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I Say Grenache, You Say Garnacha
Grenache is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It goes by many different names, such as Garnacha in Spain and Cannonau in Sardegna. This workhorse grape is a key component to two of the world’s most celebrated wines, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat, at yet it is largely under-appreciated. Jancis Robinson argues,…
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#Food & #Wine Pairing: Welcoming Spring with Pedroncelli Wines
It is hard to imagine it is already spring. Where has the time gone? For some it has felt like spring for a while. Others are still waiting. Here in North Texas we are actually enjoying a moment of spring. Tulips and daffodils are blooming while the rest of the flowers are still preparing for…
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Welcome Spring with Wines from the South of France (with a twist)
Spring is here! Some have experienced a slow defrost over the past few weeks and are already experiencing the awakening of plants and trees. Others are still buried under piles of snow. Regardless of the weather, the calendar says today is the spring equinox. Prepare to pack away your parka because sunny days and warmer…
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Maison M. Chapoutier: Expressing Terroir Through Biodynamics
“Anyone who creates wines must be generous and festive. Without such qualities the creative act is doomed, sterile and vain.” Michel Chapoutier I just returned from a remarkable week in Chile. The focus of the week was terroir: climate, weather, soil. In the Rhone Valley Michel Chapoutier is the benchmark for terroir driven wines. Embracing…
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Get to Know German Riesling
Riesling is one of the world’s greatest wine grapes. It is a versatile grape, capable of producing a variety of wine styles from different regions throughout the world. It is tolerant of a range of temperatures, though it performs best in cooler locations. Furthermore, Riesling is arguable more expressive of terroir than any other vitis…
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Exploring New York’s Wine Regions
People travel to New York from all over the world. Some go for business, others for pleasure. New York City is the most common destination. It is the heartbeat of America and filled with endless forms of entertainment. The Finger Lakes area is gorgeous and a great getaway lake vacation. Don’t forget Niagara. Only Vegas…
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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…
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Have You Discovered Alentejo? Why Not?
Southern Portugal is dominated by the Alentejo wine region. Located just an hour and a half east of Lisbon, Alentejo is a perfect destination for wine lovers and history buffs. It is home to a large array of indigenous grapes; the red wines are rich and full body, the whites are crisp and aromatic. Alentejo…
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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…
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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…
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