Beaujolais Nouveau Day
November 17, 2011 by Derek Swanson
“Le Nouveau est arrivée!” One may see these words in the windows of wine retailers today, marking the release of the 2011 Beaujolais Nouveau. It is wine made of Gamay grapes and fermented for only a few weeks after harvest before reaching the market. Historically, the wine was for local (French) consumption only until [...]
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 [...]
Prepping for Valentine’s Day
February 10, 2011 by Dick Rosano
In case you didn’t notice, Valentine’s Day is around the corner. The little guy has his bow and arrow pointed directly at your reputation: Get something good or you may be looking for a new valentine next year. The countdown has begun and, unless you’re more prepared than the average ‘significant other,’ you’re still wondering [...]
Champagne and Sparkling Wine for the Holidays
December 19, 2010 by Dick Rosano
Very little needs to be said about pairing Champagne – and other non-French sparkling wines – with the holidays. It’s almost as if the menu doesn’t matter; bubbly is its own perfect set up. In the world of wine-food pairing, there are some perfect matches: Sauternes and foie gras, Champagne and caviar, Pinot Noir and [...]
Chablis with Bouillabaisse
December 14, 2010 by Dick Rosano
Cold weather – especially the wet kind that we’re getting these days – is easier to take if you have the right food to keep you warm. Peasant stock is good, including chili, beef stew, and a variety of casseroles, or you can slide up the scale of elegance with cassoulet (featured in this column [...]
