Wine Words Demystified: Botrytis

You know the deal, the more some folks learn about a topic, the more shortcuts/slang/acronyms/initials/technical jargon can be tossed around.  I’m here to help you understand those sometimes mysterious words and phrases, thus – Wine Words Demystified! This week’s word/phrase is Botrytis According to Karen MacNeil‘s The Wine Bible: A beneficial fungus, also known as noble rot, which is necessary to…

Wine Of The Week – 2001 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Crianza Viña Gravonia

My wine of the week for March 10-16 is the 2001 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Crianza Viña Gravonia.  Man that’s a long name!  If you’re not familiar with Spanish, let me break it down for you – “Rioja Blanco” means White wine from Rioja – “Crianza” refers to how long the wine is aged…

T.G.I.F. Champagne And The Like…NV Nicolas Feuillatte “Blue Label” Brut Champagne

Have you ever wondered what’s the best-selling brand of Champagne in France?  Sure, all the big names in Champagne are there, but I’m thinking the average middle-class French consumer doesn’t have the coin for Moet and Mumm on a regular basis.   The answer is the maker of this week’s bubbly, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.  Feuillatte…

Wine Of The Week – Core Wine Company 2007 “Hard Core”

My wine of the week for March 3-9 is the Core Wine Company 2007 “Hard Core.  It’s an interesting, and oh so tasty blend of the three main Rhône varietals, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvédre, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s not a blend you’ll find everyday, and Core hit a home-run with this one! Core Wine Co. is…

Wine Of The Week – 2007 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

My wine of the week for February 25th to March 2nd was a no-brainer for my wine of the week. Last Saturday was Open That Bottle Night, an event held annually, the last Saturday in February. According to the organizers: Every year since 2000, on a special Saturday night in February, friends, couples and groups around…