The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Wine Cellar
What is a Wine Cellar?A wine cellar is a room to store wine over an extended period. That’s its sole purpose. You place a bottle in the room, and you have …
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Austrian Wine
Austria’s wine industry, with its rich history and unique varietals, offers a tapestry of flavors that captivates sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike. From the revival of Grüner Veltliner to the rising popularity of red wines like Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, Austrian viticulture is a testament to resilience and innovation. The country’s vineyards, nurtured by centuries-old traditions and modern techniques, produce wines that are as complex as they are delightful. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Austrian wines, exploring the regions, grapes, and stories that make them extraordinary.
This article provides an in-depth look at the history, regions, and grape varietals that define Austrian wine, offering valuable insights for sommeliers and wine professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of this remarkable wine-producing country.
Wine Gift Ideas
Napa Valley Maps from VinousHere’s something for the wine geek in your circle. Vinous has published a cutting-edge series of vineyard maps. These are not whimsical maps crafted to be hit …
Antica 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak
12 Sommelier Candidates Review the Same WineOur Level IV Sommelier candidates were required to submit tasting notes for several wines, including the fantastic Antica 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak in Napa …
Pennsylvania Wine Law Primer
Over the past few years, how alcohol is bought and sold in Pennsylvania has changed dramatically. It is not just about semi-privatization and consumer choice—that is not half of it. The …
Wine Phrases for Beginners
Essential Wine TermsFor most wine enthusiasts, getting to know wine only gets daunting at tastings. When people more experienced throw out a jumble of words and phrases, not to mention the …
An Italian Sommelier Guide to Wine Pairings
Centuries of winemaking traditions support every grandmother and executive chef in Italy. From the Alpine peaks in the north to the sun-soaked beaches in the South, every Italian town offers a …
What are Tannins?
What are Tannins?Defining tannins can be tricky even for seasoned wine enthusiasts. According to the dictionary, tannin is a yellowish or brownish bitter-tasting organic substance found in various plant tissues, commonly …
Terlato 2009 Syrah “Block 9” Dry Creek Valley
Is this Syrah from Cornas or California? In most ways, this wine drinks like it hail from that awesome Northern Rhone cru. Yet, here we are in Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek …
Growing Grapes without Irrigation
In 2015, California Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order mandating a 25% reduction in water use. Not surprisingly, the news went national; this was a first in America. Future of …
Wine Reviews
The top wines from our wine tasting classes. These are the bottles that excited and challenged us this year. And these aren’t just the expensive bottles, either: there are plenty here in the …
Sonic Decanter: The New Wine Gadget Demystified
Sonic Youth Decanted, or how we ended up in the Washington Post On December 10th, we were featured in a Washington Post Online article disputing the claims made about the Sonic Decanter. The …
The Wine Guide
I have divided this wine guide into several mildly amusing chapters. As always, I selected each wine for its high quality and good pricing. I’ve included over 20 wines in this list, …
Food & Wine Pairing
Food & Wine PairingThe following recipes were created by myself and the pairings by sommelier Alana Zerbe. If you like our food and wine pairings, you can grab a copy of …
Vall Llach 2009 “Idus” Priorat
Wine Review: Vall Llach 2009 “Idus” Priorat On the nose, a giant whiff of wild fennel and fig confit. The palate is bursting with black fruit with sweet vanilla and balsamic. …
The Top BYOB Restaurants in Philly
We need to update this list. Let us know your current favorites in the comments below!BYO culture in Philly is unique among American cities. It came about due to the influence …