Like flowers, rosé wines are starting to bloom. Yes, it is the season, and producers know that there has been a growing demand. I’ve tasted some really good stuff, but the prices are rising.
Read More
Many years ago, my great-aunt asked me to go through her liquor cabinet.
In addition to the usual suspects — Chivas, kirsch, schnapps and Bailey’s — I found several bottles of Moët et Chandon Brut Imperial, a nonvintage Champagne, with aged labels. She told me they were left over from her son’s bar mitzvah, which had occurred during the Kennedy administration. At the time of this discovery, President Bill Clinton was in his first term.
Read More
Few things make me as happy as Mosel riesling from Germany. Days when both the Giants and Mets win, Messi scores more goals than Ronaldo, or a Hepburn and Tracy movie is on TMC come pretty close. But when it comes to imbibing, the Mosel region’s light-bodied, high-acid, low-alcohol, floral, minerally and fruity wines make everything seem right with the world — even if it might be falling apart right outside my window.
Read More
Portugal is a small country, but it is the 10th largest wine producer in the world. There are 14 wine regions and 30 or so indigenous grape varietals that are used to make table wines. In spite of its diversity, the one region that has consistently made high-quality wines — at least since I’ve been in the biz — is Dão.
Read More
Valentine’s Day is probably the most “Hallmark” of holidays, but even if you are not a believer, having a bottle of sparkling wine on hand is not a bad idea. You don’t have to go all out and buy French Champagne, but make sure you find something you will enjoy.
Heeding a few tips will make your experience better. First, don’t buy wine just because it has a pretty package. I don’t have scientific proof, but frou-frou often means mediocrity.
Read More
Like many, I usually drink beer when I watch the Super Bowl. That is my beverage of choice when it comes to most sporting events, whether I’m at the stadium or watching at home. However, there are wines that go pretty well with the hodgepodge that is the Super Bowl smorgasbord, so there is no reason to be left behind during the big game.
Read More
Washington contains more cabernet sauvignon and merlot vines than any state besides California. And like California cabs, most Washington cabs are fruit-forward, but to a different degree.
Read More
Ten years ago, people were just starting to get used to the idea of premium wines with screw caps. Now, wine on tap has pushed things further as many top producers are now selling wine in kegs, often to very good restaurants.
You might wonder, what’s the rub?
Read More
If there is a time of year to drink port, it is right now.
Made in the Douro region of Portugal, port wine has been a hot commodity for centuries. The British have played a major role in its production and evolution, as indicated by brand names such as Graham’s, Churchill’s and Taylor.
Native producers have been equally important, as have other foreigners such as Dutchman Dirk Niepoort.
Read More
With the holidays over and big credit card bills about to arrive, let’s talk about how to get you through the throes of January — including a sneak peek into topics I expect to cover in the next few months.
Read More
URL: http://www.sfexaminer.com/taxonomy/term/3172
