Top Italian Red Wines for $20
Italian Red Wines 101Walk into any wine shop, and you will be confronted with hundreds of Italian red wines, ranging in price from six dollars to hundreds. Your goal is to …
Wine Types
Forastera: The Forgotten Grape of Ischia
Introduction to ForasteraIn the world of wine, certain grapes dominate the conversation. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir often steal the spotlight. Yet, hidden in the shadow of these giants are …
Grignolino: A Detailed Exploration
About GrignolinoGrignolino, a lesser-known yet remarkable grape varietal from Italy’s Piedmont region, beckons wine enthusiasts with its unique profile and historical significance. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, and modern …
Contino 2016 Rioja Reserva
If you’ve read my reviews of previous vintages (here and here), then you know the deep respect I have for this storied winery. This is the last bottling of Contino by …
Herencia Altes 2016 Garnacha Peluda, Terra Alta
Peluda is a crazy variant of Grenache. The translation is “Hairy Grenache” and that is quite apt: the leaves are a bit hairy on the underside, which is kinda gross when …
Lua Cheia em Vinhas Velhas 2019 Douro
The rough translation of this brand is “Full Moon over Old Vines,” which is pretty apt for their wines. They aren’t a winery but a project of entrepreneur Manuel Dias and …
Chateau Courac 2018 Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudun
For frugal lovers of Chateauneuf du Pape, the town of Laudun has become a gold mine. It’s a tiny Rhone village that was recently upgraded in status; it’s biting at the …
Wine Tasting Classes for Fall
France vs South AmericaPart of the ongoing series of wine tastings devised by the brilliant Alana Zerbe. Take two great wine countries, toss them into a battle royale, and see who …
Luis Gurpegui 2014 “Primi” Rioja Reserva
Luis Gurpegui Muga is an old winery with extensive vineyards throughout Rioja. While common to see in Spain and Europe, this isn’t widely distributed in the United States. That is likely …
Clos du Val 2016 Estate Merlot, Napa
A storied winery that helped cement the Napa legend. Since its founding in 1972, it has been required drinking for any sommelier. This bottling of Merlot was sourced from estate vineyards …
Carlos Serres 2012 Rioja Gran Reserva
This is not the first time we have reviewed the wines of Carlos Serres, and for a good reason. Their wines offer classic Rioja flavors balanced with modern winemaking finesse. Tucked …
Cave des Onze Communes 2017 Cornalin, Aosta Valley
$14.39 (FWGS) 88 Points (WSoP)Sometimes life calls for a crazy wine from Italy’s smallest wine region, right smack on the Swiss border. Aosta is a mountain region, and this is clearly …
Tercero 2014 “Verbiage” Santa Barbara County
$19.99 (FWGS) 92 Points (WSoP)A classic Rhone-style blend from the Central Coast. This bottling is mostly Roussanne with a small amount of Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Aged in older French oak …
Bodega Garzon 2019 “Reserva” Tannat, Uruguay
$11.99 (FWGS) 89 Points (WSoP)Uruguay has a vibrant wine-producing culture focused on family farms. Garzon is one of the larger producers but still small by American standards. The French and Basque …
Crocus 2015 “Le Calcifere” Malbec de Cahors
$19.99 (FWGS) 95 Points (WSoP)This is what you get when you take two great winemakers and toss them into the most underrated wine region in France. Paul Hobbs is a freaking …