Love Old World wines and looking for something new? Try the wines from Vinkara Winery in Turkey, a place where winemaking started some 15,000 years ago. Vinkara is a leader in the production of indigenous Anatolian grape varietals. They are now introducing their wines to the United States. Vinkara Winery is located in Kalecik, in […]
2012
Loveblock Pinot Noir 2012
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day and beyond with a bottle of the 2012 Loveblock Pinot Noir. This red wine comes from Central Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s a region known for high quality Pinot Noir, and Loveblock is just that. The winery was founded by Erica and Kim Crawford. Kim, Loveblock’s […]
Cabernet Franc and Lemberger: Red Wines of the Finger Lakes
Riesling is the undisputed signature white wine grape of the Finger Lakes. But as for the signature red wine grape of this region in upstate New York, should it be Cabernet Franc or Lemberger? The answer isn’t as clear. The question was posed to a panel of winemakers and winery representatives during a virtual tasting […]
Patel: Small Winery with Big Taste
When Robert Parker awards your first wine a 95, you know you’ve made something special. But don’t let that number bias you toward Patel Winery. It’s more of a treat if you taste the Napa wines without any preconceived notions. That’s how I came to meet owner Raj Patel, at last year’s High Museum Atlanta […]
Septima Malbec 2012
After paying tribute to Cahors, France, the birthplace of Malbec, it’s time to return to South America. The 2012 Septima Malbec is a great example of how well this red wine grape does in Argentina. Bodega Septima was founded in 1999 as the seventh (septima in Spanish) winery from the Codorníu-Raventós family of Spain. The […]
Libertà dei Collazzi Toscana IGT 2012
Somehow Tuscany is both approachable and intimidating. Approachable because it’s one of the best known wine regions in Italy, thanks to Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, “Super Tuscans” and an extremely photogenic landscape. Intimidating because of the number of wines produced and labels that may need deciphering to figure out what you’re drinking. Today we’re sharing […]
Grey Single Block Pinot Noir 2012 #vinogram
Grey Single Block Pinot Noir 2012, from Las Terrazas vineyard in Chile’s Leyda Valley. 100% Pinot Noir. 12 months in French oak (15% new). Soft & silky with notes of black cherry, plum, blueberry. Balanced acidity, rounded tannins. Pair with fish, pasta, soup & cheese. $23.99 #vinogram #agpick #wine #Chile More information: www.ventisquero.com
Colliano Peneča Rebula Brut
One taste of the Colliano Peneča Rebula Brut 2012 and you’ll want to enjoy it any night of the week. And with a wallet-friendly price tag, you can. Newly available in the United States, this sparkling wine comes from Goriška Brda in Slovenia, a hilly region that is just over the border from Italy. It […]
Standout Sauvignon Blanc from California
Made famous by France and today grown all over the world, Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite among white wine drinkers. But you don’t need to go international to find a world class Sauvignon Blanc – just look to California. Here are the Amateur Gastronomer’s picks for standout Sauvignon Blanc from California. If the warm weather […]
Earth-Friendly Wines from Chile
Looking for a planet-friendly wine for Earth Day? It’s as easy as a trip to your local grocery store. Concha y Toro is not just a maker of widely available white and red wines from Chile – they are also committed to sustainable and earth-friendly practices. In December 2013 they were named a “Leading Company […]