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.  …

T.G.I.F. Champagne and the like – 2007 Raventós i Blanc Cava L’Hereu Reserva Brut

After my faith in Spanish Cava was restored by the “2007 Raventós i Blanc L’Hereu Nit” Brut Reserva Cava, I decided to try the non-Rosé version of the same wine this week. The wines are from the same vintage, so the difference between the two is the absence of  red grape, Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) from this wine….