Category Archives: Countries and Regions

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 →

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Dutton Goldfield Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Excellent 2018 Vintage

Posted on February 12, 2021 by don

Northern California’s 2018 vintage was typical of vintages two decades ago. Summer temperatures were moderate, and harvest was 2-3 weeks later than recent years with long, slow maturation.  As a result, the 2018 vintage wines are phenolically ripe and superbly … Continue reading →

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Paul Lato Wines: Artisanal Winemaking at its Best

Posted on February 3, 2021 by don

Paul Lato is one of Santa Barbara’s finest artisanal winemakers.  Since 2002, he has been crafting outstanding wines from grapes sourced from some of the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County.  To his good fortune, Paul was discovered early in … Continue reading →

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The Organic Wines of BARRA of Mendocino

Posted on February 3, 2021 by don

The son of grape growing, Italian immigrants from the Piedmont, Charlie Barra purchased 175 acres of vineyard land in Redwood Valley at the headwaters of the Russian River in the rolling foothills of Mendocino County [see map below] in 1955.  … Continue reading →

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Red Blends from Portugal’s Alentejo Region

Posted on February 1, 2021 by don

Alentejo is Portugal’s largest region, extending from the Tagus River in the north to the Algarve in the south.   As a region, it is both scenic and historic.  Predominantly located inland, it is also hot, dry, and sparsely populated. It … Continue reading →

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Wines from Château du Moulin a Vent and Domaine du Roc des Boutires

Posted on January 27, 2021 by don

The Parinet family purchased the iconic Château du Moulin a Vent in 2009 and began the process of rebuilding its reputation. In 2016, the family extended is operation to the Mâcon, where it purchased the Domaine du Roc des Boutires … Continue reading →

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Gary Farrell Vineyard: Outstanding New Releases from Winemaker Theresa Heredia

Posted on January 24, 2021 by don

We’ve been tasting and reviewing Gary Farrell Vineyard wines since before Theresa Heredia joined as winemaker in 2012, and we’ve been tasting Theresa’s wines since her time at Joseph Phelps’ Freestone Vineyards on the Sonoma Coast.  We’ve consistently admired Theresa’s … Continue reading →

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Authentic Wines from the Indigenous Grapes of Sicily and Southern Italy

Posted on January 21, 2021 by don

Italy has many indigenous red grape varieties used for making wine including several lesser known ones in Sicily, Campania, and Molise reviewed here: Perricone, Corinto Nero, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Tintilia, and Aglianico.  These are wines of character and a … Continue reading →

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Great Godello from Galicia

Posted on January 18, 2021 by don

Once relegated to wine history’s dustbin, Godello has been resuscitated in its Galician homeland and is slowly gaining fame as Spain’s best full-bodied white, often  compared to Chenin Blanc, but when oak-aged it also bears a semblance to white Burgundy. … Continue reading →

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