Facebook
-
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License
Latest Headlines
-
Colorado Brewers Dominate the GABF
Posted on October 19, 2009 | 1 CommentThe 28th Great American Beer Festival (GABF) held a few weeks ago at the Colorado Convention Center continued its record setting ways. While most everything else in the economy is contracting, it seems the beer world just keeps expanding. Attendance, volunteers, and the number of breweries, beers on the floor, beers in the competition, and judges all increased over last year! And Colorado dominated the competition with 45 medals won -
Understanding Hunter Valley Semillon
Posted on September 20, 2009 | 1 CommentSemillon “is one of the unsung heroes of white wine production.” So it says in the definitive Oxford Companion to Wine. Unsung presumably because although the grape is widely cultivated, there are very few places where it produces wines of distinction. But where it does those wines can be glorious. -
Dry Creek Valley Dominates Zinfandel Tastings
Posted on August 24, 2009 | 3 CommentsAs my favorite wine, I naturally drink a lot of Zinfandel. One reason is it’s quite versatile with food. The more elegant styles are great with red meat, especially lamb. The more assertive styles easily compliment spicy foods like Italian and Indian. But I really like it with barbecue and grilled meats like burgers, sausage and barbecued chicken. And even chocolate! I mostly love Zinfandel because it captures the essence of exuberance and zest in a glass. -
A Red, White and Rose Summer
Posted on July 19, 2009 | 2 CommentsHotter weather means lighter reds means its time to rediscover Beaujolais. In the heat of the summer, a light, refreshing aromatic white hits the spot much better than a big, buttery Chardonnay. There are many good candidates—Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, and Chenin Blanc. Right now I’m drinking a lot of Pinot Gris (and Pinot Grigio). Pinot Gris. Ironically pink wines are under appreciated in this country while the popularity of blush wines has reinforced the perception that these aren't real wines. Europeans, on the other hand, have known for a long time the joy of drinking a good pink wine. In the heat of the summer, a light, refreshing aromatic white hits the spot much better than a big, buttery Chardonnay. There are many good candidates—Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, and Chenin Blanc. Right now I’m drinking a lot of Pinot Gris (and Pinot Grigio). -
Sauvignon Blanc Emerges from Chardonnay’s Shadow
Posted on June 17, 2009 | 1 Commentong languishing in the shadow of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc - the crisp, refreshing, food-friendly wine with a citrusy, herbaceous character - is better than ever. -
Eco-Friendly Wines
Posted on April 24, 2009 | 2 CommentsThese days wine consumers concerned about the environment find it easier to do their part to reduce the pollution, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption associated with their wine purchases. More wineries and vineyards are employing various sustainable practices every day. These can include organic/biodynamic viticulture and practices that promote social equity, community involvement, energy efficiency, pest management, air quality, water quality and conservation. -
Search Off the Beaten Path to Stretch Your Wine Budget
Posted on February 20, 2009 | 1 CommentTo stretch your wine dollars, look to traditionally lesser-known regions. -
The Temecula Valley
Posted on January 27, 2009 | 2 CommentsThe Temecula Valley is southern California's wine country. The first thing I noticed about the valley was its rather convenient location for tourist visits, being close to the suburban housing developments nearby. It also is just 60 miles northeast of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of LA. If you are taking your kids to nearby Legoland, visiting friends in the area or just want a wine country experience other than Napa and Sonoma, the Temecula Valley is a worthy option. -
Here’s a Toast to the Best of the Rest
Posted on January 3, 2009 | No CommentsWondering what to do with that gift card for your local wine shop? It'll be a nice treat to pick up something really good to save for a special occasion. Red or white, look down this column for some surefire options. These are the best wines I tasted this year that I haven't already reviewed. -
Visit Santa Fe for Great Food (but Don’t Forget Albuquerque)
Posted on December 15, 2008 | No CommentsIf cities have a soul, Santa Fe's soul emanates from its food, a synthesis of its native and Spanish heritage with Western U.S. influences and more recently an appreciation of the variety of the world's cuisines and the importance of the local, organic ethic.
