I tasted Amarone for the first time in the Dutch province of South Holland in the small town of Hoornaar. Our host had recently returned from Italy inspired and made a sumptuous Italian-themed dinner complete with Italian vino. When the cork popped on the Amarone,...
What do you think of Virginia Wine?
People often ask, what do you think of Virginia wine? Usually, that’s a loaded question given away by body language and facial expressions. I cautiously answer, starting first with context. One must realize where Virginia is at this time, keeping in mind that it wasn’t...
Have you told your friends about Paso Robles Zinfandel?
I love the care and technique used by Ridge Vineyards in making their 2016 Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel. They employ a hands-off approach to wine-making, an old-world practice of minimal manipulation of the grapes, juice, and wine as it progresses. The vines are head-trained with...
How did Argentina triumph over the U.S. and France?
…at least it did on Saturday night at our friend’s birthday party when we tasted Malbecs from Argentina, the US, and France. We had two rounds of tastings; we blind-tasted and ranked the wines with the bottles in numbered paper bags for round one. We...
Do you love oak?
Many wines you enjoy are influenced by oak. Italy’s splendid Barolo spends years in oak, and the renowned Chablis and Bordeaux wines are oak-influenced. Grand Reserve Riojas spend two years aging in American oak barrels. California Cabernet Sauvignon will certainly be oak-aged, and the list continues. So,...