Every tasting sample we receive is an opportunity to learn about grape varieties, wine regions and winemaking techniques. In the case of FitVine Free we had the opportunity to taste and learn about “functional, non-alcoholic wine…infused with electrolytes, fresh fruit, and adaptogens…” I was just curious enough about the functional, non-alcoholic wine and adaptogens aspects to give them a taste, […]
If the summer heat has yet to arrive where you live in the Northern Hemisphere, it will likely make an appearance soon. Our local forecast is predicting triple-digit temperatures by the end of the week. I’m not looking forward to it, but I do know how to keep my cool in the heat — with a glass of Rías Baixas […]
The two wines we are tasting today are the first made by Robert Hall Winery to earn the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC®) designation. Both wines are available exclusively at Whole Foods. We received these wines as tasting samples. Robert Hall Winery’s journey to Regenerative Organic Certification began in 2021 with a 48-acre block of vines surrounding the winery in […]
There is much to like about Prosecco — it’s easy drinking, low in alcohol, affordable and it sparkles. Its affordability makes it practical for everyday occasions and you needn’t feel guilty using it to make a mimosa or other cocktail — that’s how it’s meant to be enjoyed. Today we’re tasting two examples made by Villa Sandi, provided as tasting […]
On May 15, Stu and Charlie Smith, along with François Bugué, the Smiths’ associate winemaker, celebrated Smith-Madrone Vineyard & Winery’s 55th birthday. The celebration marked Stu’s signing of the paperwork in 1971 to acquire the Spring Mountain property that is home to Smith-Madrone’s vineyards and winery. Stu and Charlie started planting the vineyard the next year and their first vintage was […]
We may not have quite reached the summer equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, but summer weather is definitely here. We’ve just returned from the Midwest where the temperatures were in the 70s and 80s with similar humidity. The landscape was beautiful and green, but that humidity was not very pleasant. We’re now back to the dry heat we are used […]
Today we’re sipping wines made in three French wine regions. All are white wines with relatively low alcohol but very different flavor profiles. And, as you might expect from French wines, all are made to enjoy with food. Our tasting begins in Champagne before moving to the South West France and ends in the Loire Valley. Champagne everyone will recognize, […]
Rosé is welcome in my glass regardless of the season, but, in springtime a gorgeous rosé reflects the color and vibrance of the season especially well. And just as I have an equal appreciation for both vibrant and delicate colors in our garden, I appreciate rosés of every shade. Today we are sipping a Languedoc rosé that is as perfumed […]
We’re returning to Spain’s Rioja wine region again for another sip of Tempranillo. This time the wine is 100% Tempranillo, once again made by Campo Viejo. In anticipation of warming weather this tasting comes with two cocktail recipes using Tempranillo that are commonly enjoyed in Spain. Both are easier to make than sangria, not as boozy and perfect for a […]
In 2021 Robert Hall Winery started an exciting vineyard trial intended to prove whether regenerative organic farming practices would succeed in the winery’s estate vineyard. Regenerative organic practices require organic farming as a baseline — requiring certified organic inputs and prohibiting the use of synthetic herbicides and pesticides. Additionally, it uses ground cover along with no-till in the vineyard and […]
We enjoy wine, food and travel. Pull That Cork is a chronicle of our wine adventures, the food and wine pairings we create and our travels which are increasingly organized around wine.
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