It’s chilly, gray and drizzling where I am. It’s the kind of weather that makes me want to close my laptop, light a fire, and get cozy on the couch with a good book and glass of red wine. The wine I’d want to be sipping is the Smith & Hook 2013 Proprietary Red Blend […]
French oak
Vinkara Wines: Indigenous Grapes from Turkey
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 […]
Rioja vs Ribera del Duero: A Tale of Two Tempranillos
Can you taste the difference between Tempranillo from Rioja and Ribera del Duero in a blind tasting? The question was posed to a group of wine professionals last week. We had gathered at St. Cecilia in Buckhead for a lunch and tasting with two Spanish winemakers: Diego Pinilla of Bodegas Bilbainas in Rioja and Jorge […]
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 […]
Guide to Cahors Wineries
Here is your go-to guide on Cahors Malbec. For a taste that will make you fall in love with Cahors Malbec try wines from these domaines and châteaux. The wines from each estate are generally listed beginning with entry level (easy to drink, less oak and aging, lower price point) to top of the line […]
A Visit to Clos Triguedina
When you arrive for a visit at Clos Triguedina, one of the first things you will likely say is “I would like to taste something.” It is a sentiment that has been expressed there countless times over many centuries. Cahors and Clos Triguedina are located along the Pilgrimage Route of Santiago de Compostela. In the […]
The American Series from The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is all decked out for the holidays, making it a picturesque time to visit. But if you’re not able to tour the historic home and winery, you can still bring a part of it into your home. The American Series of wines from the Biltmore Estate are American grown and North Carolina […]
Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
The Faust of legend sold his soul for knowledge and worldly pleasures. Fortunately for us, there is no need to make a deal with the Devil to enjoy the Faust 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The man behind the California legend is Agustin Huneeus, best known for Quintessa. With a career in wine that has […]
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
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 […]