100% Graciano From Rioja Is Unique

Is it CVNE or CUNE? About 5 years ago Wine Spectator Magazine brought this famous Rioja Producer to the forefront by awarding their 2004 CVNE Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 95 Points and making it their Number One Wine of The Year on The Top 100 List of 2013. No one then, or not many now, […]

“How Sweeet It is “!!

I know the wine snobs will ask: “Why is a sommelier talking about Sweet Wines” ? The answer is that this wine blog is not for snobs and for everyday people and many of those everyday consumers like sweet wines but are faced with the dilemma of low alcohol and a dislike for bubbles. I […]

Same Exact DNA, Totally Different Styles!

The Heel Of The Boot I have done quite a few stories about the difference between California Zinfandel and Primitivo Di Manduria. As you can see by the map above, Puglia and the town of Manduria are located on the Heel of The Boot of Italy, directly on the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. It’s been […]

Under $20 Wines Are The “Sweet Spot”

This entire blog is dedicated to less snobbery and bragging rights when it comes to Wines. I think for the everyday average consumer or even a Somm like me, there is a plethora of Wines in that “Sweet Spot” of $10-$20 that wouldn’t be “Good For The Price” but rather “Great For The Price” I […]

3 Soil Types. 3 Grape Types 1 Great Wine!

I Love This Region Of Spain Most people when it comes to Spanish Wine think of 1- Rioja and 2-Ribera Del Duero both which are Tempranillo based. I have spoken about my favorite 2 areas who are very close neighbors in the Northeast corner of Spain 1- Priorat and 2- Montsant. These areas are shaded […]

Chardonnay: Have It Your Way!!

It’s still will be one of the most popular white wines that the average consumer drinks. It’s either Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. House Chardonnay, House Pinot Grigio. In America, when it comes to wine laws, it is only required to put 75% quantity of the grape that is on the label in the wine. So […]

Champagne Taste On A Cremant Budget!

I Love Veuve It’s Popular. It’s on every restaurant wine list. I CAN’T AFFORD IT…. but I can afford this VEUVE… Veuve Ambal one of the prestigious producers in Burgundy, France of Sparkling Wine made in the Method Traditionelle is not a Champagne but a Cremant De Bourgogne. What The Heck Is A Cremant Crémant […]

Lighten Up Your Wines For Spring Fever!

I don’t really think there is a seasonal wine as many think there are. Big Reds for Cold Winters, Lighter Whites for Summer. I do find that my own personal palate starting with Spring Fever, subconsciously selects lighter foods and lighter wines than I do in the Fall and Winter. I think this video will […]

Like All Black Pearls…A Rare Gem!

Stop Hating On South Africa South African Wines have limited presence in most wine retail stores or on Restaurant Wine Lists. Someone must have had that one bad Pinotage that smelled like the inside of a Band Aid and spread the word on Social Media that ALL Wines from South Africa Suck? I don’t know […]

Rich Or Poor, Buy Wines With “QPR”

I have had at one time of my life, a healthy bank account and considered myself wealthy. I am just a middle class guy now in 2018. Either way, I think a Wine in my opinion, should not be recommended by a Sommelier or Purchased by A Consumer even if you have disposable income, unless […]