Category: Winetasting
-
Fetzer Vineyards: Many Faces, One Focus
It would seem at first approach that Fetzer Vineyards has a personality disorder. After all they have many different brands under their large umbrella. Upon further inspection it is evident that there is a mission, a singular focus woven through each brand, each wine, like the spokes holding the umbrella together. And if you haven’t…
-
Smith Story: The Intersection of Love and Wine
I was recently introduced to a winery that I want to shout about from the rooftop. It is about a boutique winery still in its infancy but hitting on all the right marks. When many producers are focused on mass consumption wines that are concentrated, over-oaked, and sweet as syrup, Smith Story Wines is embracing…
-
Under Construction: Wine Education in Progress
I have not forgotten you and I am so thankful you have not forgotten me. The WSET Level 3 exam is Monday. Each week as the test draws near my level of study has increased. This week has been a full-court press. The new book is so dense there is nothing in it that I…
-
Celebrate La Saint-Valentin with French #Wine
Joyeuse Saint Valentin! In France, Valentine’s Day is for lovers. Like in the US, the French celebrate love with chocolate, roses, jewelry, etc. However, unlike in the US there is no exchange of cards among school children or friends; Valentine’s Day is reserved for lovers. I want Valentine’s Day to be for lovers in France.…
-
The Daily Meal Article: La Rioja’s Wine Revolution
Miguel Angel de Gregoria of Finca Allende said, “Rioja is a Burgundy style wine with a Bordeaux history.” You may drink and enjoy Rioja, but do you really know Rioja? La Rioja is more than just a prominent Spanish wine region, it also played a pivotal role in France’s wine history. Learn more about the…
-
Life is Sweeter with Amarone
Amarone della Valpolicella is one of Italy’s greatest wines. It is a complex wine, rich and bold, with each sip embracing years of tradition. There is no other wine made quite like it. It can also be a divisive wine. While most people adore the rich notes of dried fruit and raisin-like sweetness some find…
-
Wines of Southwest France: What’s Old is New Again
How often do you enjoy wines from Southwest France? Can you name any of the appellations or the wines they produce? Wines of Southwest France, Sud-Ouest in French, has been cultivating vineyards since about 125 BC! What the Romans began long ago was continued by Catholic Monks during the Middle Ages and later vignerons. Furthermore,…
-
A New World Discovery: Wines of Brazil
Is it possible for a wine region 480+ years old to be a new discovery? Have you had wines from Brazil? Until a few weeks ago neither had I. According to Jancis Robinson Brazil is the third most important producer in terms of quality in South America, but there is a caveat; most of the…
-
How to Give the Gift of Wine
You know the saying, “It is better to give than receive.” This may be true in many occasions but not when it comes to wine. Receiving wine is awesome. Giving wine can sometimes be daunting. How much does price matter? Which variety to give? Does the receiver even drink wine? All good questions that hopefully…
-
Dave Phinney: Breaking Rules One Location at a Time
Wines that offer true expressions of terroir must follow certain rules. Wine can be fun but it must adhere to certain guidelines for labeling purposes. Wine is art and poetry but winemaking must follow rules. Wines from certain regions may only be blended with other wines from that region, and only sometimes, as the rules…
ROCKIN RED BLOG 