WebWineMan

Pinot Perfection: Oregon Finds Its Soul

Richard Fadeley

After a brilliant 2008 vintage, Oregon has been struggling with less than ideal weather - but, writes Richard Fadeley, somehow they seem to be winning the battle. "They have always seemed to be perfectly suited for pinot gris and consistently produce world-class wine from this Alsatian grape that pairs well with salads, cheese, and their local salmon." He reviews some of the current Oregon pinots. Read article.

Delas Ventoux

Delas 2012 Ventoux ($9.99)

Clear dark reddish-violet, dark almost all the way to the edge. Red plums and a "dusty" clay-like minerality on the nose and palate. Tart, food-friendly acidity and substantial tannins, with plummy fruit and good acidic balance to serve it well at the dinner table. A bit volatile, almost a whiff of cider vinegar at first, but happily it blows off to reveal a more approachable old-style French country table wine, nicely balanced and carrying its listed 14% alcohol well.

More about this wine

Vino e Cucina d'Italia

Planting Roots & Dreams: The Wines of Ciù Ciù

Neil Duarte

Just outside of the picturesque medieval town of Offida in the southeastern part of the region of Le Marche, the Società Agricola Ciù Ciù winery's Bartolemei family's organic grapes produce wines that embody the finest characteristics of the region. Neil Duarte got to sample many of them on a recent visit. Here's his report.