A Prayer of thanks for Synthesi 'Aglianico del Vulture', Not just any Italian...

One thing to be said about Italian wines is that they are rarely boring.There are so many areas, styles and varietals to choose from that they keep surprising you.It just happened to me a few days ago when I took a chance on a bottle of Synthesi 'Aglianico del Vulture'...

Blame it on the monks, Olaia, Spanish Red, 50% Prieto Picudo

Looking for inspiration, I paid a visit to a different wine store a couple of days ago.Not only did I find a Spanish wine that I never tasted before but even better, this red blend was 50% Prieto Picudo and it was my first encounter with this grape.Brought to us by producer...

Straight from Labastida, Montebuena Rioja 2004, a Steal

Now that the weather heats up, I will have to come up with some lighter reds and maybe some whites and rosé wines.In the meantime I do have to recommend this Montebuena, Rioja (2004) straight from Labastida.It is a medium red. Various reviews find traces of everything from...

Grilos is No Jiminy Cricket, a Red Wine from Dao Sul

I noticed the Quinta dos Grilos and since I mentioned before my knowledge of Portuguese wines is thin, I did not think too long before deciding to give it a try.Opinions on this wine seem to be all over the map from Blue State Carpetbaggers who feels that the 2004 vintage was...

Italy and Figs in your Glass? Borgogno Barbera d'Alba

I did not find Italy or dried figs in my glass when I drank the Barbera d'Alba (2006) from Borgogno, I know 'tasted' sounds more polished but I did not swirl and sip that much.I just enjoyed it with my dinner.While writing About the merits of Brevity, I could not help but...

Walk on the Light Side! Beaujolais is Back...Tim Atkin's Beau Selector

As Tim Atkin reminds us Beaujolais Nouveau is not happening any more (the fad still has staying power in Japan an China, he notes). If the nouveau thing is now old, Beaujolais as a region is making a comeback on the scene because it offers more subtle wines, not wimpy but...

Malma Malbec (2005) from Patagonia (not the store)

Part of Bodega NQN Classic line, this Malma Malbec (2005) comes from Patagonia (not the outdoor store, in Argentina) or more precisely San Patricio Del Chanar in Neuquen province.  The vineyard was planted in 2001. Grapes are harvested by hand. The surroundings are...

From Alsace to Minervois...Marc Tempe's wine travels lead us to Domaine de Co...

A meeting between German film producer (and wine aficionado) Reinhard Brundig and Marc Tempe, an innovative winemaker from Alsace marked the beginning of a friendship.  It led them in turn to look for the perfect place to produce great red wines. After scouting...

'60 Great Value Reds' for the Holidays: the Jancis Robinson Selection

It might be one of these days when there are only 24 hours and you have 50 things to do. You walk into a wine store either to grab a few bottles of good juice for the holidays. Feeling a tad harried you walk into the wine store and are faced by a multitude of wines...

Sangiovese by another Name, Morellino di Scansano

Grapes can be found in various disguises. Before purchasing a bottle of Marteto 'Morellino di Scansano' (2005), I did not know that Morellino was another name for Sangiovese (the main grape in Chianti).

2006 Red from Spain, 'Vina do Burato' on the Sacred Banks of Galicia

Why would you need a wine store for if you never got suggestions from those running it? Sharon of Amanti Vino put a bottle of this Viña do Burato (2006) in my hands a week ago and praised it.It comes from the Ribeira Sacra area of Galicia. Vineyards can be found on...

Catalonia Here I Come...Cuvee Constance...A Must Taste Red Wine

Even though I stocked up on a few bottles of Padre Pedro, a delicious Portuguese bargain, I had to mix things up a little bit before I got tired of it. I did find over the week-end another nice red. From Calvet-Thunevin, this Cuvee Constance (2004) is a Vin de Pays des Cotes...

Dao not Douro, Duque De Viseu Tinto (Red) 2002, No Fado for WBW#38

Douro or Dao that was the question staring at me in the hours leading to making the final cut for this October edition of Wine Blogging Wednesday, #38 that is.  Thanks to Gabriella and Ryan of Catavino for offering the theme of Portuguese Table Wines. As I said before I...

Here comes the Medicine Man: Mr.Black's Concoction

No herbal treatment, just some good juice from the Small Gully winery in Barossa Valley, Australia...