Xinomavro: Greece’s Answer to Burgundy

If you love wine, you have the ancient Greeks to thank. They were pioneers who knew how to party, and … Continue reading Xinomavro: Greece’s Answer to Burgundy

Verdejo: The Spanish Sauvignon Blanc Alternative

Do you ever crave a light, refreshing white to go with fish or salads, but are wary of Sauvignon Blanc? … Continue reading Verdejo: The Spanish Sauvignon Blanc Alternative

Trousseau, Bastardo, Gros Cabernet. These are just a few of the names Merenzao answers to. Originally from the Jura region … Continue reading Merenzao: A Grape with Many Names

How did a grape that was once the favorite of King Charles III, exported as the first “vin clairet” to … Continue reading Pineau d’Aunis: The Comeback Grape

Tannat was born in 1783 in the southwest region of Madiran, France. Here, it was firm and powerful, with skins … Continue reading Tannat: The Crown Jewel of Uruguay.

This catchy phrase describes the wine region of Santa Barbara County. More specifically, to its seven AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas) … Continue reading West of France, Just North of LA

One of the things that most interests me as a sommelier is the wide variety of grapes grown. It fascinates … Continue reading Grignolino: Springtime Pasta’s Perfect Pair

Alicante Bouschet was originally a French grape designed by viticulturist, Henri Bouschet, when he cross bred the grapes Petit Bouschet … Continue reading Alicante Bouschet: Planting Roots in the New World

When you think of wine making countries, which come to mind? France, Italy, the US, Australia. One rarely shouts, “Switzerland!” … Continue reading Chasselas: Switzerland’s White Wine

When one thinks of the Italian Riviera, images of Portofino or Cinqueterre come to mind full of colorful little buildings … Continue reading Rossese: The Italian Riviera’s Red Star