The Wines of Planeta
February 15, 2012 by Derek Swanson
Sicily. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Volcanoes? Mobsters? Square pizza? How about wine? Though often overshadowed by the big boys of Italy such as the Brunellos, Barolos and Super-Tuscans, the pedigree of wine from this Mediterranean island can be just as compelling. At a recent lunch with winemaker Alessio Planeta, I [...]
Love Those Baby Blues
November 14, 2011 by Derek Swanson
I first met winemaker Kenny Kahn in 2008 at Bassin’s annual charity California Barrel Tasting event in Washington DC. In a room full of Cabernets toting triple-digit price tags, Kenny’s $20 Baby Blue blend from Sonoma was the highlight of my evening, and I have been a fan of Blue Rock Winery ever since. Kenny’s [...]
Recent Purchases: Vintage Bubbly
November 11, 2011 by Derek Swanson
If the first step towards curing addiction is admitting one has a problem, then maybe I should admit I am hooked on online wine auctions. They are a fantastic opportunity for bargains, especially on bottles that make less frequent appearances on retail shelves. I recently picked up a magnum of vintage Champagne from one [...]
Fat-Free Wine
September 19, 2011 by Derek Swanson
The first thing I noticed during an opportunity to sample an assortment of wines imported by Zonin USA was a Nutrition Facts window on the back of a bottle of Moscato D’Asti from Castello del Poggio. I have heard rumors that such labels might soon emerge as a requirement for wines on the market [...]
Luca and Beef Stew
June 3, 2011 by Dick Rosano
If you’ve ever been to Argentina, you’re probably still telling stories about the food there. An abundance of savory dishes, from empanadas and asado to the sweet, coconut-infused cookies called alfajores, keep us in our seats for hours, as we linger over the fine cuisine that is Argentina’s. The wines from this country have made [...]
