wine
Two ‘Super Tuscans’ pump it up
Bolgheri is an area along the Mediterranean coastline respectfully known as the unconventional territory of Tuscany where reds can be brawny and flex their muscles. …Read More
An Oregon wine from perfect fruit
Pinot Gris is a bit like an unknown relative who can make a very favorable impression once they are allowed to speak. Read More
Another winning wine from Chateau St Jean
Margo Van Staaveren, winemaker from Chateau St Jean Winery in Sonoma Valley, came through Chicago last weekend for the Wine Spectator presentation at Navy Pier. …Read More
An eruption with finesse
This was a relatively obscure grape-growing region in California until a resurgence of interest in this area coupled with increased vineyard plantings and the development of Lake County in the 1960s. Almost a 2 1/2 hour drive north of San Francisco and 1 1/2 hours …
A Cabernet distinctive of Napa Valley
Louis Martini Winery has been in existence for over 80 years and has become an institution and integral part of the Napa Valley landscape. Michael Martini, a third generation winemaker, is very passionate and focused about producing his own distinctive style of Cabernet Sauvignon from …
Not your typical robust California Cabernet
Travel through the corridor of Highway 12 in Northern California and it is likely you will catch a glimpse of the scenic aspects of nature along with some well-known Sonoma Valley wineries. These might include Arrowood, Benzinger, Chateau St. Jean, Landmark and St. Francis Wineries. …
An extraordinary, embraceable wine from Italy
Spring is upon us and we are now entitled to daydream about those warm summer nights outdoors enjoying a glass of white. This might provide the perfect introduction to the crisp white wines from Collio, Italy. Situated in the far northeast corner of Italy, Collio …
A white from one of the most heralded vintages
This 2010 Chateau de Parenchere Blanc is a nice departure from the rather steely grapefruit personality of whites from the Perigord region of France.
A Pinot that captures the heart
Santa Barbara while known for its quaint streets and trendy upscale shops became popularized as a wine-growing region after the movie “Sideways” in 2004. Pinot Noir hit a high note at this point and sales have steadily surged for this once obscure California varietal. Santa …
A ‘family secret’ is revealed in this Chardonnay
The 2009 Albert Bichot “Secret de Famille” Chardonnay originates from the vineyards of Burgundy, France. Its opulent style is reminiscent of California’s north coast.
A broad-shouldered Syrah that entices
Lodi is well known for being the heart and soul of Zinfandel country but it is also home for varietals that thrive in the warm summer sun of this rich delta. This area of California’s Central Valley is just south of the state capital of …
'Super' fruit-driven wine finds loyalists
The personality of Italian wines continues to evolve in the American market with a growing number of IGT wines, better know as “Super Tuscans.” The IGT, Indicazione Geografica Tipica, designation is a wine that represents the typical geographic characteristics of the region where it is …
ZAP 2013 - Three days of loving Zinfandel
Zinfandel enthusiasts converged on the Concourse in San Francisco Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2 for the 22nd presentation of ZAP, Zinfandel Advocates and Producers, in a show of solidarity and loyalty for this age-old grape varietal. This three-day event of Zin flights, tastings and …
A wine as spirited as its maker
Winemaker Carol Shelton has a history of developing Zinfandel wines that reflect her own energetic, fun-loving personality.
Spanish wine features a world blend
The 2010 Zerran is made in Montsant, Spain, a region with many young, ambitious winemakers, dedicated to represent the new, modern Spain in their wines.
French wine with a sense of power
Alsace is a secluded province of France tucked away in the cool northeast corner of the country in close proximity to the German border. France and Germany have exchanged possession of Alsace countless times over the last century with a lasting German influence on its …
A Pinot with plenty of personality
Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford, Calif. has a long legacy of producing finely crafted Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Charlie Wagner purchased 26 acres of vineyards in Napa and along with his wife, Loma Bella Glos Wagner, and young son, Chuck, founded Caymus Vineyards in 1971. …
A Garnacha with roots in the 12th century
Spain’s equivalent of Pinot Noir has been the introduction of Garnacha, also known as Grenache. This wine has gained popularity because of its firm red fruit structure, and is less known for its bright aromatics, as with Pinot Noir. Many believe that the origin of …