Monteloro 2007 “Mezzo Braccio” IGT, Toscana
You know the old saying, “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing”? It probably accounts for my rarely holding forth on Pinot Egregious…sorry, Pinot GRIGIO. A grape is often derided …
Wine reviews and ratings first became popular after the traditional wine criticism, which was practiced centuries ago by the merchants, connoisseurs, and writers who kept records of their impressions of wines for trade and education. Initially, in the past, one of the philosophers like Pliny the Elder wrote about different types of wines and their characteristics, while the European nobles would always have their advisors that helped them choose the best ones. The current form of wine reviews came out in the 20th century.
The phenomenon of wine reviews rose in the mid-1900s when people like AndrĂ© Simon and Michael Broadbent were the key figures for the public’s perspective. The magazines corresponding to the genre like *Wine Spectator* or *Decanter* started offering a format to the reviews, while Robert Parker introduced a 100-point rating system which was the first of its kind in the 1980s. The impact of Parker, especially in Bordeaux and Napa Valley, was the principal cause of the change towards the fruit-forward, high-alcohol wines that critics preferred all around the world.
Wine ratings are still of great popularity among the people, but the consumer preferences are not so one-dimensional anymore. Useful websites for consumers like Vivino, CellarTracker, along with social media influencers have provided wine criticism with a new democratic platform, where amateurs can express their views next to professionals. Although the scores from critics still have a lot of power over the pricing and prestige of a certain company, the people that love listening to winos have gained more than one source able to help them with their purchases. The path of the wine reviews continues, which is the balance between the expertise and the easy access to it in the quickly transforming field.
You know the old saying, “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing”? It probably accounts for my rarely holding forth on Pinot Egregious…sorry, Pinot GRIGIO. A grape is often derided …
Montepulciano is one of those Rodney Dangerfield grapes, the kind that gets no respect. It can be a crowd-pleaser for its pronounced, rounded fruitiness and soft tannins. A modest grape not …
Finally, it seems, winter has loosened its grip on us. Or, to be more accurate, we’ve finally been treated to something resembling springtime weather: Yes, this past week, we experienced not …
What makes a Barolo truly great? Or how does one make a great Barolo? Two sides of the same coin in the ongoing debate among the “modernists” and “traditionalists” of Piemonte, …
Some of our first wine reviews. Check out the pricing! Ravenwood 2002 Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley$17.99 in PA ($25 outside PA) PLCB Code 13804A definite must-buy for Zin drinkers. …
Thirty or forty years ago, Soave, as was the case with its Tuscan cousin Chianti, suffered the ignominy of becoming a “brand” name, a generic term for mass-produced, easy-drinking Italian white …
Not that they needed it, but the recent infusion of Mediterranean-themed “small plate” menus on the local dining scene has opened palates to the quality and value of Spanish wines. However, …
From the inky purple-black pigment to the balanced and slightly herbal finish, this is a mouthful of wine. Substantial and juicy at the same time, with layers of dark berries and …
Nero d’Avola has slowly gained credence as THE red grape of Sicily, combined here with Syrah to produce an interesting IGT wine that tones down the sometimes jammy, chewy quality of …
The wines of Niepoort exemplify how much potential northern Portugal has, and the Vertente’s seamless integration of native grape varieties with a decidedly New World sensibility is nothing short of magical. …
Though the blend is pinot noir (80%) and syrah (20%), both of them play together beautifully on the nose, which is rich with aromas of game, earth, damp leaves, roses, and …
This is a serious P.X. for a song–less than $20 for a 350ml bottle. A profound nose of dried apricots and figs leads to a mid-palate of rich, almost haunting notes …
These wines will make great gifts and will be enjoyable by a wide range of wine enthusiasts.You can find these wines using the Wine Finder. If you live near Philly, a …
A brick-like color leads to a nose of pure graphite and green pepper–quintessential cabernet sauvignon. That green quality follows through on the mid-palate, but it’s softened by some herbal tea and …
Sure, the wine was overoaked and a bit melodramatic, but it was, nonetheless, surprisingly tasty considering its provenance. Super-ripe raspberry fruit on the nose and deep aromas of coffee and vanilla …
I could spend all day sniffing a glass of this stuff–the nose is a beautiful combination of wild strawberries and rose petals, yet it’s in no way cloyingly perfume-y. The palate, …