Italian wines are a mystery to many people, even many wine lovers. Most signature varietals are not all that well known in the U.S., such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Corvina. And while white wines like Pinot Grigio are often good for drinking alone, the reds are usually not made for sipping but for pairing with…
California
Women of the Vine: A Special Attraction at the National Harbor Food & Wine Festival
One of the most interesting attractions at the National Harbor Food and Wine Festival this past weekend was the opportunity to meet Deborah Brenner and the taste specialty wines at her table. Brenner escaped a career in high tech to write Women of the Vine, which highlights the careers of successful women in the wine…
Bridlewood Central Coast Syrah, Reserve 2004
Sometimes a wine is so good, you just have to bite the bullet and pay shipping if it isn’t readily available in your area. The Bridlewood Central Coast Syrah, Reserve 2004 is one of those wines. Another option is to ask a local retailer to order and stock it. This Bridlewood Syrah is a lovely…
Cambria Pinot Noir, Julia’s Vineyard 2006
Cambria Pinot Noir, Julia’s Vineyard, is a great buy that is sold widely in the D.C. metro area. You can pick it up affordably in Georgetown’s Dean and Deluca, a specialty retailer with a mission for offering only the best quality. You can also find it comparably priced around $20 at supermarkets, Costco, Bell Wine…
A Taste for the American Dream: Grgich Hills Chardonnay
With the independent film Bottle Shock now available on DVD, more people might be tasting the wines produced by the winery featured in the film—Chateau Montelena. The story in the film surrounds the historic Paris Tasting of 1976 at which California wines surprisingly prevailed in a blind tasting with some of France’s top wines. The…
