A Rut-Buster White Wine from Greece – Assyrtiko

The beginning of school is around the corner, and sadly, summer is winding down.  Isn’t it time to break out of the Chardonnay, Blanc, and Pinot Grigio rut? Are you dreaming of something other than the staycation?  How about a virtual trip to Greece?  A refreshingly different wine from the Greek Island of Santorini, Assyrtiko will…

How Wine Is Made – Sometimes Words Get In The Way

If you’ve ever wondered how wine is made, but for whatever reason haven’t picked up a book to read about it, then this one’s for you!

T.G.I.F. Champagne and the like – Gruet Brut Rose Sparkling Wine

As Gomer Pyle would say “SUprise, SUprise – a sparkler from New Mexico!  Gruet makes both Vintage, and Non-Vintage sparkling wine, and still wines. A family who previously made Champagne in France established it.  While traveling through the Southwest in 1983, they fell in love with New Mexico and decided to produce sparkling wine here…

What Are Livermore Valley Wines Lacking?

Almost each night, I have the pleasure of selecting a wine for the evening.  It’s mostly based on the meal.  Last night, dinner was Filipino-Style Marinated Grilled Steak, and I was in the mood for a red.  I decided on the 2008 Steven Kent Fratello, a juicy blend of Barbera, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.  …