Crisp white wines from France’s Loire Valley make a good choice just about any time. But don’t forget to consider Loire Valley red wines. They, too, deliver plenty of delicious, fruity refreshment served slightly chilled.
Author Archives: Dave
Pennsylvania Macaroni Company Soldiers On
Pasta, cheeses, ham, olive oil, bread, fresh produce….faithful customers of Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, founded in 1902 in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, have long enjoyed a wide selection of these staples. With the current Coronavirus situation imposing mandatory social distancing, the “Penn Mac” team has adapted to soldier on in serving customers both locally and nationwide.
Dave’s Wine Tips: Tasty, Affordable Northern Italian Wines
With northern Italians now living in virtually complete lock down, show your support by appreciating and enjoying delicious wines and recipes from the region. Most Northern Italian recipes use ingredients readily available here. And the region’s wines offer plenty of high quality, tasty bottles at reasonable prices.
Dave’s Wine Tips: Fun with Bocksbeutels!
Enjoying a tasty wine in a distinctive Bocksbeutel bottle always provides a sure fire way have some fun. Who couldn’t use a little fun right about now?
Dave’s Wine Tips: Tasty Wines From Ventoux
In France’s southern Rhône Valley, Mont Ventoux offers plenty of drama both for cyclists and winegrowers. On 13 occasions since 1951, the tortuous switchbacks of “The Giant of Provence,” as the mountain is called in France, figured prominently in the famous Tour de France bicycle race. But while the Tour de France visits only occasionally, the rest of the time Mont Ventoux dramatically influences more than 15,000 acres of vineyards in the foothills and plains surrounding its base.
Dave’s Wine Tips: Delicious “ABC” White Wines For Spring
With Spring in full bloom in the north, it’s time to embrace the moment as a perfect opportunity to expand your white wine horizons. Use the tried and true “ABC” approach — “Anything But Chardonnay.”
While there is a chardonnay white to fit every taste, it can be fun to explore white wine alternatives. Discovering new grape varieties delivers diverse aromas, zesty flavors and subtle textures to perk up jaded tastebuds.
Grower Clemens Lageder Moves Forward in Alto Adige/Südtirol
Take just a sip or two of Clemens Lageder’s most recent delicious whites from Alois Lageder Winery, and there’s no mistaking the young winegrower’s commitment to offering distinctive, naturally fresh wines with dazzling purity. Yet as global temperatures rise each year, Lageder takes nothing for granted. Mounting challenges hinder the winery’s quest for freshness, and Clemens recognizes the need for continual experimentation and change going forward both in the vineyards and the cellar.
Chef Eric Sapet Serves A Glorious French Classic Two Ways
No dish exemplifies the glories of classic French cuisine more than “Lièvre à la Royale.” But since this rendition of wild hare in a rich sauce requires two days of painstaking de-boning, marinating, stuffing and braising, most modern chefs do not offer the incomparably delicious dish. Chef Eric Sapet of La Petite Maison de Cucuron in southern France’s Luberon region takes a different tack. He goes “old school” and presents not one, but two marvelous versions of “Lièvre à la Royale.”
Oppose the Proposed Wine Tariffs Now!
Imagine visiting your favorite wine merchant for a modest bottle of French or Italian wine only to see virtually empty shelves and a smattering of prohibitively expensive wines. It might seem farfetched but that is exactly what will likely happen if the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) implements proposed 100% import tariffs on European wines and other agricultural products.
Bourgogne-Aligoté….the Other White Burgundy.
When choosing a “white Burgundy” to drink with friends, Bourgogne-Aligoté may not come readily to mind. Not surprising. Since Chardonnay’s rise in popularity, most American importers and retailers give scant attention to Aligoté as Burgundy’s “other” white wine grape. But Bourgogne-Aligoté’s fortunes are changing.
When choosing a “white Burgundy” to drink with friends, Bourgogne-Aligoté may not come readily to mind. Not surprising. Since Chardonnay’s rise in popularity, most American importers and retailers give scant attention to Aligoté as Burgundy’s “other” white wine grape. But Bourgogne-Aligoté’s fortunes are changing.