Montecillo 2008 Rioja Reserva
If I could figure out a way to turn the Wine School into a religious institution (think of it: best communion ever!), Rioja would be one of our holy lands. It’s …
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Writing about wine is the means of communication which lets the producers speak to the consumers, it is like a process where a bottle of wine becomes a story. It tells the facts, it is a source of new ideas, and it conditions the understanding, and thus, it is a great help to the wine lovers in the maze of regions, types, and vintages. Wine writing tells the stories of time that are important to people and critiques while also being the means of disseminating new ideas. It is a tool to shift commerce, it elevates the regions that are less known, and it promotes a more profound comprehension. Whether in the form of articles, reviews, or tales, wine writing is the means that inform the readers about the artisanal aspect of each glass. In a time when the taste is changing and the media is more digital, good writing on wine is still very important, not only for guiding the buying choices of people but also for imparting the real character of wine.
If I could figure out a way to turn the Wine School into a religious institution (think of it: best communion ever!), Rioja would be one of our holy lands. It’s …
Orvieto Orvieto used to be huge. I still am surprised when younger sommeliers and students don’t recognize the name. In the ’80s, it was one of those bottles that white zin …
These restaurant reviews were originally published in 2014. A lot has changed since then. If you have any restaurants you think should be featured, let us know!Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle …
For a hot moment in the late 90’s, France’s Mediterranean vineyards were trendy, in particular the Languedoc-Roussillon. The good folks at Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate couldn’t rate the wines high …
A few recipes from our food & wine pairing classes. Chilled Rosemary Soup with Hazelnut OilA very pretty soup that balances the sweetness of carrot with the piney quality of rosemary. The …
I discovered the wine company Gironde et Gascogne at a trade tasting a few years back. This is a boutique operation with two chateaux on their roster, both in Bordeaux: Château Ramage La …
Winery Background This wine is something of a mystery. There is no winery in Chateauneuf-du-Pape with the name Paul Jourdan. There was a man by that name who owned Domaine Chante Cigale from …
This is not my first rodeo with Villa Cafaggio. When I was the national sommelier for Bacchus Selections, I was a huge fan of their Chianti Classico. It was a great …
A unique style of Sauvignon Blanc that typically is referred to as “Fume Blanc” saw its popularity peak in the nineties. You know, last century. That said, this is a fantastic …
Moscato has been a popular bubbly for centuries, but the last few years have seen its fame skyrocket in America. It’s one of the best gateway wines: its bubbles and grapey …
This is a delicious wine styled to be both plush and pretty. First is the rich ruby color with glass-staining extraction. Then the aromas of red berries and tarragon traced by …
Punch Drunk Blanco Serves approximately 20 4 fresh stalks of lemongrass, rough chop 3-in. piece of peeled ginger, rough chop 2 large pineapples, cut into chunks 1½ L. of tequila blanco 92 oz. …
The Sommelier Smackdown is one of our food & wine pairing classes at the Wine School and one that we gain a lot of attention, even sometimes too much. We brought …
An enduring mystery in the American wine market is why Paso Robles is still an undiscovered wine country. After all, it’s one of the best spots in Cali for both good …
Walla WallaA winery town where hard work is valued, winemakers are trained as apprentices, and everyone is a bit rough around the edges. That’s a unique place. That’s Walla Walla, and …
Hmm. Seems like the chateau owner may be in a financial pickle. First, her bottlings from Chateau Ambe Tour Pourret showed up at stark discounts. That was some great Bordeaux for …