Jura is a department in eastern France in the province of Franche-Comté. East of Burgundy and west of Switzerland, this region may be best known for its cheese (Comté and Morbier). With a much smaller production than neighboring Burgundy, the wines of Jura are not as well known. Burgundian grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are […]
White Wine
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Savagnin: Grape & Wine of the Jura
To better know the wines of the Jura region in France, you must start with Savagnin (pronounced sav-an-yan). This is a white wine grape that can produce a range of wines. Exciting, extraordinary and unusual, these wines are some of the most remarkable whites in France — and the world. Savagnin wines, in particular the […]
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Lifting the Veil on Vin Jaune
Continued from Savagnin: Grape & Wine of the Jura The prized wine of the Jura region in France is Vin Jaune. Meaning yellow wine, this is wine made entirely from Savagnin grapes and aged for at least 6 years and 3 months in oak barrels. Vin Jaune is non ouillé; the barrels are not topped […]
- Red Wine
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An Introduction to Jura
France’s wine regions are some of the most famous in the world. Casual wine drinkers could likely list several off the top of their heads, as well as grapes grown in these regions. Ask casual or even well-versed wine drinkers about the Jura and the response will be much different. Though smaller and not as […]
AG Pick: HB Picpoul de Pinet 2010
As the summer nears its end (at least according to the calendar), the lingering hot temperatures call for white wine. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing white to enjoy outdoors or want something to drink with lobster or other shellfish, the HB (Hugues Beaulieu) Picpoul de Pinet 2010 from La Cave de Pomerols is the […]
AG Pick: Antica Napa Valley 2009 Estate Chardonnay
The finesse of Italian tradition and the high quality of Napa Valley come together in the elegant Antica Napa Valley 2009 Estate Chardonnay. The name is a combination of Antinori and California, the former being one of the most well-known wine families and companies in Italy. The Antinori family has a history of winemaking that […]
A Pair of Kosher Wines for Passover
Searching for great tasting wines that are Kosher for Passover? Look to one of the oldest New World wine producing countries — Israel. I recently tasted a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Gilgal, a new label from the Golan Heights Winery. The wine is named after Gilgal Refaim, a site in the Golan Heights region […]
AG Pick: Galil Mountain Viognier 2008
Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah or are looking for a new and exciting wine, look to the oldest New World winemaking country — Israel. A great introduction is the 2008 Viognier from Galil Mountain Winery. It is a flavorful dry white wine that will appeal to a variety of tastes, not just to those who keep […]
Kosher Wines for Passover
If you plan to drink Manischewitz for Passover you must be meshugana! There is a wide variety of great tasting Kosher wines that are made from Vitis vinifera grapes (think winemaking grapes like Cabernet or Chardonnay, not Vitis labrusca grapes like Concord that are used to make grape juice and Manischewitz). Though Israel is the […]
Great Tasting Kosher Wines for the High Holy Days
Celebrate the Jewish New Year with great tasting Kosher wines! In February I reviewed a selection of Kosher wines, all made in Israel and widely available at wine stores throughout the United States. Kosher wines don’t have to be overly sweet and syrupy. Today Israel’s wines are winning medals and finding their way onto wine […]