Merlot is like that co-worker who’s been there forever (since the late 1700’s). Consistently shows up, works hard, has great character—but oftentimes gets overlooked for the hipster, cool labels. But, Merlot is distinguished and established. It keeps working while trends come and go and is easy to get along with. That
Travel to Croatia via Plavac Mali
New Year, New Wine Regions to Travel Vicariously Through
Some say if you love Zinfandel, you’ll love Plavac Mali. They’re closely related grape relatives—a cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (the ancient, original Zinfandel) and Dobričić grapes. California Zinfandel compared to this Plavac from Frano Miloš is… well, other than both being red and
Cracking Croatian Wine
This book makes me want to travel to Croatia & try all the wine
A visitor-friendly guide to Croatia’s wine scene, Cracking Croatian Wine is a a practical wine and travel guide in one. If you plan on visiting Croatia, take this book with you. Even if you’re not a certifiable
Wine,
St. Laurent
St. Laurent = Red Wine Grape Variety Found Mainly in Austria & Czech Republic.
I recently drove to downtown Phoenix in search of a Croatian red. I was lucky to get a copy of Cracking Croatian Wine, & thought it would be appropriate to have a little Plavac Mali (“Plah-vahts Mah-lee”) while I
Brett!
Of the countless bottles of red wine I’ve opened over the years, many of them had aromas of earth, soil, leather, etc. Some even had a hint of moldy basement and some sort of stinky dirt you can’t quite place—which can be such a good thing!
Brettanomyces (nickname: “Brett”) is a
Wine,
Salacious
Salacious Indeed…
If you need to make a quick, pit stop in Paso Robles, I highly recommend popping into Asuncion Ridge—especially if you are on a road trip with children. There’s a pizza place next door and a lovely, green park right across the street. The tasting room is right downtown,
Sipping Santa Barbara
This Book Makes Me Miss Santa Barbara
Those who know me, know I love wine and books. I also happen to love Santa Barbara. Who doesn’t though? It’s so beautiful! I’ve only visited a handful of times but with each visit, I sigh,”Why don’t I live here?” Then, Realistic Rita who
Wine,
In Good Hands…
I chose to write about Schild Estate’s 2012 Shiraz because the image of these hard-working hands resonated with me. Hands that are strong, for sure sore and achy at times, strained from years of hard work. They’ve probably been cut, too many times to count, and healed quickly without fuss.
Wine,
Drink Zin, Avoid Hantavirus
Rapscallion to the rescue!
This month has been busy. And, I’ve spent quite a few days up in a little mountain town in northern Arizona with my mom. This is always a good thing—I love spending time & helping out my mom. However, being in a wooded area, and it being
Wine,
Easter Wine
It’s already Easter and I’m way behind on these very important and informative wine blog posts! I hope I’m not too late with my Easter wine recommendation!? As far as pairings go, I realize many of you will be eating delicious, traditional meals involving some sort of carved ham (maybe