Category Archives: Countries and Regions

Raventós i Blanc: Stunning New Releases

Posted on May 11, 2021 by mike

The house of Josep Raventós i Blanc was established in 1986 in Sant Sadurni d’ Anoia by Josep-Maria Raventós, a break away member of the Codorníu family, with the objective of making Cavas of exceptional quality. Today, Josep’s grandson Pepe … Continue reading →

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Contratto of Alta Langa: An Impressive Showing of Metodo Clasico

Posted on May 10, 2021 by don

Italy makes some of the world’s great sparkling wines.  We’re used to tasting the superb ones coming out of Franciacorta as well as Trento. Now, Piedmont’s Contratto joins this elite group.  Contratto was founded in 1867 by Giuseppe Contratto, making … Continue reading →

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Flowers Winery: New Releases from the Exquisite Terroir of the West Sonoma Coast

Posted on May 3, 2021 by don

Walt and Joan Flowers are among the pioneers of the West Sonoma Coast.  In 1990 when they planted their first vineyard, most winemakers regarded their location near the Pacific as too cold for growing grapes. Time has shown the Flowers … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Rosé, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Priorat’s Vi de la Villa Wine Designation and the Black Slate Village Wines

Posted on May 1, 2021 by mike

Our wine reports and tasting articles show our enthusiasm for the wines of Priorat. ( see IWR Report  #28 The Wines of Priorat)    In this article we discuss the wines of the different growing regions of Priorat and taste … Continue reading →

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The Sordo Barolos from Eight Different Crus

Posted on April 21, 2021 by don

The Azienda Agricola Giovanni Sordo is a family run vineyard with a century long history in Barolo. With 8 vineyards covering 53 hectares in 5 different municipalities, no other winery in Barolo has access to as many crus as does … Continue reading →

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Latest Releases from The Farm Winery in Paso Robles

Posted on April 21, 2021 by don

  The Farm Winery is one of a growing number of boutique wineries in the Paso Robles AVA that are producing limited quantities of outstanding, hand-crafted wines.  The winery is owned and operated by old friends and Stanford Business School … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Countries and Regions, Red Wine, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment

DAOU Vineyards: The Pursuit of Excellence

Posted on March 26, 2021 by don

Daniel Daou and family have created one of California’s leading wineries for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends.  The story is by now well known—born in Lebanon, raised in France, educated at UC San Diego, founded a highly … Continue reading →

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Galicia’s Little Known Red Wines

Posted on March 15, 2021 by don

  Galicia is located in northwest Spain, just north of Portugal and east of the Atlantic Ocean.  It includes five wine appellations (Denominacion de Origen, or D.O.):  Rias Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Monterrei. Red wines are made in … Continue reading →

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Treixadura from Ribeiro in Galicia

Posted on February 25, 2021 by don

Treixadura is a delicate white grape grown mostly in the Ribeiro region of Galicia and in northern Portugal where it’s called Trajadura and is often a component of Vinho Verde.  It’s often used in blends where it contributes fresh aromas … Continue reading →

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High Value Wines from the Southern Cone

Posted on February 17, 2021 by don

Argentina and Chile arguably produce the world’s best value wines priced at $10-$20.  Argentina has, of course, become famous for its Malbec, and Chile for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.  [Chile has more plantings of Cabernet than the US … Continue reading →

Posted in Argentina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chile, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Rosé, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Comments Off on High Value Wines from the Southern Cone