The Abbazia property is located in the tiny village of Novacella, so close to the Austrian border that it is, in many ways, Italian by name only – closer to Innsbruck than to any town of similar size in Italy. That is not the only thing that sets this wine apart…
Despite genetic links to Italy via the grape Primitivo, and Croatia via the grapes Tribidrag and Crljenak Kastelanski, Zinfandel is still beloved as the closest thing to an All-American vinifera grape that we have. It was one of the first grape varieties to sweep California. In the late 19th century it was the most planted grape […]
Cava is Spain’s traditional method (fka méthode champenoise) sparkling wine from the Catalonia region. Cava must be aged on its lees for at least 9 months and attain a final alcohol level between 10-13%. The Brut designation has up to 12 grams of residual sugar – an almost-undetectable amount that contributes to a smooth mouthfeel, and […]
After enjoying this beautiful, pink wine on the first sunny spring day in NYC, I can’t resist. Where the previous wine was a 2011 vintage, this one is a recent release and a fine sample of what this vintage has to offer.
There are times when you see an unusual wine on a wine list in a favorite restaurant, or on the shelves of a favorite wine store and a sense of adventure takes over – you inquire, you listen, you decide to step into the unknown – a tasting adventure.
My Jaume Serra Cava Brut review is inspired by the tradition of Cava. Spain’s traditional method (fka méthode champenoise) sparkling wine from the Catalonia region; it is made from a blend of grapes, primarily Macabeo and Xarel-lo with the recent addition of Chardonnay to the list of permitted white grape varietals.
Riesling – One seemingly simple grape with countless personalities, all of them delicious. Too often, Riesling is associated with sweetness and all the undesirable implications of an amateurish preference for sweet fruity beverages – a sad state of affairs for such well-respected, versatile, food-friendly wines. Truth is, the majority of Rieslings are bone dry, especially […]
Eat & Tell with Annette Tomei Is it true that everyone has a dirty little secret? Any diva worth her imported, hand-harvested, sea-salt probably has a few! The really juicy ones are certain to be secret loves… the little “bad for you” indulgences that we daydream about and treat ourselves to when we’re feeling particularly […]
