Notes about the wines we have tried recently.
This summer has been warmer than the past few. We have been hit with heat waves lasting several days that have brought temperatures over 100º F. In between we’ve enjoyed cooler temperatures in the 80s and 90s with mornings and evenings that cool off nicely. This is when we reach for red wine, otherwise it’s mostly rosé and white wine. […]
When I think of Chilean wine, I have to I admit, I don’t think of sparkling wine. I think of red wine — Cabernet Sauvignon or Carménère. Today I have the opportunity to challenge that association by sharing my tasting notes of a sparkling rosé and white wine from longtime Chilean producer Viña Valdivieso. This may be my first taste […]
Maison Ferraton Père & Fils was founded in 1946 with the purchase of a small vineyard in Hermitage. Today Ferraton Père & Fils is a relatively large producer making a range of wines. Estate vineyards in Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph are farmed biodynamically. Wine production from these esteemed vineyard locations represents only a small part of total production. We won’t […]
Terrunyo is a range of wines made by the well-established Chilean producer Concha y Toro. Terroir is the focus of this range. Specific vineyard blocks in prime locations for each grape variety have been identified and are the source of grapes for these wines. The range includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Syrah in addition to Sauvignon Blanc. This Sauvignon Blanc, […]
When you think of wine from Rioja you probably think primarily of Tempranillo. Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo (Carignan) are the usual blending partners for Tempranillo in the region and these wines are great partners for roasted or braised meat. I love them with lamb. Red wine production predominates in this region of northern Spain that straddles the Ebro River, but […]
Dave Phinney is a worldly winemaker. His Locations range, known for their distinctive labeling that identifies the country of origin, includes wine from Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Corsica. Whew. That’s a lot to keep track of, and a lot of airline miles accumulated in a year. We have tasted most of these wines and […]
The following three wines from Paul Dolan Vineyards are made by Mendocino Wine Co. located in Ukiah, California. We received all three wines as tasting samples. These wines are of particular interest to me because they are made from organically grown grapes. Whenever I buy food, and I consider wine to be food, I look for organic options. So, naturally, […]
As the weather warms and summer approaches I admit I’m thinking more about drinking chilled white wines than red wines. But, there are those occasions when I do look for a delicious red wine. I’m thinking about backyard parties held in the cool of the evening that include grilled tri-tip, lamb chops, skirt steak or sausages. Add a tomato-based barbecue […]
This wine was received as a tasting sample. Vermentino is a white grape variety that is grown in northwestern Italy, France, Sardinia and Corsica. It is known by several names: Rolle in southern France where it may be a component in rosé, Pigato in Liguria, Favorita in Piedmont and Vermentinu in Corsica. The variety is native to Italy and produces […]
This wine was received as a tasting sample.2014 ARIDUS Malbec — dark ruby in the glass with generous vanilla, caramel and ripe blackberry aromas. Rich flavors of ripe blueberries, plums and blackberries combine with hints of dusty earth, smooth tannins and a lingering finish. This wine is bright, fruit-forward and warming. 15.2% abv. $35 Red meat is the perfect pairing […]
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.