Sommelier Mario Ortiz: En Route Pinot Noir
July 2, 2010 by Derek Swanson
This week’s pick comes from Mario Ortiz, sommelier and wine director at The Firehouse in Sacramento, California. Since their menu was available online, I chose an entrée and asked Mario to pair a wine with it. My choice was the Lamb Loin Chop with herbs, serrano ham, pecorino polenta, in a minted lamb jus. Mario [...]
Bubbly Around the World
May 27, 2010 by Derek Swanson
Claude Thibaut is known as a Champagne Master, or more precisely, a master of the Methode Champenoise. He has made sparking wine on three continents and is currently producing a beautiful bubbly in Virginia from Chardonnay grapes. Recently, Claude collaborated with Zola Chef Bryan Moscatello to design a 6-course menu which highlighted all of the wines [...]
2006 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA
April 8, 2009 by Derek Swanson
Searching for a holiday wine? Seek out this week’s recommendation from esteemed wine writer and educator Summer Whitford: “If you are a Pinot Noir lover or know someone who is, Merry Edwards’ 2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir will make your wine sipping Merry-er! It exhibits abundant plum, dark berry, and dark sour cherry notes [...]
