Hey everyone, I’m still around! There’s been a lot of stuff going on in my life the last few years and unfortunately writing articles and reviews fell by the wayside. However I can promise you I never stopped drinking wine or beer, evaluating them, pairing them, and smelling everything in sight. I’ve gotten to try … Continue reading We Give Thanks for Great Wine!
The Malbecs coming out of Mendoza are big, ripe, and opulent, perfect for satisfying large crowds or introducing people to the varietal. It may be the biggest name in the world for Malbec – there are few places where the region’s name is so heavily intertwined with a single varietal – but it’s still not … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Malbec, Week 2
Up to now, I’ve started every varietal in an Old World country, whether it be France, Italy, or Germany. But this week I’m going to shake that up a little bit. Sure, I could discuss how Malbec can reach some exquisite heights just east of Bordeaux, or how small dollops are added to some Bordeaux … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Malbec, Week 1
Last week I steered towards cooler climate Syrah in a state more commonly known for big, rich, and expressive reds that thrive in heat. This week, however, I’ll be looking at one last New World wine region that has done remarkably well with the varietal and is capable of bringing out lots of a smoky, … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Shiraz, Week 4
If I take a jaunt back to California to further investigate Syrah, I’m only looking at overblown fruit from a hot climate, right? Not so fast, as I’ve mentioned in previous articles, California does have its cooler climates, particularly in comparison to those areas that bake in 100+ degree sunlight. While the region that produces … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Syrah, Week 3
If you’re more likely to refer to the varietal as Shiraz, there’s a good chance you’ve had a decent number of wines from the country that bears this week’s focus. Whether or not you’re particular about this particular region is up for grabs but it’s home to some of the most sought after New World … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Shiraz, Week 2
Restraint is hardly the order of the day when one is discussing or tasting this month’s varietal. It may be dark, powerful, and medium to full-bodied, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t capable of some remarkable elegance and finesse. When coaxed under the right conditions, the acidity and tannins of Syrah favor aging potential, allowing … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Syrah, Week 1
The unrivaled king of this week’s region is undoubtedly Pinot Noir, hailed as America’s version of Burgundy. Chardonnay does have a foothold in Oregon, but Pinot Gris has managed to come to the forefront as its second most important grape, defying some of the Burgundian identity. Elsewhere in California and Washington, particularly the latter, it’s … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Pinot Gris, Week 4
The region that I selected for this week is admittedly not primarily known for its Pinot Gris. With a maritime climate sometimes compared to Bordeaux, it’s better known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux-style blends, and Syrah. Even as far as white wine grapes go Chardonnay is generally considered king here. But Pinot Gris made … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Pinot Gris, Week 3
There has been a trend on whether it should be called Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris. The ones made in a light, quaffable, somewhat fruity and mineral-laden style with no oak in sight are thought to reflect more of the Italian style. But as acreage has gone up for this grape, more and more are … Continue reading Varietal of the Month: Pinot Gris, Week 2
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