Chapulines and Sherry

There I was, in huge dark windowless exposition hall at the Baja California Convention Center just south of Tijuana and north of Rosarito, minding my own business at the 43rd OIV Congress, looking for a wine to enjoy with my pulpo and marlin tacos, when I was challenged to try bugs with bubbles. WHAT?? Not just any bugs, but crickets. And Louise Hurren was waiting to take a picture. So I went for it: Continue reading →

5 CA zinfandel with vegducken and Festive Fall Salad

Many of us of a certain generation or two (thinking Boomers and Gen X) have Zinfandel as an “epiphany” or “gateway” wine. That’s not too surprising as, until 25 years ago, Zinfandel was the most planted grape in California, with an excellent price to quality ratio. Then, in 1998, Continue reading →

Alice Prosecco DOCG

“Why Be Curious?” asks Alice (aka Le Vigne di Alice), bringing to mind Alice in Wonderland. And yes, let’s be curious about a very different form of Prosecco! Instead of something a bit on the sweet and fruity side, ready for mixing with Aperol, how about a Prosecco that speaks up for itself, much like Alice, questioning the world– the world of Prosecco that is, and asking Why Not Prosecco DOCG? Continue reading →

5 Tempranillo from 3 countries

Which grape had the most new plantings in the world from 2000-2016? You’d probably never suspect it, but here’s a hint: Nov. 10 would be a great day to have a glass of wine made from it! If you guessed, TEMPRANILLO, you’re correct!  Held annually on the second Thursday of November, International Tempranillo Day celebrates the versatile Tempranillo grape, the fourth most planted grape in the world Continue reading →

Rutherford Hill Merlot

After a week of cool drizzly weather, a very warm fall day caught me by surprise. Fortunately we had some fresh ahi tuna in the fridge to sear and present on leftover lobster risotto and a salad with blueberries and cranberry stilton to pair with two wines Continue reading →

2 Cecchi Chianti

As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, warm fall flavors prevail to bring comfort. A red meat sauce with complex flavors and depth like a bolognese on pasta can be satisfying but time consuming so we turned to our trusty instant pot. And what wine? Chianti Classico because Continue reading →

Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain

Happy Champagne Day 2022! Continue reading →