We joined a small local wine shop. The main reason for this was variety. I think it’s important that you continue to try wines and styles from winemakers. Winemakers are like chefs, they have their own recipes. They can use the same varietal and produce a totally different wine. This is one of the things…
Malbec (pronounced: [mal.bɛk]) is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins and are known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. The French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in South West…
We held Chris’ company Christmas party early December so we could have many employees attend. The party was held at The Pour Wine Bistro in Otsego. We arrived early so we could choose some of the wines for dinner. We wanted two reds and two whites. The first white was a Chardonnay. It was crisp…
So is there a definition of a red wine? Not really. The winemaker can call the red wine anything. It can be a special name like Magnificat, Joseph Phelps Insignia, Verite La Joie, etc. The TTB does have requirements for when the winemaker calls the wine Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Here is a brief outline.…
Another wine harvest has come and gone. The 2015 harvest in California was less than some anticipated. Some vineyards were down 30%. We had the same issue at the winery I am helping at. We had contracted Cabernet Franc from the Sierra Foothills. The grower had contracted 15 tons to our broker. Unfortunately after harvest,…
When I started drinking wine, I was not a fan of white varietals. As time moves forward and I keep trying, I am really liking white wines. There are times I even prefer a good dry white wine over a red. If you have never tried older white wine seek out and find them. The…
I have officially graduated from UC Davis. Friends ask what does that mean? Well, I want to be a winemaker when I grow up. I have planted the seed with friends and have been offered to help with Overgaaux Wine Estate February 2016. We will spend a month and help David with harvest I will…
Summer time is Rose time. Chris and I really enjoy drinking Rose. We especially like drinking Rose at the lake. I love putting the boat in drive, slowly following the lake shore and looking at everyone’s homes. Drinking a Rose in the heat is like drinking Kool-aid for me. The cool wine quenches my thirst.…
Many times I like to compare the same varietal from multiple winemakers at the same time. Using the same varietal, winemakers never make the same wine. There are many variables such as vineyard, appellation, soil, and of course winemaker style. If a winemaker is given quality fruit he or she can make a great wine.…
I like to find winemakers who produce small volumes of wine. I feel there is a lot of pride when you visit them and they share a bottle of wine with you. You can imagine how proud they are when they share something they made. I heard of MTGA wines during our trip to Portugal…
Over the years I have had friends ask me, “Whats a good time to open an expensive bottle of wine? Only at a special occasion?” My reply to them “Any day is a special day. If you wake up, it is a special day”. Now granted most people do not open a $100+ bottle of…
The company I work for has recently conducted a reorganization company wide. During this change, a couple of people who worked directly with my customer decided to leave. Honestly, I was extremely happy when I heard the announcement of the departure of one particular individual! The guy simply had an agenda and goals that did…
