Yearly Archives: 2014
Gruner Veltliner and Beyond: Diving into Austrian Wine
Confession time. I’ve probably been saying “Gruner Veltliner” wrong or with a tragic American affectation for years. So what?!? I know how to drink it. But this signature (white) wine grape of Austria is much more complex than my simplistic pronunciation of it. It can be light and racy, perfect poured liberally from a one-liter [More]
Uproot Wines: Can You Hear the Colorful Labels?
As you know, I am fascinated not just by wine but also the labels that adorn each bottle. You might say I suffer from, or rather revel in, Label Lust. Also, who else could corral five fantastic graphic designers to critique a wine label? Answer: No one. (Duh.) So when Clive Pursehouse, he of the [More]
Fairview and Spice Route: Discovering the Wines of South Africa
Six years ago I got the chance to travel around the wine country of South Africa, which is not too far from Cape Town, with Vineyard Brands. They’re a company that imports numerous wines from South Africa and other countries. So it’s wonderful to circle back to that visit by chatting with Jean-Baptiste Cristini, who’s [More]
Six-Pack of 2012 California Chardonnay: Butterfly Kisses, Creamsicles
Did you once love California Chardonnay, but were dismayed by too much toasty oak and buttery bombast? Yeah, me too. I turned my back on the white wines that weaned me during the salad days of my drinking. But now I’ve returned. And I’m finding that I like oak on my Chardonnay. I just don’t [More]
Getting to Know California Chardonnay With Its First Family: Wente Vineyards
The Wine Without Worry podcast is back! And I’m excited to announce the show’s sponsor, Wente Vineyards. As a way to welcome them to the program, I welcome Carolyn Wente as a guest. She’s not only the CEO but also a fourth generation winegrower. And since The Wentes are known as California’s First Family of [More]
Digital Magazine: The Wine Without Worry Guide To Thirsty Reading
I know you want a recipe for Garam Masala Caramel Corn. And to find out what sparkling wine is the perfect match. Done and done. Discover this dynamic duo of food and wine that kicks off the second edition of my digital magazine: “The Wine Without Worry Guide to Thirsty Reading“. It contains my thoughts [More]
Refreshing Rosé Recommendations: Bottles, Boxes, and Bubbles
You KNOW I drink rosé year-round, even in the snow. But as we stroll toward the second half of the year, and with new wines arriving as we speak, I thought I’d round up a few favorites. Maybe you’re wondering why I have a photo of a rainbow, no, a DOUBLE rainbow, at the top [More]
