It was tremendously sad to hear that British wine writer and former wine merchant, Clive Coates, MW, passed away on July 25, 2022 in Lyon, France. But in reading the sad news, I smiled just a little thinking of what Clive himself might have said about his death. Probably something to the effect of, “Yep, […]
Farewell, Clive Coates, MW, 1941-2022 Read More »
The widespread reopening of society creates a great opportunity once again to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14th. Rejoice in style by enjoying tempting French sparkling wines. The frothy bubbles and crisp, delicious flavors really capture both Bastille Day’s effusive, joyous spirit and the optimism of the reopening. BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATIONS Bastille Day—known in France
Spotlight Bastille Day And Reopening With Really Tempting French Bubbles Read More »
When it comes to southern Rhône red wines, the serene commune of Visan does not jump immediately to mind. The low profile exists in large part because Visan lies around 40 kilometers (i.e., 25 miles) northeast of the popular tourist stop of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite being tucked way, marvelous grape growing terroir prevails in Visan. Energetic
Energetic Visan Winegrowers Deliver Vibrant, Beautiful Reds Read More »
Growing Vitis vinifera grapes on Lake Erie’s frigid, often snow-swept shores requires fearlessness, patience, and imagination. Having a wry sense of humor helps, too. Erie winegrower Doug Moorhead (1943-2021), who passed away on June 10, 2021, embodied these qualities. He succeeded in producing outstanding table wines made from Vitis vinifera and French Hybrid grapes. All
Fearless Pioneering Pennsylvania Winegrower, Doug Moorhead, Passes Read More »
Within the dazzling diversity of Bourgogne red wines, discovering quality and value doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. Easy-drinking gems are readily available at terrific prices. You just have to do a little digging with an open mind and palate. Consider, for example, high quality Bourgogne-Passetoutgrain red wines. GENERIC BOURGOGNE-PASSETOUTGRAINS Bourgogne-Passetoutgrains (pronounced “Boor–gawn–Pass–too–gran”) typically
A Secret to Quality and Value? Top Notch Bourgogne-Passetoutgrains! Read More »
In world of wine, German Rieslings from the Mosel River’s steep, slate slopes enjoy well-earned fame. But mention France’s Moselle A.O.C. winegrowing appellation, and even ardent French wine fans draw a blank. Not to worry. Thanks to dedicated work from modern day winegrowers such as Rémi Gauthier, Moselle A.O.C. wines slowly are gaining international recognition.
Tantalizing, Affordable French Moselle Pinot Noir? It’s here! Read More »
Steven Spurrier, the British wine merchant, writer and winegrower who organized the famous Judgment of Paris Tasting of 1976, passed away on March 9, 2021. At the Paris Tasting, Spurrier pitted little known Napa Valley wines against the top French wines of the era. A nine-person panel of esteemed French experts tasted and judged the
Steven Spurrier: Strong Champion Of Napa Wines, Unexpected Humor Read More »
Questions of authenticity, sustainability, and shared culture are crucial to enjoying and fully appreciating Italian-American gastronomy’s rich heritage. So it was a pleasure and honor to address these ideas on February 25, 2021 in a video panel discussion sponsored by the Associazione Gastronomie Profestionistti (“AGP”). Sam Patti, founder of La Prima Espresso in Pittsburgh, and
Italian-American Gastronomy Conversation Tackles Pivotal Questions on Food and Wine Read More »
In the search for quality and value with Burgundy red wines, keeping an open mind often brings pleasant surprises. Consider the red wines of talented winegrowers Céline and Laurent Tripoz from the southern Burgundy region of Mâconnais. Notwithstanding the Mâconnais’ reputation for offering seas of white wines, Céline and Laurent also produce three delicious and
Delightful Southern Burgundy Surprise! Awesome Red Wines From the Mâconnais Read More »
For my family, enjoying Butternut Squash and Chestnut Soup signals the start of Winter. As snow flurries fly, markets still offer fresh Butternut Squash and Chestnuts. So the time is right for making this delightful, warming soup. Its creamy, rich texture and earthy, savory flavors hit the spot especially when paired with versatile French white
French Wines With Butternut Squash and Chestnut Soup: Da Bomb! Read More »