had already tasted and reviewed their 2007 Cabernet Franc and found that to be one of the best Finger Lakes '07 Cab Francs from what was a very good FLX vintage. Along with the Cab Franc, I tasted a couple of blends that I thought were remarkable. No gift shop. Entrance sign off W. Lake Rd. Very professional!

"My great-grandmother was famous for being a harsh negotiator," Gaia Gaja tells me, telling a cute story about her great-grandmother and her marketplace shopping habits, which explains the name of the winery which means "endless negotiations" in Italian. Apparently, buying the land from a merchant family took many years and hence the name.

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

African wines the shop carries, which was the primary reason I wanted to visit the country so I can explore the region and hopefully, do my part in popularizing imports. Africa instead of having them delivered from France. Hermanus is a coastal town about in the most southern part of S. Hamilton Russell is just one of the two S. link].

In my view, many American wine consumers have moved beyond scores, and an increasing number of wine shops have too. asked the Twitterverse for shops that do not use third-party tasting notes or scores. Vinsite Wine Shop (Asheville, NC). The Bottle Shop (Wilmette, IL). Derniere Goutte (Paris, France). Crush Wines.

Then the DLW web site aggregates all that information, giving consumers a one-stop shop to see what’s going on in regional wine. On Sunday I opened my favorite Finger Lakes red wine, a Cabernet Franc. DLW) During Regional Wine Week, writers across the U.S. DLW also commissions articles about some of the biggest trends in regional wine.

We did get in to do a little shopping while a make shift tasting area was being moved back indoors. Shirley also likes the gift shop at Dr. Frank's and as last time here, she was able to cross off many of our Xmas gifts for this year. don't think Shirley bought that, but what the hell there's a gift shop and she has the credit cards.

found Anyela's wines at a local wine shop and was very surprised to find a Finger Lakes winery of this size and quality somewhat off the beaten path of what I knew as the FLX wine region. had already finished the two white wines and found them very enjoyable, so this afternoon I chose to open and try their 2007 Cabernet Franc ( $14 ).

You hear so much about Swedish Hill and their wines and you see their label in every local wine shop, I can't find an excuse for having never been here before. Other whites were also excellent along with a dry Rosé and another red, a Cab/Franc. The girls, bought a lot of stuff from the shops and I brought home a lot of wine.

Some one said it was a Cabernet Franc. Sounded plausible, but it didn't remind me of the Cabernet Francs that I know from the Loire. This is a wine that I NEVER would select from a wine list, auction, or retail shop - not a wine that I would buy. A lot of people don't like blind tasting, but I enjoy it a lot. It's good fun.

One of the most fun aspects of living in Manhattan is that is a city of "wine geeks" who often happen to work in the city's best wine shops. 2008 Domaine Bachelet Côte de Nuits Villages (France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Nuits Villages). Of course, there is always a theme. thought also 2008.

My maternal grandfather loved the great wines of France and Italy. My parents owned a food and wine shop when I was a teenager, and that’s where I got a lot of my in-depth exposure to Italian wines. There’s a new order at the Wine Advocate. He took a break from tasting in Burgundy, where he is now, to respond. And NFL? Twice.

also have become more interested in the wines of France. My best Rosé - Heron Hill Cabernet Franc Dry Rosé 2006. Although known primarily for white wines, the Finger Lakes does very well with Cab Franc and Lemberger and their red blends. Here at home, I guess eventful would be saying it a tad mildly. Now for my best of 2010.

They actually have a wine spitting contest in France! Given that Royal Ahold (owner of Stop & Shop) is already circling, the new, merged company could be called Stop & P. SIPPED: spitting! “The length and precision of the stream are just unbelievable.&# No, this is not something from Urology. France24 ]. WSJ ]. Check.

First, I do not understand the fact that Shirley had to visit five wine shops in the Tribeca and Soho areas of Manhattan before finding any wines from Long Island and the two that she brought home where from two different wineries owned by the same family. This year, although I planned for more, did not turn out as well as I would have liked.

And it is these two that I very rarely see, at least in the retail shops that I frequent. If you like Cabernet Franc from the Loire and you haven't tried this wine, you honestly should make a point of buying this. In Saumur-Chamigny, it's easy to pay attention to the great wines of Clos Rougeard and to ignore everyone else.

An illustrated book for children that details the life of the vine and wine’s history back to Roman times will be appearing soon–in France. SPIT: shopping for wine with kids. SIPPED: spiked juice. Just don’t let the WSWA know that underage might be able to get ahold of this for cheaper than wine. Mirror.co.uk ].

Astrid Terzian introduced this concept that hearkens back to a bygone era when wine would arrive in Paris shops in tonneaux and consumers would bring their own flagons to fill. She installed her first machine in June 2009 at the Cora supermarket in Dunkirk and now has them installed in eight supermarkets in France. Print receipt.

followed my nose again, and ended up at Porchetta , a little shop in the East Village, where Pig is King. 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.

After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

Unlike a vineyard you might have seen in Napa or France, that long-ago winter the vines were coiled up like gnarled, sage snakes, waiting to strike at the first sign of spring. And indeed, Santorini had to wait a decade or more to produce the wines that are now so proudly sold in many top wine shops around America.

Below is a list, and links to stories about the producers we visited, virtually all of whom offer guest rooms, with some offering elaborate meeting rooms and others cooking and produce shopping classes that can be customized to suit your needs. Tags: News Provence france provence Though many people think of glitzy jet-set St.

It is actually one of the oldest wine estates of France and in 1953, the Ministry of Agriculture awarded the property with the “Cru Classé” title, a prestigious vintage wines award. “You must have some fresh Truffles on toast!” says attractive blond Valérie Rousselle-Riboud, looking very glamorous and jet-set in a chic white dress.

steady flow of Jura wine makers has descended upon NYC for this tasting, and yesterday, completely by chance, I had the opportunity to observe one of them on a "work-with," that thing wine makers do with their importers when they're in town - going to various retail shops together to show the wines. Stars of the southwest in France, the Jura!"

Released in May with a suggested retail of $24, but you can shop and find on-line for as low as $17. Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. have since tasted a Monthaven Chardonnay (California) and this past week the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand).

Les Caves Augé, the excellent Paris wine shop , has fun, free wine tastings that spill on to the sidewalk. The shop is crammed with so many fine and fun wines that they mainly have to do these free tastings outside of the winter months, so the broad pavements of Boulevard Hausmann are at their most hospitable. By Timothy Eustis.

was able to say hello once again to Jean Francois Bordet, last seen in Manhattan where after an impressive seminar and tasting he was off to shop. Tags: Burgundy France News 10th Edition Les Grands Jours De Bourgogne 2010 burgundy jean francois bordet laurent droughin romain collet 10th Edition Les Grands Jours De Bourgogne. Tropez.

Titled 'Grape Expectations,' the article promoted Riesling month in the Finger Lakes and interviewed the proprietor (Gary Decker) of one of my favorite wine shops (Vinomania) in Syracuse. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

Today the trade had the tchance to discover and taste over 70 wines that were awarded top scores by esteemed critics so look for them in your wine shop or favorite restaurant soon. Tags: News arnaud moynier gontran dondain Maison de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon sud de france Arnaud Moynier.

Ms.Biyela is here to promote her Stellekaya winery, whose wines are featured in select wine shops and South African wine bars here in New York, and also take part in the S. This was one of the evening favorites until the main course wine of Orion, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Or because of color."

Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Enough history.

We was supposed to have flown from New Orleans to France, but he said something about a Volcano and he couldn't fly. Anyway, I've been really busy lately with work and I didn't have time to shop for and cook anything fancy. The other night my friend Peter came over for dinner. can't tell you how many times I've heard that one. alcohol!),

He’ll shop around the world’s best wine regions, including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and California to find some very good juice in bulk that a vineyard might sell for $55 per bottle and sell it for $15. He sells directly to consumers on line thru his website and retails mainly at Costco.

and that is because in old world regions such as France’s Loire Valley, they refer to a bottle of wine by the region where it is from. Chateau de Sancerre is a quality producer and on restaurant lists around the world, as well as in shops. Marc Sorrel-Dejerine of Chaeau De Sancerre.

I've been putting together mixed cases at one of my favorite retail shops, Chambers Street Wines. This is slightly rustic Cabernet Franc. Is it possible to drink great wine on a daily basis if you're not rich? I'm talking about wines that cost between $8 and $12 a bottle? think it it is possible, yes. or $13.50 Here is one.

If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

John Gilman, author of the newsletter A View from the Cellar , weighs in today with his thoughts on Mayacamas Vineyards. There is some duplication with Evan Dawson’s travel post from yesterday but there is also much new, including John’s tasting notes from Mayacamas Cabernet 2003, 1991, 1985, 1974, & 1968. 2015-2050. 2017-2050.

thought is was kinda ironic that just a few hours after hearing this news, I spotted a wine bottle in one of my favorite shops, with a pink ribbon on the label. Well, all was great, life was fun, but the reality of living forever soon wears off as some of those friends and classmates and those we meet in our adult life begin to pass on.

At least wine shopping was easy, my selection was not vast, actually very slim. New favorites are the Cabernet Franc, Lemberger (Blaufrankisch) and Syrah's from the Finger Lakes. What an exciting year this has been for Why Wine Blog and for me personally in my quest to further my knowledge of wine. was afraid to open them.

Without them, and the many specialty wine shops that sell their wines, this wine lover’s glass would be half empty. dissertation about the political economy of the wine industry in France and the US. Everyone’s looking back! The signal trend highlighted by Jonathan Ray is making pink wine acceptable.

Shirley acted as designated driver for me and two good friends and passed her time in the shops buying Xmas presents while we tasted, compared notes and bought wine. Cab/Sauv, Cab/Franc, Merlot and Gewurztraminer produced a very elegant semi-sweet red wine with lots of very dark plum and black cherry and a velvety smooth finish.

It was going to be a busy day doing some home repairs, many of them caused by me, some shopping and putting some finishing touches on our newly renovated basement. grabbed a small wine glass and opened a dry Cab/Franc Rose' from Anthony Road. Well, Regional Wine Week ended on Saturday for most all those participating, except me.

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?

In addition to a beautiful Retail Shop, the campus has a 30 room luxury inn and 125-seat restaurant. Every Friday and Saturday after work, a few friends and I visit our favorite lounge for some great food off the bar menu and to down a few glasses(maybe more than a few) of wine. Finally, he has listened to his dad. At that price. Great Buy!

Since then I have found the wines sold separately at various wine shops and recently, we found their Chianti. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. The gift pack wasn't what sold Shirley and I on the purchase, it was the label. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table. for $11.

SIPPED: Binge shopping. Annual wine sales at big box stores in France bring out “legions&# of consumers. SPIT: Bling champagne. An unnamed source cites declines of 50-85% in champagne sales with pricey stuff hit hardest. The story by Alice Feiring in this weekend’s WSJ. magazine also suggest price wars may be imminent.

Shirley also had a blast in the gift shop. was impressed with all the Rieslings and the Martini-Reinhardt Cabernet Franc. Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. We did not taste any wines here, but the gift shop was fabulous. mean Damn! mean O sh*t.

took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. Unfortunately, I found only one, besides another Anthony Road Vinyards 2008 semi-dry Riesling which I already have in the cooler. Winner of the New York Wine and Food Classics's 'Governor's Cup.' I Don't Like Sugar."

dropped into a local shop this week and during a conversation with the shop owner I had asked if he had any wines from Oregon. Sometimes you just get lucky when searching out a wine. He did. He actually had one. It was a Pinot Noir. have had some really nice Pinot's from Oregon before, but they were a bit pricey. Pricey, but good.

Today was a shopping day with Shirley. We did the Home Depot, BJ's, Best Buy, Panera for lunch, two grocery stores and one Mom and Pop wine shop. The 'honey do' list at home was longer. Back to my day job tomorrow. Should I take one from South Africa or a Bonterra organic from California? made the right choice. And It's Organic!

listed this stop because of referals from friends and wine shops, a great web-site and a Bistro that was, unfortunately, not open on Mondays. There I tasted more reds and found an interesting blend 'Viridescens', a bordeaux style blend of Cab Franc, Cab/Sauv and Merlot. was impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc.

But I didn’t want to taste them alone so I proposed to Daniel Posner that we could taste them together at his handsome new shop in North White Plains, NY. What does a 62 point wine taste like? Not that I follow scores for wine very much, but a 62 pointer? Man, that had to suck. accepted. Was it inferior? Not to any of us.

To kill time I visit or window shop the shops at the station and sometimes get awful lucky by finding a great deal. This past week-end was one of those days and that great deal was in a wine shop. One of the most difficult time's I have on a short vacation is waiting for the train to take me home. Aromas are light and pleasant.

I really enjoy shopping for wine and finding one that I never tried and end up putting it on my list of must have wines. bought this wine because it was sitting next to the Kim Crawford I was looking for and I always try to buy something new when in a wine shop. Today, I stopped in to buy a Sauvignon Blanc for the evening. Great Buy!

Then I got this email the other day from America's Wine Shop , advertising the 2005 Latour a Pomerol for $35. Latour a Pomerol is roughly 20 acres of gravel interspersed by loam and clay, planted 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc, with an average age of 35 years. Tags: Cellar Selection France Bordeaux 3 stars 2005

Today, I found a bottle of Eclipse 2004 on the shelf of a local Mom and Pop shop and decided I should give it a try. The wine is a bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but more of a medium body and a bit fruity. After that, I basically stayed with my favorite European red wines.

always appreciated wine, but it was a 1995 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel that hooked me when I was working as a stock boy in a fancy wine and cheese shop during college. Nathless all, That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm Could store, shall now be matter of my song. Wooden crosses line the road, where, I presume, luckless travelers have fallen.

The family-owned winery produced its first vintage in 2004, and the cabernet franc and meritage are quite notable for its young age. Frommer's Finds Damiani Yesterday I got fooled when I visited one of my favorite shops to discuss wine tasting events to be held at my son's Lounge. This is one to watch. Or drink.”

Simon Staples of Berry Bros & Rudd, a patrician wine shop in London, has an estimate in today’s NYT on the actual cost to make a bottle of Lafite, which sells for about $500 retail ( find this wine ). But according to a fascinating exposé in the Revue de Vin de France, even the expensive way to make wine is wildly profitable.

But last week I participated in a Wine and Spirits tasting of wines from the South of France. Why do his wines appear on none of your blogs, in none of your retail shops, and why have I never heard you talk about him? In October I went to the Domaine Select Wine Estates Grand Portfolio Tasting. Remy de Provence. loved this wine! C'mon.speak

Imagine a customer with no prior knowledge of New York wines - what must happen for that customer to decide to purchase an $18 or $26 bottle of Long Island Cabernet Franc? In my last post about the Governor's proposal to allow grocery stores to sell wine, I didn't discuss New York wine producers. don't know though.if

You can never have enough Champagne, and New Year's Eve is the opportunity to open your best bottle of the bubbly lying around, so in light of our house arrest we opened a bottle of Dom Perignon 1996 * the very same I purchased from a duty free shop in Puerto Rico some years ago. Tags: Cellar Selection France 1996 Champagne 4 stars

And then I went shopping. Yes, in this economy I went to Chambers Street in Tribeca and went shopping. There is a goregous cabernet franc-ness and underneath is a pure and simple plum. And then I went shopping. Yes, in this economy I went to Chambers Street in Tribeca and went shopping. » Wine of the Year!

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.

Everyone is shopping for someone (and a little for themselves…don’t lie…you know who you are) braving the crowds and the cold to find that perfect gift. People have been coming into the shop as of late wondering what to do about certain situations. And within this pocket of holiday shopping I would slip in Southern French wine.

This is a good value and should be requested at your local shop. From France we have an Ermitage du Pic St Loup * from the Coteaux du Languedoc.    " A standard Pic St. I have two Italian and two French reds on the table tonight. The Belpoggio "Stupor Mundi" Rosso Piceno 2006 ** is a 12.5% Check him out. nice pizza wine, not much more.

And ever since I banned people from getting wines at the closest store to our venue, a store that seems to specialize in unearthing wines that have been stored next to the boiler for several winters, the quality of the wines has risen tremendously and people really have a lot of run exploring the wine shops of the city. It is an assignment!

Unfortunately, there weren't any places to go wine shopping except the Mega store, pictured below, which mostly stocked non-vintage (NV) Chilean blends and big fruity wines, and some generally un-noteworthy French and Spanish table wines. Mexico is a difficult place to find a good bottle of wine. drink beer.  2004 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux.

While there are many silly (separate entrances for separate licenses) and annoying (not being able to to sell cheese in a wine shop nor wine in a food shop) aspects of New York wine retail laws, the free tasting is a definite boon for consumers. Here’s my map of my favorite NYC wine shops Pira, G. Mascarello, G.

France? Maybe it's one of those things were they just buy it for there store or wine shop to be diverse or for their restaurant because they are Greek. When you think of wine what parts of the world come to mind first? Italy? California? Maybe Argentina or Spain? What about Greece? Wait a second Keith.Greece? Yes, ladies and gentlemen.

This was a casual challenge in a wine shop in Paris pitting French and California wine against each other in a blind tasting to see whose was better. 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." This, "is what Kevin Kelley calls a ‘perfect storm'."

Pascaline, a sommelier in France who is very influenced by the vin naturel movement, has been setting up a wine list here in New York City and is required to put U.S. In France Demeter means something! Thats when I realized that most of the wine in this country is actually what would be called negociant wine in France. Stunned.

Since we all do no live in Chateaus in France with wine caves, or have enough money to build custom wine cellars in our home, the best most of us can do is a wine fridge. Happy wine collection shopping!!! I received an email today from a new friend asking whether or not I thought he should purchase a wine fridge. Kidding! Until then.

The Puzelats grow Pinot Noir, Gamay, Côt (called Malbec in Argentina), Bréton (called Cabernet Franc in the film Sideways ), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris (called Pinot Grigio in Italy), and the rarely seen Pineau D'Aunis and Menu Pineau (called Arbois in the Jura). They buzz with energy, some say "wildness." Everything is good.

My wife and François were vibing and getting deep about education in France versus The US and I kind of faded away thinking of what just happened. If you come to the shop you'll notice it's my new word for 2008) and conforming. Yes, a rose. And it was good. It is vegetarian and vegan friendly and I love them for it. Yeah that's me.

If you're in France, for example, and you exchange $100, you walk away with only 65 Euro, and that's before commissions and fees. Reds: 2006 Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Pif, $14, Louis/Dressner Selections (blend of old vines Malbec, young Cabernet Franc). decided to also ask someone at a respected store that I don't usually shop in.

2005 was a very good year in Savennières, as it was in most of France. So I scoured the NYC shops until I found one selling Laureau's wine - Vestry Wines in TriBeCa. Sometimes I can hang out in a familiar place and never look in a certain corner of the room. And then it becomes a habit not to look in that direction. Probably is.

Relative to other wine producing regions (think California or France) this is still a very reasonable price point, but to be completely honest none of these wines get me too excited. Happy kosher Passover wine shopping! am not going to go into ALL kosher wines but I will discuss where my passion lay, Israeli wines. Galil Mountain.

In case you're not familiar with Jenny & Francois , they import natural wines from all over France, from heavy hitters like Burgundy to unsung heroes like the Côtes de Duras (just northeast of Bordeaux, and considered Southwest France). Maybe it's just odd wine making. Maybe a bit of both. But I liked these wines at this tasting.

At the shop the question is often,"Do you guys have any Malbec?" had been learning all I could about French wine and because my blog focused on wines under twenty bucks my travels through the country via New York City wine shops eventually took me to Cahors. And there is a reason I am focusing on how it was and is being made in France.

When I was thinking about writing this post I asked Bert of Wine Terroirs for his thoughts about Pineau des Charentes, and this is what he said: I'm not speaking for the whole of France but I think it's quite objective to say that Pineau des Charentes is quite out of fashion. What on earth are you thinking, pal?!? Try and see what you think

want to talk about a wine that we just entered into our inventory at the shop. If you come into the shop and check this bottle out you will enjoy the wine with reckless abandon. wonder if this is when garnacha was introduced to France as Grenache? And yes it is Spanish. get this.seven bucks (a little over eight with tax).

With that being said I would like to talk about a wine we have at the shop that is truly unique and shines with individual expression. From the cab they make still wine (what we have in our shop), an Italian-style grappa and a brandy (very reminiscent of what started the viticulture of South Africa). Let's talk South Africa. Wrong!

So if anyone that is reading this has been into the shop and supported us thank you very much. But there are a couple of other general areas of France that make great wine and are a bit off the radar.for now. The two most affordable wine regions you will see in a shop are from the Rhone Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon. Cheers

Last time I checked, there werent any manipulations going on over at Benjamin Lerouxs little shop in Pommard, and I dont think its happening in my lifetime. home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Come to a Reading? Main | Hearty Burgundy at Sanford? Do check it out. Yin and yang, right? Tell us!

He also tasted a red wine, one from what must be the newest appellation in France, the Côte de Coucherais. Jeff at The Good Grape was the victim of wine-salesperson-rage and was forced to grab a random bottle and flee his local shop. There are lots of things that I like about this edition of Wine Blogging Wednesday. hear that.

Could be our small sample, but this reiterated for me that France continues to make some of the finest under $15 wine in the world. The 2006 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny , ($14 at Prospect Wine Shop and readily available at other stores) received 5 out of 7 first place votes! Why Sauvignon Blanc this time around? Another time.

The SLA (State liquor Authority) hearing for the shop is coming quick so we have been working double overtime to get all the demographic research together for the judges. don't know much about viognier other than it is native to the Rhone area of France and became popular for a minute in the US and then dropped off a bit. Pretty cool.

For red wine Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and the obscure Pineau d'Aunis are allowed. This is a top-top highest recommendation wine for me - check it out if your shop carries it I don't usually like to make pronouncements because it's just too easy to be wrong or to change my mind. It costs $13.50

It's from Gascony in the south west of France, the region of Madiran and Jurancon. Domaine des Cassagnoles VDP des Cotes de Gascogne , $10 ( Prospect Wine Shop ). Amy, the always helpful and deeply knowledgeable manager of Prospect Wine Shop in Park Slope recommended this wine. It gained weight and complexity overnight.

thought it would be nice to try a Bierzo, made from the Mencia grape, the older uncle of my beloved Cabernet Franc. usually don't like $10 red wine - all too often it's like a bull in a china shop. Wine Blogging Wednesday is here again, and this month's theme is Spanish Wines Under $10. Under $10, huh? Creamy, salty, YUM. Me cynical?

Beaujolais Nouveau, the sweet and pleasant kool-aid with a kick that is so celebrated in France - that is not what I will be tasting and discussing. Our crew drained the bottle over lunch, while the next one still had about a glass and a half remaining when we closed up shop. First time checking out the Beaujolais Challenge?

Dark purple colored and a little murky, this wine smelled like a flower shop, with smoky spices too. NV Renerdat-Fache Bugey Cerdon Demi-sec Petillant , $16 - this is a low alcohol (~7.5%) effervescent rose colored wine from Bugey in eastern France. 2005 Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Cabernet Franc , $13. Impossible in this venue.

No excuse to miss this one, as you can participate starting tonight, Friday night, and/or Saturday afternoon, depending on which wine shop you want to go to: Thursday March 22 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Crush Wine and Spirits. Saturday March 24 from 1:00 - 7:00 PM at Chambers Street Wines. Pinot Days , April 28-29, $50, more for special tastings.

But the dominant red grape in the Loire Valley, the grape that is used to craft the finest of its red wines is Cabernet Franc, known there as Breton. The top cuvees crafted by the stronger producers can compete favorably with wines from the right bank of Bordeaux, those that rely heavily on Cabernet Franc. And yet, so enjoyable.

[link] I go into a wine shop I often pass by the California, Washington and Oregon sections just because I am always on the lookout for some old school obscure grape that I have never heard of before. Also every time I talk about a wine it is usually available at one or two of the local NYC wine shops. And more often than not.or

Here we are thirty or forty years later and they are winning awards and being seen more and more in wine shops and wine bars across the country. People actually thought it was a strand or relative of the cab franc grape and maybe that is why they just ignored it. Oh it's just a cab franc in a bad area. Enter the renaissance.

This was over a year ago, and we liked the wine enough that we bought 3 bottles for our "cellar" at Prospect Wine Shop. really liked it though, and I imagine that it is amongst the best such Cabernet Franc wines of the Loire Valley. I find it hard to share notes about every wine that I enjoy. 2001 Palacios Remondo Rioja Propiedad H.

great value at this price and drinking well right now, this is one of 3 bottles that I brought home from France. If you are interested in trying to find wines from Pernand Vergelesses, any shop that carries a good Burgundy selection should have something. Last night's wine sure was good. Let's see wha t else they have to offer.

I popped into a wine shop the other day in sort of a hurry. So the mayor created indoor markets so the vendors could permanently set up shop. There are a couple of serious cheese mongers in there as well as a kosher wine shop, a barber shop a tailor and a restaurant. This place is amazing. Ok, back to the point. Cheers