What is a Sommelier?
Becoming a sommelier is a goal for many wine lovers, prodded on by the many “SOMM” movies and TV shows. It is now a career imbued with glamor and intrigue. Is …
The art of wine tasting means evaluating a wine’s appearance, aroma, flavor, and structure. It is a sensory experience that plays with your 5 senses, bringing to your attention the subtle differences in grape variety, terroir, and winemaking techniques. The procedure starts with a visual inspection, after which the taster assesses the aromas-fruits, spices, earth, or oak. On the tongue, the ratio of acidity, tannins, sweetness, and alcohol creates a harmonious balance which is what defines the quality of a wine. The structured methods are employed in professional tastings, whereas casual tastings promote exploration and enjoyment. Whether a gamely drinking to learn or enjoying a glass of wine as a social act, wine tasting provides the two benefits of deeper understanding and sharpness of the palate and besides it builds the experience of traveling around the world with people trying new wines.
Becoming a sommelier is a goal for many wine lovers, prodded on by the many “SOMM” movies and TV shows. It is now a career imbued with glamor and intrigue. Is …
Mazzei Belguardo Serrata ToscanaBelguardo’s vineyards are on the Tuscan coast, much warmer than the more traditional vineyards in the central hills. This makes for some very modern, ultra-ripe versions of Sangiovese, along …
Tenuta di Burchino Il Burchino ToscanaA blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, this is very sleek and international in style. This estate-grown wine is a Super Tuscan in all senses …
This is an older article from the Wine School, originally publishing in May, 2018. Jonathan Newman, the former Chairman of the PLCB is selling wine to Tim Holden, the current PLCB Chairman …
Looking for the newly updated article on wine book recommendations? You can check that out here: Top Picks for Wine Books. Larousse WineMany years ago, a student of mine –an aspiring chef and …
Tormaresca “Trentangeli” Castel del MonteI am a big fan of Aglianico, but it isn’t a crowd-pleaser. It’s more like the Metallica of the wine world. Even some of our sommelier friends …
Buying good wine in Philly can be a challenge. The prices are too damn high. Most of the folks working in most of the wine shops in Philadelphia know more about …
Robert Young Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Scion Estate in Alexander ValleyThis is a classic. Aromas of Earl Grey tea and hibiscus are balanced with fresh mint and tobacco. The wine is rich …
Patatas Bravas2 pounds red skin potatoes, quartered3 Tbsp vegetable oil1 tsp fine salt2 shallots, diced1 tsp smoked paprikapinch cayenne pepper1 cup crushed tomatoes¼ cup white wine1 cup mayonnaiseFor the Sauce:Heat a …
El Molet JumillaThis bottle is something of an ugly duckling. The first few years of its life, it was a bit green-toned and abrasive. That can happen to grapes harvested early, …
Corn And Zucchini Salad With Feta4 ears of corn, huskedKosher salt4 small zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced lengthwise on a mandoline8-10 zucchini blossoms, torn into large pieces (optional)1/4 cup …
From the Wine Pairing Classes at the Wine SchoolArugula, Fennel and Olive Salad3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice1 small shallot1 tsp mustard1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil1/2 tsp Fine sea salt1 5-ounce package …
A Perfect Wine & Chocolate PairingEveryone loves getting fed. You could whip up a three-course meal, but that’s not a quick gift. If you want all the glory without all the …
Mushrooms Stuffed with Smoked Trout, Leeks, Creme Fraiche 12 Cremini Mushrooms 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted. 1/4 cup Leeks, washed and sliced 1/8 cup Smoked Trout, crumbled 1/4 cup Creme Fraiche (or …
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 …
Pulled Pork, South Carolina BBQ The BBQ Sauce Throughout the 1700s, South Carolina drew a large contingent of immigrant German families. These new settlers brought with them ideas and advancements on ways …