In these troubled times, it feels awkward to celebrate Independence Day this year. As a tiny act of patriotic resistance, I’m opening a wine from Europe.
Archives | Subscribe | Previous article: Dried grapes, good wine Read article.
A blend of traditional Austrian grapes, Meinklang 2022 Burgenland red is biodynamically produced, made and aged in stainless steel, and bottled unfiltered and unfined with low added sulfur. It’s earthy and enjoyable, starting with tart plum and blackberry aromas alongside earthy but appealing red clay and leather, with leafy notes of mint in the background.
FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Meinklang Burgenland red on Wine-Searcher.com.
Read about Austria’s Burgenland wine region at this Wine-Searcher link.
Head for this Wine-Searcher link to find vendors and prices for a range of Meinklang’s wines. Read article.
I sometimes wonder what inspired the first Veneto winemaker who mused, “Hmmm. What if we dried all these grapes before we make them into wine?”
Archives | Subscribe | Previous article: Warmer climate, warmer wine? Read article.
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% of the local red Veneto grape Corvina, “Gran Passione” Veneto Rosso is made in the style of the Veneto’s iconic Amarone, but it builds intensity by leaving the grapes on the vines to air-dry before pressing. Then, as with the region’s Ripasso wines, they leave the pressed skins in the juice after fermentation to yield still more concentration.
FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Gran Passione on Wine-Searcher.com.
Read about Northeastern Italy’s Veneto region at this Wine-Searcher link.
This Wine-Searcher link offers more information about Casa Vinicola Botter, producer of Gran Passione. Read article.
The Tuscan red I picked up the other day listed 15% alcohol. Whoa! That, as the saying goes, “ain’t natural.” But does this potent dose hurt the wine?
Archives | Subscribe | Previous article: Virtue signaling, or simply virtue? Read article.
“Virtue signaling,” boasting of your good works to brag or to show an example, is controversial. Is it good or bad? Can it happen on a wine label?
Archives | Subscribe | Previous article: What’s in your wine? The labeling debate Read article.
Ripe with the scents of peaches, honeydew melons, and lemon zest, Lubanzi Swartland Chenin Blanc shows an attractive greenish-gold brass color in the glass. Its fresh and bright aromas carry over on the palate in a medium-bodied flavor with juicy fruit and zippy acidity adding appealing hints of stony minerality in a very long finish.
FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Lubanzi Swartland Chenin Blanc on Wine-Searcher.com.
Read about South Africa’s Swartland wine region and find a selection of its wines at this Wine-Searcher link.
Go to this Wine-Searcher link for a broad overview of the Chenin Blanc grape and its styles around the world.
Read article.
“Ingredients: wine grapes & potassium metabisulfite.” These aren’t words we often see on a wine label. Do you think wine ingredient labeling is a good idea?
Archives | Subscribe | Previous article: David, Goliath, and tariffs Read article.
After months of uproar, the case that halted President Trump’s broad-based tariffs, at least for now, was led by a small New York importer of wine.
Archives | Subscribe | Previous article: Wine tasting: Art or science? Read article.
Avignonesi Cantaloro Toscana is dark ruby-purple in color. Typical Tuscan cherries and dried cherries dance in a subtle but complex aroma that adds blackberries and leather. Ripe cherry-berry flavors are framed with bright acidity and soft tannins, with hints of dried herbs joining in a long finish. 14% alcohol remains in balance without harshness or heat.
FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Avignonesi Cantaloro Toscana on Wine-Searcher.com.
Read about Italy’s Toscana designation and find links to wines and vendors at this Wine-Searcher link.
This Wine-Searcher link opens up a page about Avignonesi and its wines. Read article.
