Chardonnay was the first wine I fell in love with. It was simple, just fruity enough, easy to drink and didn’t leave a stain if I accidentally spilled it on my clothes while I worked on sophisticating my swirling techniques. I loved it so much that I decided to branch out and explore a larger variety [...]
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Portuguese wines combine elegance and affordability
Portuguese wines use a blend of indigenous grapes which lends each wine a distinctive aroma and flavor. Winemakers in Portugal have recently began creating sophisticated wines without the expensive price tag. Usually I’m not savvy, trend-seeking, or on the hunt for the next big thing. But when it comes to wine, I’m always on the [...]
When it comes to wine, mother always knows best
What does a 51-year-old woman have in common with her 21-year-old daughter? More than you’d think. At least when it comes to wine. Prior to sharing my passion for wine with my mother, I used to believe that my lust for tannin-rich wines like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon stemmed from my initial romance with Tempranillo, [...]
Underappreciated torrontes wine pushes boundaries
Many newcomers to wine aren’t incredibly aware of the wines of Argentina. If you do happen to know anything about them at all, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the nation’s most recognized grape, malbec. Its fame completely overshadows the country’s other great vinous contribution, the white wine, torrontes. Although it may [...]
Replace cocktails with winetails
If drinks were like college, then wine would be the Ivy League school. Drinking it is more impressive than conquering a 15-second keg stand at a state school, and because it comes from countries all over the world, wine is far more cultured than anything else you can purchase in a liquor store. Wine doesn’t [...]
Riesling wine ranges from sweet to dry, pleasing all
What can you tell me about riesling? If your answer is that it’s a sweet wine, you get a C-plus. But you aren’t totally alone in believing so — it’s the same false impression that many people share. Even my very own mother, a woman well versed in the world of wine, describes riesling as [...]
Sparkling wine perfect for graduation celebration
With commencement ceremonies upon us, graduating seniors are looking for ways to celebrate their accomplishments. Sure it can seem a bit cliche, but sparkling wines will inevitably be consumed in abundance at all of these events. They’re actually rather perfect for a party — everybody loves a wine that sparkles, and not even your grandmother [...]
Sherry, the underdog of wines has a unique taste
Every time I go to my favorite BYOB Japanese restaurant I’m surprised by how afraid people are to drink wine with their sushi and opt for beer instead. I understand, though, as pairing wine and sushi can be very difficult to do. You’ve got a hodgepodge of flavors to work with — a mix of [...]
The quest for high quality, affordable wine is over
Let’s be honest: As much as everybody wants one, it’s seemingly impossible to find a great red wine for under $10. You figure trying a new one can’t hurt, but then you get home and strike out with something that tastes like moldy raspberries sprinkled with topsoil – another eight bucks down the drain. There [...]
Vinho Verde quenches thirst
Vinho Verde, which translates to “green wine,” offers a light, citrusy flavor. Most Americans haven’t heard of Vinho Verde and typically reach for the more popular pinot grigio. Even wine lovers like myself can truly appreciate the revitalizing qualities of a cool, crisp beer every now and then. I used to look forward to coming [...]
Rose wines fuse fruity and enjoyable flavors
As a lover of all shapes, colors and sizes of wine, it’s not often that I have difficulty settling on what to order from the list at my favorite wine bar. But occasionally I do find myself unsure of what I want to drink, and I contemplate what best fits my mood. I could be [...]
Sparkling wine, appropriate for any time
Many young wine drinkers assume that sparkling wines are for special occasions only — during the holidays, to ring in the new year, to accompany an anniversary dinner or to celebrate a birthday. Believing this fallacy is their first mistake. Their second is accepting the notion that Champagne has to be the bubbly wine of [...]
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