When Pittsburghers think about driving a couple of hours to a wine event, many might be think ‘why bother’, since the State of Pennsylvania is known to have generally similar choices at all the state owned wine shops across the state. But wait – this event looks a little different. For anyone thirsting for wine … Continue reading WPSU Wine Festival & Celebration – State College September 19th
Who doesn’t love a nice Chardonnay??? In this case I am talking about a French White Brugundy, a group which is very close to my heart. White Burgundies have had very good vintages for the past five years, so no one should be afraid of purchasing one (unlike the reds of the past five vintages … Continue reading Joseph Droughin Saint Veran 2008
Wow – what fun flavor combinations we had for this Italian-themed cruise – as always, my cheese-expert pal David Bennett chose cheese from the same country as the wines – we tried to obtain traditional, ‘old-world’ style wines to express traditional Italian flavors – no Super-Tuscans in this tasting! Feel free to post questions and … Continue reading Wines and Cheeses from Italy river cruise – Delicioso!
In a world where we are told, by the best marketing campaigns, to want more and more of everything, this cultural marketing push has even captured segments of the wine producing world. The result of this “big is more” approach is that many wines appearing in our markets contain so much fruit, so much oak and … Continue reading Vive la difference!! Seek wines of all types
Spanish Wine and Cheese combinations I was fortunate to be invited again to participate in a river cruise built specifically around the pairing of wines and cheeses, this time Spanish wines and cheeses. The event was promoted by Grapenuts (www.grapenuts.org), a group in which I have been involved for many years with John Mahood, and David Bennett, … Continue reading Spanish Wine and Cheese, great combinations!
New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs – all the same? Some colleagues of mine suggest that New Zealand (Marlborough at least) are interchangeable. The suggestion goes that the flavor profile is so similar in these increasingly easily available NZ SBs, that one becomes another and the brand and winemaker do not matter – therefore, unless one wants … Continue reading New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs – all the same?
A California-style white… from Portugal! What a fascinating wine discovery! The 2008 Dona Ermelinda White (http://www.ermelindafreitas.pt/en/) is a blend of several native and often unfamiliar Portuguese grapes (Fernao Pires, Arinto, Antao Vaz) and 30% very familiar Chardonnay, the grape responsible for white Burgundies and countless world famous white wines from around the globe. The color … Continue reading A California-style white… from Portugal!
Fish Dinner with White Wines A recent dinner put on by “Off the Grid” (www.off-the-grid.ws) combined the fish-based culinary talents of owners Henry and Angela of Penn Avenue Fish Company (www.pennavefishcompany.com ). The idea of a five course fish-only dinner paired with five white wines was interesting, since variety is the spice of life, and … Continue reading Fish Dinner with White Wines
Four French Values from recent Wine and Cheese Cruise Recently a cheese-expert friend of mine, David Bennett, presented an opportunity to pair wines and cheeses, with the additional treat of discussing these pairings as we floated on the river in a fabulous private yacht, watching the sun set against the skyline of Pittsburgh. Who am … Continue reading Four French Values from recent Wine and Cheese Cruise
If you drive north through the northern most vicinity of Napa Valley, a few minutes past Calistoga, you will arrive in the AVA (American Viticultural Area) known as Knights Valley. Although not the most recognized wine region in California, this AVA is considered by many to be a gem in the hills north of Napa. … Continue reading Boutique-style California wines for value-style budget
Jack Brice Wine 