What’s my go to wine for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals? While Oprah and others suggest Pinot Noir, for me, there’s a one word answer, ZINFANDEL! There’s a reason this is the fourth most planted grape in California, and it’s not just White Zinfandel: Zinfandel vinified in the traditional way is deliciously juicy, versatile with food, and typically an affordable pleasure. Whether you’re having traditional turkey and all the trimmings, ham, or prime rib, Zinfandel pairs the best with the range of sweet, savory, herbal, and over the top combinations of dishes that define this culinary event for many people. And to remind you of the myriad ZIN-FULpleasures of Zinfandel, ZAP (Zinfandel Advocacy group) brings to us on the second Wednesday of November, ZINFANDEL DAY! Continue reading →
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 →
“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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
wine predator.............. gwendolyn alley 