Expect the unexpected – in wine as in life – that’s my new mantra. Not sure what I was expecting when I poured my first Primitivo from Puglia in southern Italy. Yes, it’s genetically the twin of Zinfandel, the popular California grape variety. But these twins grew up an ocean apart – in different terroir […]
Primitivo: Zin’s not quite identical twin (#ItalianFWT) Read More »
Looking out the window of her family-owned winery to the west, Suzanne Groth, president and CEO of Groth Vineyards & Winery, sees a vineyard dotted by Napa Valley oaks, the trees that give this region its name – Oakville. Oakville, California, is internationally known for its highly prized Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards to Groth’s west
A new white blend from the clay soil of Oakville Read More »
Bordeaux is more than red blends – Sweeeeet! The French Winophiles are sweetening up their tastings in November with some of the sweet white wines produced in Bordeaux, and you’re invited to join us! Check out the posting and chat instructions at the end of this post. Only 2% of the region’s overall wine
Get ready for the sweet side of Bordeaux (#Winophiles) Read More »
Maybe the Jura wine region of eastern France appeals to me because it’s remote. Located in a narrow valley between Burgundy and Switzerland, the region has developed its own winemaking practices in isolation from outside influences. Or maybe the threat of spring and autumn frosts explains why Jura winemaking is so thrilling to imagine. The
Back to the Jura (virtually), for Crémant this time around (#Winophiles) Read More »
Hooray for Merlot! Frankly, I never understood why Paul Giamatti maligned Merlot in the film “Sideways.” Even before I was seriously into wine, I loved the plummy, chocolate aromas and smooth, round mouthfeel of this classic French grape. Now that I live in the Pacific time zone, I’m hoping to visit wineries and vineyards up
Kicking off #MerlotMe in the Pacific time zone (#WinePW) Read More »
