Terre Da Vino 2005 “Essenze” Barolo
This is a under-the-radar Barolo negotiant that deserves a bit of attention. The price point is excellent for this level of Barolo. Blended from a few of the top vineyards in …
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Los Angeles Times: Rasslers ready to stomp on wine snoots
Vince McMahon doesn’t want anyone thinking his wrestling superstars are a bunch of wine-tasting wimps.
McMahon’s World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. has told the American Wine Foundation, owner of the Wine School of Philadelphia with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, that it is infringing on its copyright by calling one of its wine classes “Sommelier Smackdown.” As any WWE fan knows, “Smackdown” is the name of one of its most popular franchises.
In a letter to the Wine School of Philadelphia, the WWE told the wine sippers that its use of the word “smackdown” is “likely to create consumer confusion as to WWE’s affiliation, sponsorship and/or approval” of the class. Yes, because we all know how similar wine snobs are to wrestling fanatics.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Wine in a box
The story was originally published by the Philadelphia Inquirer on August 25, 2008. The article is reprinted solely for educational purposes. It is intended to offer insight into the history of …
Craiglee 2007 Shiraz, Victoria
Cooler climate Shiraz are often the greatest and finest of all Australian wines. This bottle sports aromas of beef jerky, wood smoke, and white pepper arrive first. A touch of reductive …
Wall Street Journal: Wine School is in.
The story was originally published by the Wall Street Journal on January 8, 2010. The article is reprinted solely for educational purposes. It is intended to offer insight into the history of …
Cougar Crest 2006 Reserve Syrah, Walla Walla
The origin of this winery was 50 acres and a booth at the local airport. No, it wasn’t a grand or impressive start. What it did have, and continues to possess, …
Chateau Carignan 2005 “Prima” Cotes de Bordeaux
When I took a group of my students to Bordeaux, we stayed just a few miles from this Chateau. I did not expect much of this wine when I first tasted …
Old Philly Bitters
That is a Classic Bitters AdvertisementOne of the best results of the Pre-Prohibition cocktail trend was the re-discovery of bitters. It’s great to see some of the classic bitters being embraced …
Philadelphia Inquirer: The Wine School vs. WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment is going to the mat against the Wine School of Philadelphia. WWE, which trademarked the term Smackdown years ago, is fighting the Wine School’s attempt to register Sommelier Smackdown for its grape-centric competitions.
Last month, WWE law firm K&L Gates sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Fairmount business, which started Sommelier Smackdowns in 2007.”I feel kind of special,” said Keith Wallace. “I am being picked on by Vince McMahon. I better start working out.” In a note to friends, he wrote that he was calling out McMahon and wrestlerChris Jericho to a wine-tasting double-team cage match.
Keith Wallace featured on the 10 Show, again!
Corked & Forked with Keith Wallace on NBC’s the 10! Show.
Decibel Wines
A Philly boy goes to wine school, moves to New Zealand, and becomes a winemaker. Philly’s own Danny Brennan started as a Philly bartender and ended up as a bad-ass winemaker …
Domaine Philippe Portier 2010 “Cuvee Victoires” Quincy
I believe this obscure wine region is worth a fresh look, especially after tasting this example. Located close to the famous Sancerre, Quincy produces classic Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of tarragon, pear, …
NPR Interview featuring Keith Wallace
Katie Britton of WAMC/NPR interviews Keith Wallace. The interview revolves around Keith’s cookbook, Corked & Forked. It’s a awesome interview and quite long. It was originally supposed to be edited down …