A Taste of Bodegas El Coto Rioja

These easy drinking wines offer terrific quality for the price, and would be welcome at in my glass and at my table anytime! The Rioja region in Spain was my initial foray beyond the realm of local California wines, and it remains a cherished favorite. I’ve consistently admired the remarkable quality-to-price ratio that Rioja wines…

Wine of the Week: 2016 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva

More often than not, my WOTW is a wine that I’m crushing on because of its combination of structure, deliciousness and food friendliness. Sometimes, I chose a WOTW based on the aforementioned factors, and because the wine evokes memorable experience the for one reason or another. That’s the case with the 2016 La Rioja Alta…

Wine of the Week: 2011 Ridge Petit Verdot Torre Ranch

This week’s Wine of the Week is a cellar selection that’s been resting peacefully my cellar since 2014. According the Ridge, 2011 is the first time Ridge bottled Petit Verdot as a mono-varietal wine. (Note: Ridge also bottled Petit Verdot as a mono-varietal wine in 2012, but none since then) Bottle note: “For twenty-one of…

Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Crimson + Smoked Portobello Mushroom Burgers #WorldWineTravel

This month the World Wine Travel bloggers begin our exploration of New Zealand wines. For the uninitiated, I provided an overview of New Zealand wine in our invitation post. Martinborough Wine Region Our first stop in New Zealand is Martinborough! It is located in the southern part of New Zealand’s North Island about 55 kilometers (35…

Pewsey Vale – Eden Valley’s Original Riesling Monopole #WorldWineTravel

South Australia is the historic heart of Australian wine, home to some of the most famous regions, best-known wineries and oldest vines in the country. Australian Wine.com This month the World Wine Travel group of bloggers, who explore the world virtually through wine, virtually travels to South Australia as part of our 2022 exploration of…

Wine of the Day: 2016 Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas Secretum

This unique wine crafted from the indigenous Portuguese Arinto grape variety, is a distinctive wine that has me craving it with Lobster Ravioli! My tasting notes follow: Color – Very pale straw yellow Aromas – Very appealing Meyer lemon, ripe peach, sandalwood, and a hint of petrichor aromas Body – Full-bodied, complex and harmonious with vibrant…

A Taste of Lirac – Rhone’s Undiscovered Cru

If you like Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but are looking for great value, look no further than Lirac! They are most certainly wines worth seeking out! Disclosure: The wines in this post were provided as a samples. No other payments were involved and all opinions expressed are my own. About Lirac It’s located just across the  Rhône river from the…

Wine of the Day: 2015 Markus Wine Co. Zietlos Red Blend

This is an alluring, suave, and harmonious wine that is emblematic of outstanding wines being crafted in the Lodi AVA This wine is a  predominately a blend of Syrah and Viognier  from the Borra Vineyards Gill Creek Ranch that were picked on the same day and co-fermented in the Northern Rhône tradition.  Old vine Carignan  and Petite Sirah from the…

Wine of the Day: 2017 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorëns

An elegant, dry classically style Rhone Rose that delivers high QPR! Sourced from biodynamically grown grapes from vineyards are situated on the right bank of the Rhône. with alluvial soils: limestone, sand, pebbles and clay Color – Pale pink red Aromas – Cherries, strawberries, dried roses, and dried herbs with a hint of white peaches Body…

Grower Champagne From The Chalky Slopes Of Avize: Franck Bonville Prestige Brut Blanc de Blancs #Winophiles

Each month the French #Winophiles blogging group explores a particular French wine theme.  Sometimes it’s a notable region whose wines we’d like to explore in-depth; other times it’s more about exploring a grape variety vinified throughout the country.   This month we are exploring grower Champagne. If you’re not familiar with grower Champagne.  Have a look at…