Category Archives: Wine Type

Contratto: Excellent Vermouths from the Piedmont

Posted on November 24, 2021 by don

Made from 19th century recipes, the Contratto Vermouth and Vermouth-like aperitifs are some of the most appealing we’ve tasted. While often used as a base for cocktails, they’re also delicious by themselves over ice with a twist of citrus. The … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving 2021: Enjoy the Best of American Sparkling Rosés

Posted on November 13, 2021 by don

There is nothing better than sparkling rosé to pair with the variety of dishes of the traditional Thanksgiving meal.  The 15 wines listed below are the best of the American and Canadian sparkling rosés that we tasted earlier this year. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Countries and Regions, Oregon, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Virginia, Wine Type | Leave a comment

The 2019 Testarossa Chardonnays from Central California’s Premium Vineyards

Posted on October 31, 2021 by don

It seems like ages since we tasted with Diana and Rob Jensen at their winery in Los Gatos, but then almost everything pre-Covid seems to have happened a long time ago.  We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to again … Continue reading →

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Stellar Values in California Chardonnay from Sonoma County

Posted on October 29, 2021 by don

Modern California Chardonnay is some of the best in the world. It’s fresh, balanced, often elegant and nothing like the too-ripe, oaky, buttery wines of the past.  But the best single vineyard Chardonnays can be expensive (>$50), and the inexpensive … Continue reading →

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Cathy Corison’s Elegant Cabernet Sauvignons from the Special 2018 Vintage

Posted on October 27, 2021 by don

Cathy Corison makes some of the Napa Valley’s most elegant and refined Cabernet Sauvignons.  In this article we review her wines from the cool, long-ripening 2018 vintage, including the still to be released wine from the special, old vine Kronos … Continue reading →

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Wine Art Estate: Creative Winemaking in Macedonia, Greece

Posted on October 25, 2021 by mike

Wine Art Estate is a boutique winery established  in 1993 in Drama by Yannis Papadopulous and Yannis Kalaizidis.  Drama is located in a landlocked area bordering Bulgaria in the northern half of east Macedonia (see map below).  While neglected as … Continue reading →

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The Wines of Aivalis of Nemea

Posted on October 7, 2021 by don

Aivalis is a small artisanal winery  in Nemea, a tiny  appellation in the Peloponnese of Greece.   Established in 1997 by Hristos  Aivalis  (pictured left with his son Sotiri) produces some of the finest Agiorgitiko  in Greece today and is  a … Continue reading →

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Ernest Hemingway, Pliny the Elder, Julia Child, Pope John XXIII & Others on Wine

Posted on October 2, 2021 by don

Our favorite is from Ernest Hemingway: “As I ate the oyster with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and … Continue reading →

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Dinner and Wine at Primo on Maine’s Atlantic Coast

Posted on October 1, 2021 by don

Primo is the creation of Melissa Kelly, the first 2-time winner of the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: North East which she garnered in 1999 and 2013.  This magnificent restaurant is located in Rockland, Maine, close to where we recently … Continue reading →

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Bodegas Ochoa of Navarra: Current Releases

Posted on September 27, 2021 by don

Bodegas Ochoa is a family run firm located in Olite, Ribera Alta, the center of the D.O. Navarra, and the ancient capital of the kingdom of Navarra. The Ochoa family has a long history of winemaking in Navarra; documents record … Continue reading →

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