California, epicenter of image, got it wrong with Petite Sirah. Big, bold, black, loaded with tannins—there is nothing petite about Petite Sirah wine. Continue reading “Petite Sirah”
Category: Recent Columns
Country specialties
Buying wine: intimidating. So many choices and prices. We hunker in our wine foxhole, timidly buy familiar bottles. Continue reading “Country specialties”
Labor Day
Labor Day: bittersweet holiday. Summer’s wrath wanes. Kids back to school. Your baseball team drives for playoffs—or not. Football kicks off. Continue reading “Labor Day”
Experiment
There are so many different wines, grapes, styles, and makers no one could ever experience them all. Okay, Robert Parker (world’s most influential wine critic) is giving it a shot; he will fail. Continue reading “Experiment”
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah dates to Roman times, but the grape’s fame begins in 1700s in the northern Rhône region of France where it is the main wine grape. Continue reading “Syrah / Shiraz”
Fred Franzia
Fred Franzia drives fellow winemakers crazy mad. At the same time, he makes wine drinkers who value value wines crazy happy. Continue reading “Fred Franzia”
World grape production
Which countries plant most acres of grapevines, produce the most wine, and harvest the most grapes? Prepare for surprises. Continue reading “World grape production”
Bottle openers
Given wine’s history, you’d think best way to pull cork was solved. Not so. Continue reading “Bottle openers”
Viognier
If you are relatively new to wine—experienced enough to search for alternatives to Chardonnay, not ready for big, bold reds—suggestion: Viognier. Continue reading “Viognier”
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of three major white wine grapes—Chardonnay, Riesling are the others—and one that pairs best with garden salads and fish. One of few wines that shines with sushi. Continue reading “Sauvignon Blanc”