Dogliani.. It’s All About Dolcetto !

In my Restaurant Somm Days just like this sign says I thought Dolcetto D’Alba from the Northwest Italian Region of Piedmont, was an “EVERYDAY WINE”. I found them very boring and one dimensional to be perfectly honest and very rarely drink one. Then I Learned About “DOGLIANI” Everyone, even a Master Sommelier, learns something new […]

Corbieres-The Best Value In Languedoc-Roussillon

Above is the map of the Southern Region Of France known as The Languedoc. 46% Of the Wines coming out of this area come from the Large Area in Pink…Corbieres. The Grapes…Mostly Rhone Varietals You can still be a “RHONE RANGER” and find your Grenache, Syrah, Carignan And Mourvedre type wines that are very complex […]

“Direct To You” Pinot From PDX To MCO!

I must confess since rejoining ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in February of 2017 I had Seen This Wine In My Pinot Noir Section but I had no idea until recently that it was designed as a Direct to You Wine from Stewart Boedecker and his Winemaking better half Athena Pappas of Boedecker Cellars and […]

To Decant or Not To Decant?? That is The Confusion!

I get asked this question at least 10-20 times per day. I am a reformed Decanter Sommelier. I gave it all up 5 years ago. I think you should too. I hope this puts the question to rest for people just getting into wine or even seasoned professionals. Grape-fully yours, Larry

Right Bank, Left Bank, CitiBank??

I was JUST getting my guests and blog readers comfortable with purchasing and drinking wines from Bordeaux, France until the French had to go putting the names and percentages of the grapes used in many of their wines..Grrrrr!! I understand the reasoning to help Americans understand Bordeaux and sell more wine but they made it […]

Barbera D’Asti..Have It Your Way!!

It’s From ASTI But Not Moscato ASTI is the town not the grape. Yes that village is famous for Moscato but that isn’t the only grape they grow. BARBERA D’ASTI , not to be confused with HANNAH BARBERA (They made The Flintstones Cartoon) is also widely planted in the other village located in the Northwestern Region of […]

Buy Wine By Style And Budget Never By Grape!

I like a Merlot. She Likes a Cabernet Sauvignon annnd we also like Red Blends. Guess What?? They are all Red Blends!! In most of America only 75% of the grape that is listed on the outside of the bottle has to be inside the bottle. Then even if it were 100% of the grape […]