Visit the Hills of Abruzzo, Italy Without Leaving Home! – Part 1
In the first part of this interview series, Gallen discusses his passion for wine and the qualities it must possess before he brings it to the United States. …Read More2010 Quattro Mani Barbera Review – Wine Wednesday
Quattro Mani is the brainchild of Domaine Select Wine Estates. It is an offering of second label wines from some of Italy and Slovenia’s best winemakers. The 2010 Quattro Mani Barbera is made by Danilo Droco, one of Piedmont’s greatest winemakers. Not only is the Quatro Mani Barbera a zippy little wine, it’s also a great price at $8.99 a bottle. In fact, it’s one of the best wines priced under $10 that I have tried. …Read MoreA History of the World In Six Glasses – Literary Monday
We spend a lot of time thinking about drinks but I was still taken aback by the impact that six beverages had on world civilization. In his book, History of the World in Six Glasses, Tom Standage explores the effect that beer, wine, distilled spirits, tea, coffee and Coca Cola had on civilization and world history. It’s nothing short of remarkable. …Read More2010 Domaine Des Cassagnoles Cotes des Gascon Blanc – Wine Wednesday
This week’s Wine Wednesday was a bright, crisp, zippy white. The wine didn’t pretend to be anything that it wasn’t. It was simple and refreshing and evoked days of summer during the dead of winter. …Read MoreA Trip To Volcano Winery
Situated on the slopes of Mount Kilauea, the Volcano Winery produces a number of unique wines. …Read MoreNew World and Old World – High/Low Weekend
This week’s high/low weekend is a comparison of the new world and old world styles of wine. Australia is representing the new world with a Riesling from Edna Valley. I bet a few of you didn’t even know that Australia made Rieslings (you are not alone). But, they certainly do and if you enjoy Riesling with petrol characteristics, then you should really try Australia. The old world is being represented by Spain with a traditional, classic Rioja based on the Tempranillo grape. Both of these wines are great food pairing wines. …Read More2010 Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherrero Review – Wine Wednesday
In addition to its great price, there are two other things going for it. A great label. I know that I have cautioned against buying wine based on how much you like the wine but sometimes I am a bit of a hypocrite. But, this time, I didn’t actually purchase the wine based on the label but on a recommendation. That didn’t mean that I wasn’t enjoying the label – I truly was (and when I found the model for the label – a women drinking a glass of wine abreast a bear, I liked it even more). …Read MoreProhibition and the California Wine Industry
Today, 92 years after Prohibition began, 79 years after it ended, California wines are counted among the very best in the world. …Read More2009 Green Truck Petit Sirah – Wine Wednesday
This bargain wine is made from certified organic grapes in Mendocino County. Mendocino County is a cool growing area just north of Sonoma and has long been a leader in the organic grape movement in the United States. What is great about this wine is that is is organic and can still be found for under $10. We paid $8.99 for it. …Read MoreWinter Spice Sangria
Fresh for the New Year, Sandemam’s created this fragrant winter sangria. Great for a playoff party, for the non beer set. If you can’t find clemetines, it’s OK to substitute fresh oranges.
Winter Spice Sangria
Ingredients:
1 bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto
4 oz cinnamon Schnapps
3 clementines, quartered
6 oz cranberries
18 oz sparkling clementine juice or soda
6 oz cranberry juice
4 cinnamon sticks
Ground allspice to taste
Directions:
Combine Sandeman Founders
Top Five Drinks Trends for 2012
2012 is here! We’d been waiting for it, watching it creep upon us but for some reason, it’s still surprising when it actually gets here. Now that the hoopla has died down, we have been thinking about what will be popular on the wine and spirits front in 2012 …Read MoreFive Stunning Italian Red Wines To Kick Off 2012
As you know, I love all wine but I have a soft spot in my heart for Italian wine. While I enjoy the acidity and bright fruit flavors that most Italian wines exhibit, I love the passion that Italians, and particularly Italian winemakers, have for wine. It’s infectious. The Italians vinify varietals that 99.9% of the population has never heard of, including a number that date back to ancient Rome and the Greeks. The Italians do tons of crazy stuff with their grapes – the same grape could be vinified still or sparkling or left to dry on straw mats for sweet wine. Plus, the difference in wine culture from North to South is stark and reflected in the wines themselves. …Read MoreEast Versus West Cabernet Off
We are pitting Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed Cabernet Sauvignon stalwart Napa Valley against Sonoma, its upstart, funkier neighbor to the West. Napa and Sonoma are separated by the Mayacamas Mountains. …Read MoreCruisin’ for Cocktails at the Holidays
If you think the drinks on cruise ships are all watered down Piña Coladas for fuddie duddies, then think again. Cruise ships are sailing with a wide and deep array of fine wines, craft beers and state-of-the-art cocktails. …Read MoreAberdeen Flip
This Week’s Drink was created by Max Warner, Chivas brand ambassador and head mixologist. Warner cut his bartending chops at London’s famed Savoy Hotel, so he know his stuff. His Aberdeen Flip is a wonderfully rich cocktail with hints of spice and fruit that will warm any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
60ml / 2oz Chivas 18
30ml / 1oz Oloroso Sherry
1 Whole Egg
¼ oz Spiced Syrup
Dash Chocolate Bitters
Tsp Blackberry Jam
Grated Nutmeg
