Tag: rich mauro
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Sauvignon Blanc continues to grow in wine popularity
While consumer white wine continues to be Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc enjoys an increasingly strong second place. It is one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, originating in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, also notable in New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and Australia. The grape’s flavor profile comes in several styles, though it’s usually…
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Cabernet sauvignon finds a prestigious home in California’s Napa Valley
Cabernet sauvignon from California (especially Napa Valley) wasn’t always the most popular red wine in America. Having established its pedigree centuries ago as a foundation of Bordeaux, the grape began to be planted in Napa Valley in the late 1800s. Following Prohibition, the quality of Napa cabernet gained increased attention. Then, in 1976, a Stag’s…
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Wine Guy: Chardonnay continues to shine in Cali
Despite its generally recognized wine characteristics of butter, vanilla, rich texture, citrus, apple, tropical fruit, etc., the chardonnay grape presents essentially a blank slate for producers. Sometimes this unfortunately means winemakers are tempted to imprint their own personality or respond to perceived consumer preferences. But with the wines below, winemakers attempt to express the source…
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Wine Guy: California is home to acres and acres of fine pinot noir
Over the years, pinot noir in California has had its ups and downs. But these days, you can find outstanding wines in just about every region of the state. Seek out as many of these wines as you can find: Anderson Valley 2022 Goldeneye Gowan Creek ($90), estate vineyard part of the Duckhorn portfolio; focused,…
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Wallet a bit light? Try these wines that offer good value
Early in the year, I tend to look for value wines to ease the strain on my wallet from the holidays. That means budget-friendly wines ideal for everyday drinking. These wines from my tastings deliver a lot of quality for the price. Three producers emerged with multiple recommendations. Several brands from Bogle Family, a longtime…
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Wine Guy: Have a sparkling new year
Although sparkling wine is appropriate for any occasion, even weekly dinner, the holiday season – especially celebrating the New Year – is its prime time. Champagne is the world’s most prestigious bubbly. Produced with pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier grapes by a process where the bubbles develop in the bottle, it also is the…
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Wine Guy: Premium ideas for gifts this holiday season
As the holiday season reaches its peak, I’m back with more premium gift suggestions for the wine lovers in your life. WINTER WHITES Bouchaine Vineyards is a highly celebrated producer of chardonnay and pinot noir in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Its 2023 Reserve Chardonnay ($70) is a barrel selection crafted to highlight a lush,…
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Wine Guy: ‘No and lo’ alcohol wines gain popularity
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save I would have never believed it, but no-alcohol and low-alcohol (no/lo) wines are growing in popularity. At the same time, U.S. adults are drinking less alcohol in general, including less wine. Notably, all this is…
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Wine Guy: Rosés for end of summer refreshers
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save After years of languishing amid negative stereotypes, rosé wine consumption has increased steadily in recent years.Consumers have come to appreciate the quality of a well-made rosé. Food-friendly with aromas and flavors similar to red wine…
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Wine Guy: Pair these terrific wines with summer
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Sparkling wine is the ultimate warm weather pour and is almost always terrific with food because of its palate-cleansing properties. Here are some fine choices from California and Italy. • 2020 Etude Blanc de Noirs,…