for dinner. Sounds good. alcohol!), -
A WINE STORY | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2010 Brane-Cantenac: Speaking about 2009 Vintage with Henri Lurton The most challenging for me was to find the best moment for picking. The vineyard area is 90 hectares (222 acres) and the grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 5%. Henri Lurton. After the 2009 Margaux blind tasting, I discovered I too had given it top marks. It has been an easy vintage. -
A WINE STORY | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2010 A Visit to Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte It is the kind of place you only see in France, where the glass-walled pool area is filled with attractive, very slender and fit people who have just enjoyed a spectacular lunch, while the treadmills in the room called a gym could be a museum piece. Florence Cathiard, standing. "Ah, you are my house guest this Thursday!" -
A WINE STORY | TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 Masters of Wine Bordeaux Trip: Day 1 The chateau was bought by a negociant who replaced the tanks with stainless steel and grubbed up the vineyard to plant a majority of cabernet sauvignon, with a smaller percentage of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Gorgeous sunny weather is this beautiful city is always a treat. Our first day started at 4pm and went until Midnight. -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 Riesling buzz, grower Champagne, 2009, nude breakfast – Terry Theise can’t pick a side! It was the last place in France that was dominated by negociants, everywhere else in France, wine drinkers had learned to seek out the best domains. Is Riesling a hard sell? Has the bubble burst on his Champagnes made by those who grow the grapes? Just how good is 2009? To the tape! Stephen Colbert question! -
WHY WINE BLOG | THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2010 Why Wine: Atwater Estate Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2007 Very early in the year to pick a favorite for 2010, but this one is way out in the lead. Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. -
A WINE STORY | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2010 How to Train Yourself to Memorize Varietal Characteristics And since Chardonnay is such a popular grape, and Burgundy, France, such a respected region, you decide to go in this direction. It takes 30 harvesters ten days to pick the grapes. So after tasting the wines open label, the idea was to bag them and the next day, pick out the correct wine. White Burgundy Tasting. -
DR. VINO | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2009 Champagne, Champagne values, Bordeaux, solitude – sipped and spit Driven by sales of red Bordeaux, which country saw a fifteen-fold increase in imports from France during 2002 – 2008? But you’ll need to click through for the importer stock pick in the story! SIPPED: upgrading label info? Discussion ensued over at wineberserkers whether there was a loophole in the statement.) The Pour ]. -
A WINE STORY | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2009 ABCs of Wine: Tasting “Anything But Chardonnay” The first was a 2007 Domaine de Cezin, a wine made from the Chenin Blanc grape that grows in a tiny AOC region called Jasnieres in Touraine in the Loire Valley (France). Actually, the grape is the Jacquere and it ONLY grows in the Savoie area of France, which is between the Italian and Swiss Alps. It can grow in warm and cool climates. -
DR. VINO | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2009 Arretxea Irouleguy and Tissot Poulsard – geek out, winter or fall Here are two natural wines from France that have you covered. Tags: French wine wine picks The weather is rapidly changing: one day, fall; the next day, snow! Arretxea, Irouleguy 2005 about $20. This hearty red pairs well with rich foods and cold weather. Although not big and boozy (only 12.5% Importer: Kermit Lynch. -
WHY WINE BLOG | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009 A Day In The Finger Lakes 3 - "Deck The Halls" to sign in and pick up our wreaths, first ornament and our first food and wine pairing. Again just a short chat and off we went to Fox Run Vineyards and White Springs Winery, two of my picks as best of the Finger Lakes wineries. This time it was our first visit to the "Deck the Halls" event on Seneca Lake. 14 (the west side). -
DR. VINO | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009 Produttori, Pinon, Ridge, Luzon – popular wine picks from class Domaine Guion, Cuvee Prestige, Bourgeuil, 2006 (about $12): After our discussion online about cabernet franc, the polarizing grape , I had to add this wine to the following lineup. Tags: wine picks Another six-week session of my NYU class just wrapped up last week. How could it not be? Ridge, Three Valleys, Sonoma (about $23). -
SLAKED | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2009 2006 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois ** grenache) hand picked at the end of September and fermented in closed concrete tanks for 21 days before aging in vats for 14-16 months prior to blending and bottling. Tags: Cellar Selection 2 stars France 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape I am a sucker for discounted Chapoutier. What can I say? Pure grenache (mmm. Deep ruby color. -
VIGNA UVA VINO | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2009 2006 Château Pesquié Côtes du Ventoux Terrasses From France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Ventoux, this Ruby red, with a nose muted with red cherries, spices and a bit of barnyard, or as Eric quipped, "a hint of moo". Built with a fine integration and nicely structured, this was my pick from the first flight that was paired with the first course, a Pumpkin Risotto. Eureka. -
DR. VINO | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009 Speaking Franc: the polarizing grape sparks debate Writing in Friday’s Globe and Mail of Toronto, Beppi Crosariol, the paper’s wine columnist, weighs in on the topic of Cabernet Franc. Follow along on Twitter ) If you haven’t weighed in, do you love or hate Cabernet Franc? happen to love cab franc! happen to love cab franc! gonzogastronomy @drvino ouch! -
VIGNA UVA VINO | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2009 The Long Island Wine Blind Challenge The day started with a series of speeches about some of the history of Long Island wines, how the wines were picked for the blind tasting, followed by Q&A. The breakdown was 5 flights of 4 each of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked), Chardonnay (oaked), Merlot and Cabernet Franc. So, here we go. -
DR. VINO | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2009 Natural wines, premox, chenin blanc, 07 Port and Rhone – John Gilman To my knowledge, chenin blanc reaches its greatest expressions in France’s long, meandering Loire Valley. John Gilman, author of the newsletter The View from the Cellar , joins us again for a Q&A. asked him six questions; he replied with over 10,000 words! Natural wines are growing in popularity. Are these wines forcibly better? -
WHY WINE BLOG | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2009 Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Row House Cellars White Table Wine NV picked some up at the July Wine Fest and more on the recent visit. My first taste of Gewurztraminer was from White Springs and I'm sure of picking up more whites at the December " Deck the Halls " weekend. Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 Dominus Estate, Napa Valley – photo post The 108 acres of vineyards are almost entirely dry-farmed (no irrigation) and largely planted to cabernet sauvignon although there is also merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc. Tod told me they often pick around September 25 so I guess they are busy today! But it’s not open to the public. dominusestate.com. -
WHY WINE BLOG | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style. -
WHY WINE BLOG | MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2009 Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; White Springs Gewurztraminer 2007 White Springs was the first booth I visited at a recent Winefest and the last one I visited that day to pick up what I believed were the best whites at the festival. Well it's time to try a new wine, at least new to me. Before now I have never tasted Gewurztraminer. Please, no comments on that issue. Great Buy! -
SLAKED | FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2009 Summer Whites: Under $30 Mosel Saar Ruwer blame it on the tongue-defying regions, names, and producers from Germany -- German taxonomy makes France look simplistic. While still only a neophyte, I found that sampling a case of these wines with friends over seven days proved to be an effective method (at least for a consumer) of picking out the best. 2007 Joh. Oyster texture. -
WHY WINE BLOG | SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2009 Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Heron Hill Cabernet Franc dry Rose' 2006 On our recent wine tour through the Finger Lakes , I begrudgingly tasted a dry Cabernet Franc Rose' from Heron Hill Winery. Winemakers notes: In certain years when the Cabernet Franc has a higher acidity than normal some of the harvest may be suitable for rosé winemaking. Yes Lenn, I was nuts. Nice steady, cool fermentation. Great Buy! -
DR. VINO | MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2009 249 bottles of wine on the wall 2005 Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Great. 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild Cabernet/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot, Pauillac. 2006 Woodlands Reserve de la Cave Cabernet Franc, Margaret River. Tags: Australian wine wine picks Yes, it’s 249 bottles of wine on the wall! Day One. -
ALICE FEIRING | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009 Savio Soares Tasting So we were to have dinner with Ariel, who sells wine for him Neil, The Brooklyn Guy We saw each other with grequency in France at tastings and obviously were confused. Here are top picks. I couldn't believe I never met Savio Soares. mean, everyone in the wine world in NYC is buzzing about this portfolio. Now we are found. Good move. -
ALICE FEIRING | FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2009 Savio Soares Tasting We saw each other with grequency in France at tastings and obviously were confused. Here are top picks. I couldn't believe I never met Savio Soares. mean, everyone in the wine world in NYC is buzzing about this portfolio. So we were to have dinner with Ariel, who sells wine for him Neil, The Brooklyn Guy for dinner to correct that. -
ALICE FEIRING | FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2009 Savio Soares Tasting We saw each other with grequency in France at tastings and obviously were confused. Here are top picks. I couldn't believe I never met Savio Soares. mean, everyone in the wine world in NYC is buzzing about this portfolio. So we were to have dinner with Ariel, who sells wine for him Neil, The Brooklyn Guy for dinner to correct that. -
DR. VINO | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2009 Tasty American wine under $12: why so little of it? Industry replies, part I 1) We pick out vineyards we want to farm, and which, based on experience, we know will work together in the final blend. All over France great wines are being produced, many different varieties but all growing in the region they should grow or do well. In France, by law, yields are controlled. 3) And so on……. -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2009 Oxidative wines - vin jaune - Domaine Berthet-Bondet, Jura Located about half way between Dijon and Geneva, the pocket-sized region of the Jura makes some of France’s most distinctive wines. Tags: wine picks Oxidative wines are an essential wine tasting reference point. Since we’ve been talking about reductive wines and screw caps recently, the other side of the coin (barrel?) -
WHY WINE BLOG | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009 WHY WINE: Joeshico Wine Review; Damiani vino rosso NV The family-owned winery produced its first vintage in 2004, and the cabernet franc and meritage are quite notable for its young age. While there, I picked up two bottles of wine in what was his Italian wine selection area. like Italian table wines so I picked one up and brought home. This is one to watch. Or drink.” -
DR. VINO | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009 Ulli Stein and his forbidden wine This sweet wine has its origins in the Jura, the Alpine region of France, and gets its name from the straw mats that the grapes are dried upon for months after harvest and before a long fermentation (Stein said his takes 12 months). Tags: wine politics wine picks Ulli Stein has made a forbidden wine for decades. Stein appealed. -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2009 A border runs through it: Weingut Becker, Pfalz and Alsace Although his vineyards span two countries, Germany and France, they are really only one kilometer apart. But is the Becker wine “German if it is technically grown in France? Tags: wine picks Some globe-trotting winemakers travel between countries by private jet. Friedrich Wilhelm Becker travels by car. alcohol. -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Wine on the web, Bordeaux, values, Parmigiano - sipped and spit France! WSJ reporter David Kesmodel has a piece on trading down and bargains; included are some value vino picks from various commentators, including Dr. Vino! story ; wine picks ]. SPIT: the French Paradox! The consumption of alcohol, and especially wine, is discouraged,” state new government guidelines. Where? Sacre bleu! -
ALICE FEIRING | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009 Dressner's Tasting in Valaire Thierry Puzelat picked me up in Blois and we traveled the 25 minutes to Valaire and L'erbe Rouge, his girlfriend's restaurant. Like so many winemakers in France, the yields in this vintage were extremely low. There, Joe was meeting his group of travelers. Most of the French producers were to be there Friday, the Italians on Saturday. -
SLAKED | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2009 E. Vatan "Clos La Néore" Sancerre 2003 ** Picked up from Crush in midtown, Vatan's Clos La Néore is intriguing, beguiling, salty and refreshing. Tags: 2 stars France Sancerre 2003 I opened this Sancerre from Edmond Vatan the other night just to remind myself -- in the midst of winter -- that hope springs eternal. It is simultaneously mellow and easy, and bracing and edgy." -
WHY WINE BLOG | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009 WHY WINE: WINE FACTS; Did you know? part 2 In December, I posted a " Did You Know " facts about wine, with a few tid-bits, (some that I did not know) that I picked up in my research. Champagne - comes from the champagne region of France.) My choice was to start a site and a blog on Wine. That is when the real fun and enjoyment began. DID YOU KNOW THAT: Part 2 1. -
ALICE FEIRING | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2009 Paris To St. Aubin Picked up a Cheverny that I never had. Then it picked up depth and did that little magic trick of changing with each sip. Her France-side partner Francois picked us up in a car that smelled profoundly of dog, he swore he had cleaned it. Yes, I got past the x-rays. arrived to Paris. Delicious. It should be, if it's not. -
ALICE FEIRING | SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 Alice Feiring - In Vino Veritas The spies in France tell me that Guy Bossard, one of the great masters of Muscadet has put his domaine up for sale. Dapper in his fly fisherman’s vest, he came over to our table to say hello, picked the bottle out of the ice bucked and raised an eyebrow in disbelief which surely said, "Such crap on your table?" -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2009 Three French reds under $10: Montirius, Heretiques, But here are three reds from the South of France! Tags: Wine under $10 wine picks French wine Everybody always wants a good wine under $10. And that’s never been more true than now. The sad thing is that it’s so hard to find good wines under $10. Montirius , Le Cadet, vin de pays de Vaucluse, 2005 ($9.99; find this wine ). -
ALICE FEIRING | TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2009 Alice Feiring - In Vino Veritas Take lime picke and bitter melon. Loire Valley Cabernet Franc --dont get too fancy but if you can find Bonaventure, works like a charm with lime pickle and kerala (bitter melon). Take lime picke and bitter melon. Of course, downmarket economy or not, I need my weekly Indian food fix. Im a writer, its always down market for me. -
DR. VINO | MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2009 Screwcaps, scores, riesling, the Loire, Cali cab: John Gilman part two It is a beautiful area of France and the wines have this wonderful, laid-back character that perfectly matches the bucolic settings and the people that live there. We’re back with Part Deux of our interview with John Gilman, author of the newsletter A View from the Cellar ( part one is here ). German Riesling. just don’t get it. -
ALICE FEIRING | MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 Alice Feiring - In Vino Veritas But I have not picked up the brush. There is a goregous cabernet franc-ness and underneath is a pure and simple plum. But I have not picked up the brush. There is a goregous cabernet franc-ness and underneath is a pure and simple plum. Main | Abe on Pinot Grigio and a Call From Ethel. » Wine of the Year! Forget it. -
DR. VINO | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2008 The best box wines of 2008 Darling Hills, Ovation, South Africa (about $20 for 3L; find this wine ): a 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault, the workhorse grape originally from the South of France. Tags: Wine under $10 wine picks “Merry Christmas! “Here’s 24 liters of wine! Season’s greetings! Standing tall. crowd pleaser. -
ALICE FEIRING | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008 Alice Feiring - In Vino Veritas Loire Cab Franc for roast halibut. Los Angeles is teaming with wine bars, even though when I asked Julie Brosterman, owner of the shop Wine Valet which she liked, she pooh-poohed the pickings. Loire Cab Franc for roast halibut. But instead, Ill give you this post. scrutinized another solo diner, Manny. Jurancon for his paté. -
DR. VINO | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008 The geometry of wine and multidimensional Riesling Many top Riesling producers from Germany, Austria, Australia, France, Canada and the US poured their wares at this Riesling-palooza. The best wines of any grape are multidimensional. But with Riesling, people often get caught up only on sweetness. In fact, there’s other stuff going on, such as acidity and sometimes minerality. -
BROOKLYN GUY LOVES WINE | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2008 Terry Theise Tasting Notes The largest and arguably the finest portfolio of grower Champagnes in the US, and the largest and finest portfolio of natural wines from France and Italy - what a treat to participate. learned that if I had to pick one Champagne producer's lineup to take to a desert island, it would be that of Ren é Geoffroy. Not in New York, nowhere. -
EAST VILLAGE WINE GEEK | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008 CHARDONNAY: A STUDY IN WHAT WENT WRONG If it is not picked at the right time it will rapidly loose its acidity and have way too much natural sugar resulting in high alcohol and loss of complexity. By the 1980's there were more chardonnay vines planted in the state of California than in all of France. Most fruit wasn't so good." We might as well begin with what we know. -
SLAKED | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 The Under $25 Crowd It's dark like Baudry , and has that earth cab franc grip, and there is some underlying fruit left, but this was just too tannic still, and considering my excitement about it, ultimately disappointing. Let's hope she picks out something delicious What a week. This is the problem with the "under $25/bottle case." Best for use in fondue. -
ALICE FEIRING | THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2008 Alice Feiring - In Vino Veritas Goldstein spoofed up a restaurant, created a reserve list that he cherry picked from a collection of mostly low scoring Spectator wines. Goldstein spoofed up a restaurant, created a reserve list that he cherry picked from a collection of mostly low scoring Spectator wines. August 19, 2008 Mom called. Did you see the Sunday Magazine? -
VIGNA UVA VINO | TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2008 Interview with winemaker Luc Baudet from Chateau Mas Neuf What sets Rhone apart from the other winemaking regions of France? As a trained chef, I like to pop in a traditional food market, and wander around and pick whatever great things are on offer. Terroir is a three fold concept: The most obvious first two are soils (and their interaction with vines.) at least. -
BROOKLYN GUY LOVES WINE | MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2008 Drinking Long-lived Wine.Young Cabernet Franc is supposed to mature gracefully, to pick up many secondary characteristics to go with its youthful floral fruit. Listen: sometimes you just have to drink the wine, even though you are positive that it is way too young. How else can you track its evolution, understand it in its entirety? We'll have to wait and see. -
VIGNA UVA VINO | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008 7 Inexpensive but Good Wines This is an interesting pick. Chateau Grand Moulin 2005 France This red wine from France is a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes. Here are 7 of my most recent favorite inexpensive but good wines. Stainless steel fermentation, then 14-16 months in oak casks. alcohol. We are in the $12 range. 13% alcohol and $7.99. | |