Wine challenges 3-13-2024

While wine has been an integral part of civilization for at least 8,000 years, it also is subject to the waxes and wanes of fashion. What is rad and fav today can be tomorrow’s meh. Think merlot. Think white zinfandel. Think Milli Vanilli. Continue reading “Wine challenges 3-13-2024”

Wine glut 2-14-2024

Wine has enjoyed quite a run. Consumption up for decades. Quality up—the best in the 8,000 year history of wine. Availability up, thanks in no small part to elimination of antediluvian restrictions on direct-to-consumer wine sales. Continue reading “Wine glut 2-14-2024”

Scientific proof of terroir 1-31-2024

Terroir is that baffling French term you often encounter with wine. There is another French term that sums up the meaning of terroir—je ne sais quoi [something that cannot be fully described or expressed]. Continue reading “Scientific proof of terroir 1-31-2024”

Old Vines 1-24-2024

You likely have seen the description “old vine” on a wine label. What exactly does that mean and is it important? Continue reading “Old Vines 1-24-2024”

Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Southern Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand 2022

Pale straw color; lemon-lime, peach—stone fruits, passion fruit, white flowers, mowed grass, minerality on the nose and palate. Continue reading “Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Southern Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand 2022”

Qvevri 11-29-2023

It seems inevitable. Whatever is “in” eventually will be “out.” Whatever is out eventually will be the next big thing. In the wine world, orange/amber wine and qvevri are examples. Continue reading “Qvevri 11-29-2023”