Thanksgiving Issue
Surviving a family Thanksgiving is like trying to pick a wine at the store—there’s a lot to choose from, and sometimes you end up with something that makes you question your life decisions.
Read moreCategory: France
France
Laurent Clapier – Mas Théo TO
With its dark ruby color, this wine offers an intriguing sensory experience. On the nose, you’ll find a blend of mineral notes, grass, vinegar, balsamic undertones, pickled cucumber, and hints of fermented pineapple, accompanied by subtle cardamom, cedar, and pine aromas.
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Summer Has Officially Left The Building
This past weekend, the calendar rudely reminded me that summer had officially packed its belongings and left the building. However, my quest for honestly crafted, sustainably produced rosé and rosados from independent and artisanal winemakers continues. Because, fellow oenophiles, just because summer has made its exit doesn’t mean we can’t continue to enjoy the results of the Saignée method.
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Gonet-Medeville Brut Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV – Magnum
Julie and Xavier Gonet-Médeville both come from illustrious winemaking families: Julie’s lineage is renowned for the incomparable Château Gilette, while Xavier comes from a long line of Champagne growers in Le Mesnil. Leading a new generation of winemakers, they bring their family knowledge, methods, and passion to the diverse range of wines they craft together. In 2000, when his family’s Champagne vineyards were undergoing division, […]
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War of the Rosés continues
Ah, natural wine! The rebellious teenager of the wine world, always causing a stir with its funky flavors and unpredictable behavior. It’s like the wild child who refuses to conform to society’s expectations. You never know what you’re going to get when you pop open a bottle of natural wine. It’s like playing Russian roulette, but with grapes instead of bullets. Will it taste like […]
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Elevate Your Picnic Game
Lucien Crochet Rose 2021 $36 (Rosenthal Wine Merchant) Loire Valley 100% Pinot Noir Behold the majestic salmon pink in your glass, adorned with a bouquet that whispers sweet juicy orange into your nostrils. It’s got that classic Sancerre structure, the kind that’s clean, full-bodied, and makes your taste buds come alive. Now, fair warning, this bottle might dig a little deeper into your pockets. But […]
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A Millennium of Wine
Chateau Peyrassol 2022 Méditerranée, La Croix $17 (Wilson Daniels) Provence 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 2% Carignan In the year 1204, Alphonse II, the Count of Provence, generously handed over the estate to none other than the legendary Order of the Knights Templar. And voila! “Peirasson” officially joined the ranks of the Templar commanderies in the beautiful land of Provence. And let me tell […]
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A pop-in taste
A quick pop-in to a local wine shop yielded tasting one very weird Chertok ‘Midrash’ a grape/cider combination, a Malbec from Cahors, and Populis, a Sauvignon Blanc from Mendocino County. Of the three I decided to buy the Populis. 2022 POPULIS SAUVIGNON BLANC – MENDOCINO COUNTY $25 It’s well made, a bit more of a “gastro” wine as opposed to a sipping/drinking wine. The acidity […]
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Bar Zola
Since the closure of Manresa, Bar Zola has become Wilson and Alandra’s new go-to wine bar. We thought it would be a great place for dinner. Upon arrival, we were promptly greeted and seated. Despite not being a white tablecloth establishment, the staff here is well-versed in the finer points of traditional French service. They paid attention to details such as knowing who ordered what, […]
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Andrews Tasting Selection
Champagne, Corsica, Paso Robles, Napa Andrew did not disappoint with his selection! These wines were eye-opening and jaw-dropping. Particularly the reds which were best had on different days to truly enjoy them. Champagne Palmer 2012 A soft dry wine with fresh apples and a crisp citrus mouthfeel. Nicely creamy and lively with excellent acidity this vintage cuvée is ready to be enjoyed…and was! $112 Constellation […]
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Domaine de Majas Côtes Catalanes Rosé “L’Amoureuse”
I found this wine in a small shop in VT. The retro label design captured my attention. Curious to know more, I looked at the back of the bottle and found that the importer was Louis/Dressner. Denyse Louis and the late Joe Dressner started their New York-based company in 1988 with a handful of French producers. Now run by Ms. Louis, Kevin McKenna, and Jules […]
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Burgundy and a surprise from Southwest France
Domaine Muret Les Grand Boullions Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul is an ancient grape variety originating from southwest France. Traditionally used in the production of Cognac and Armagnac until the 20th century, this grape produces wines that are known for their crisp and refreshing qualities. In the glass, this particular Picpoul presents a straw-yellow color. The enticing aroma of fruit on the nose is carried through […]
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