Author: By RICH MAURO

Pinot noir at its best is all about expression of its source. Wine folks use terms like appellation and terroir to encapsulate the influence of all the factors — climate, soil, and humans — that contribute to the making of a wine. With pinot noir, these seem to be even more important than with other…

In my last column, I recommended several pinot noirs from norther California appellations. Here are my recommendations from central and southern California. Monterey. Several locations in Monterey, including Chalone and Arroyo Seco, are capable of producing very good pinot noir. But the remote Santa Lucia Highlands, with sloping vineyards and gravelly loam soils, has emerged…

If you’ve read my column much over the years, you should know that zinfandel is my favorite red wine. I just love the lively wild berry (often described as bramble) fruit, brash texture and spicy, peppery notes. It is especially enjoyable this time of year with all manner of grilled vegetables and meats, not to…

You’re at the store hunting for a good wine for tonight’s dinner, or maybe a gift. But you’re confronted with a sea of labels. How to choose? Even if you have a pretty good idea what type of wine you want, it still can be a daunting task.Producers know this, so many try to catch…

Whether you are looking for a patio potable, picnic thirst-quencher, barbecue sipper or casual tipple, my tastings over the last few months have revealed numerous warm-weather wine options, an assortment of good values for your pleasure, listed in order of preference. I have noticed that as the weather warms I tend to drink more white…

It has always struck me that wine has had and continues to have a significant role in many cultures and religions. I have read that in Judaism wine represents the holiness and separateness of the Jewish people. With the Passover holiday coming soon, it is important to find good kosher wine for the Seder celebration…