The deep colored Tannat grape is thriving in Uruguay. With naturally high acid and a slant towards firm tannins, it’s fruity (cherry, plum and brambly berries) with sometime notes of spices, earth and floral. The signature grape of Uruguay, it was brought to the country in the 19th century by the Basque born immigrant Pascual Harriague and often called the “Harriague grape”.
Although some wineries have difficulties, and challenges exist in the south of France due to competition with Spanish bulk wine, Languedoc-Roussillon area vintners are producing wines well worth the search at amazing prices.
Located in Chianti Storico (old Chianti), you find Chianti Classico wines. Montefioralle is an organic producer located near Greve- an easy trip from Florence for tasting wine and olive oil.
The wine world can be confusing, Italy is no exception. Many say Italy is one of the hardest to navigate. I found that true unraveling Chianti and Chianti Classico. So is one a sub-zone of another?
To know the wine of Emilia-Romagna it’s important to understand the region and food.
Bordeaux is famous for expensive red wine. But most folks don’t know how large the Bordeaux and neighboring regions are- there are literally thousands of wineries stretching for miles. After digging deep to challenge the “expensive” myth, I found two bottles that may turn your perception upside-down. This month our French #winophiles group scoured France to bring you amazing wines… Read more »
Alto Adige gets about 300 sunny days per year – perfect for high acidity retention in grapes. It’s where snow capped mountain slopes meet a Mediterranean climate and pristine blue skies. And it’s where distinctive wines are produced. The Italian Food, Wine, and Travel authors (#ItalianFWT) virtually travel to northern Italy for Alpine Wines this month. And, in fact, Alto… Read more »
California made people think rosé is sweet…and lesser quality. But it’s made all over the world. And, Provence (France) is credited for putting it on the map. Rosé is for serious wine lovers, yes, but really anyone interested in wine. Perhaps it were the marketers that ruined its image? Cheap and affordable? Rosé is just the opposite. It can be… Read more »
Great French wines are found in the Basque. Most people think of Spain when they hear the word Basque. But a little known fact is 15% of the area lies within southern France, where the coastal towns of Biarritz, Bayonne, and St-Jean-de-Luz entertain sun worshipers and surfers while just inland Hendaye in the Pyrénées foothills captivates hikers. The south west… Read more »
A new group of ladies emerged from the land of Beaujolais, with an inaugural kickoff at Vinexpo in Bordeaux last week. Unique and specific, their portfolio of wines is a hit. I met some of the woman behind Elles Et Beaujolais- they are a compelling force in the region. 5 women, 5 vineyards and 1 common spirit: quality, tradition and… Read more »