More than any other time of year, the holiday season is the time for bubbly. The challenge is the terminology around sparkling wine can be confusing. For example, and bubbly labeled “Extra Dry” is actually sweeter than one labeled “Brut”, which is the standard for dryness in sparkling wine. And since retailers are heavily…
T.G.I.F. Champagne and the like…2008 Raventos i blanc Cava L’Hereu Reserva Brut
For this week’s sparkler it’s back to what’s becoming a favorite of mine, Cava. Unlike Champagne, Cava isn’t from a particular region, rather it’s a term used for Spanish sparklers made in the traditional method (known as Méthode Champenoise) used in France. While there are some other regions in Spain that also make Cava, about 95%…
Wine Words Demystified: Body
What does the wine descriptor “body” mean
Top 10 Sparkling Wines Under $20 Redux
Just in time for the holidays! Top 10 Sparkling Wines Under $20
Wine Words Demystified – Legs
What does the term “legs” mean, and is it an indicator of the quality of the wine?
Along The Napa Sparkling Wine Trail – Domaine Carneros
We recently took to an overnight trip up to Napa. On our agenda? Make our last stop along the Napa Sparkling Wine Trail – in our case Domaine Carneros. If you’re not familiar with the “Napa Sparkling Wine Trail“, it’s composed of five sparkling wine houses in the Carneros and Napa Valley areas. They are…
Wine Words Demystified – Complex
I’m introducing a new feature – Wine Words Demystified. You know the deal, the more some folks learn about a topic, the more shortcuts/slang/acronyms/initials can be tossed around. I’m here to help you understand those sometimes mysterious words and phrases. This week’s word is complex According to Karen MacNeil‘s The Wine Bible: Describes a multifaceted wine…
Along The Napa Sparkling Wine Trail – Mumm Napa
Mumm Napa is one of five sparkling wine producers in the Napa Valley and Carneros, that aside from Mumm, includes Gloria Ferrer, Domaine Carneros, Chandon, and Schramsberg. The five compose the Sparkling Wine Trail. Each has its own charm, and they all have wonderful sparkling wines. I’ve previously visited Gloria Ferrer (wonderful Chateau in beautiful Carneros), Chandon…
Wine Words Demystified – Terroir
I’m introducing a new feature – Wine Words Demystified. You know the deal, the more some folks learn about a topic, the more shortcuts/slang/acronyms/initials can be tossed around. I’m here to help you understand those sometimes mysterious words and phrases. My first word is terroir (to hear pronunciation click here). According to Karen MacNeil’s The Wine Bible:…
What’s The Difference Between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?
I was having scallops for lunch the other day, and was in the mood for something other than Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. I looked at the wine list and decided on the, Bottega Vinaia Pinot Gris Trentino. It was a very good wine – Nice tropical, apple aromas, medium bodied with a tropical/apple/vanilla flavors. When I…