Up until recently California’s Central Coast has suffered from what some would call “an identity crisis”. This was largely because a small number of large producers used the area as a source for a vast quantity of uninspiring, inexpensive wine. It was also a region that large Sonoma and Napa producers used as a grape…
Most of you know me as an advocate for the wines of Alsace when it comes to riesling, but even I have to admit that Germany produces some stunning rieslings. Germany has recently been blessed with a string of good vintages, it seems that year after year German vintners are having great success in making…
South African wines have been on my mind lately, although this isn’t the first time. Last year I wrote about the subject while the World Cup was going on there. At the time I focused on the impact of French Huguenot immigrants to the young and immature Dutch Cape Colony wine industry. I didn’t really…
Beginning this week we will begin a new program in which we will produce two offers each month of cellar-quality wines–but only to people who sign up for the Collectors Corner email – a special list for people who are interested in special wines. The list is called ‘Collector’s Corner’ and it will feature limited,…
I have been taunting my hoppy colleague, Tim for quite some time about the ‘overuse’ of hops (particularly in American brews). Playing devil’s advocate, I’ve compared their use with the excessive use of oak in the wine world. My suggestion wasn’t merely a simple taunt. I was (and remain) curious over the role of hops…
Wine is personal. I’ve always maintained this, and, despite what we wine professionals tell you, wine is often more subjective than objective. Much of this has to do with how we relate to wine. Some of my fondest wine memories are inextricably linked to people and places that I care deeply about. It’s amazing how…
My fellow colleagues-in-wine and I are always discussing, debating, and arguing about hot wine topics. Sometimes it’s about oak, over-extraction of fruit, old world v. new world, and of course…terroir. We also discuss what makes a wine good and what sells, and we often find that the good wines don’t sell. A couple weeks ago,…
This recipe comes to us from Iberian Wines importer Gary Kline. He calls it his ‘kick ass’ sangria recipe… 1 btl (750ml) Sierra de Viento Tempranillo 1 oz Bacardi Limon Rum 1 oz Gin (good stuff) 1 oz Cointreau 1 oz Cognac 16 oz Orange Juice 12 oz ginger ale 1 Orange…Cut skin off 1…
I have been surprised by Spain once again. When it comes to Old World wines, Spanish wines often take a back seat to those of France and Italy. That is changing as more and more consumers realize what Spain has to offer. Most are familiar with Rioja and they may have heard of or tasted…
Nic discusses Givry. Priced at $19.99. Watch the video and enjoy!
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