There’s a chill in the air these days. Yes, even here in California. This time of year certain flavors and foods seem to be more appealing than at other times. Pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, ginger, cardamom, anise, clove, sage…all are popular seasonal flavors. Just as certain flavors and foods have a special appeal in the waning months of the year, this is also true of wines
There just seems to be something special about wine with bubbles in it. Be it at a wedding or on New Year's Eve - opening a bottle of sparkling wine marks a special occasion. Those effervescent bubbles seem to have a way of bringing out smiles, and its reputation of making one "giddy" far quicker than expected is well known (and memories of following day headaches solidify the tender remembrances).
Happy New Year! A time for celebrations, resolutions and trying to remember to use the correct date! As we ring in another year, may I suggest making a commitment to understanding your personal wine collection.
It’s that time of year again where we gather with family and friends to give thanks. And believe me, I cannot wait! This year we are able to share our meal with some of our fabulous friends that have moved away... but not from our hearts. All right, enough about me/us… let’s get on with this shall we?
There is no doubt that one of the most enjoyable ways for a group of wine lovers to learn about wine is a "blind tasting" where the participants sample several wines without knowing what they are until after the wine is tasted. This is a wonderful way to learn about wine, however there are a couple of issues that you need to be aware of.
The long days of the harvest are over. Primary fermentation of the year’s
It’s Thanksgiving time again and this day of the year dedicated to food and family is a great time to open some Monterey County wines. But which ones?
When most imagine traditional American barbecue, a glass of wine is usually not in the picture. Barbecue, in its many forms across the country, shares a common theme of being a no frills, down-home, food event. Whether we’re talking pulled pork in North Carolina, braised brisket in Texas, or grilled tri-tip in California…all share this core characteristic.
Rosé wines have come a long way. We’re well beyond he days of hite Zinfandel being the only association with a wine that is not red or white. Yet…it’s surprising to discover that many people still assume a pink wine will be sweet, which is very much not the case.
Summer is finally here! Many of us will feel summer’s call to fire up the grill soon. And. chances are pretty good that before long you’re going to feel a craving for America’s favorite warm weather indulgence…hamburgers!